Excess of the Minimum: Revisiting Existenzminimum Through Crossprogramming in Halifax

Abstract

In response to a growing trend of single-occupancy living in Western societies amidst social situations that can be isolating (i.e. aging of the population, prolongation of early adult years, immigration), this thesis investigates an alternative minimal housing complex typology. Crossprogramming is used to counteract isolation by initiating social interaction between two potentially alienated groups and their neighbours. The typology developed is tested on Quinpool road in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is intended for students from away (i.e. international and out of province) and retirees from Nova Scotia. The thesis proposes a multigenerational housing complex supplemented by multiple programmed spaces, some intended for shared use between the residents and others for the neighborhood at large.