INTERPRETING LANDSCAPE: ABSTRACTING KANANASKIS COUNTRY

Abstract

This thesis examines Kananaskis Country in Southern Alberta, which has traditionally been a vernacular landscape and represents an ever-changing cultural perspective on landscape. By analyzing the historical use and current infrastructure of Kananaskis Country I will place a carefully considered intervention that speaks to the new relationship we have with the region and how our attitudes towards the environment can be expressed through architecture. This architectural intervention will incorporate a holistic approach of reading the landscape, while accentuating and aiming to be a part of the landscape. The goal is for people to experience a deeper understanding and connection to the ecology of the place by implementing creative cross-programmatic and adaptable design solutions. Constructing a building that will intertwine and heal our relationship between our built environment and the landscape is a political venture that has long term goals of stewardship, reinforcing collective identity and holistic awareness of the place.