A public-private interface is a dynamic threshold between the private residence and the public city. It can be critically examined in terms of social scales, defensibility and ownership of space. As cities densify, they face the challenge of providing dwelling space while intensifying community integration. Current approaches to housing often rarify cultural and social richness in the resultant communities. A new framework is needed for residential development, including an awareness of social dynamics, and building respectfully on positive patterns in existing contexts. This thesis proposes a densifying mixed-used residential scheme on the vacant site of Halifax’s St. Patrick’s-Alexandra School, governed by a framework of social scales and responding to typological and physical conditions in the community. It seeks to integrate public services into existing structures, and to articulate the threshold between public and private programs, making a case for a socially vibrant model of urban housing.

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This project presents a resilient mixed-use residential design in Anacostia Park, fronting the Anacostia River: With climate change projections indicating a potential sea level rise of up to 5.25 feet by 2100, addressing flood hazards is critical. The design employs three primary adaptation methods: alleviation, embracing water, and elevation techniques. Alleviation involves integrating functional spaces, such as recreational areas and green spaces, that absorb and manage water runoff. Embracing water focuses on fostering community engagement and emotional resilience by designing spaces where residents can experience different scenarios pre-flood and post-flood. Elevation techniques include the use of permeable surfaces, green gardens to control runoff, and raised structures to prevent water from entering the building. The building features a two-story commercial base and nine stories of residential units, totaling 225 units. The first story includes retail stores, while the second story houses a food club, a food court, and a health club. The residential units above offer diverse living spaces to accommodate various needs. This design aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and contribute to the sustainability of the Anacostia Park community. It serves as a model for future developments in flood-prone areas, demonstrating innovative solutions to environmental challenges. / Master of Architecture / This project introduces a resilient mixed-use residential building located in Anacostia Park, right by the Anacostia River. With climate change causing sea levels to rise, potentially up to 5.25 feet by the year 2100, it's crucial to address flood risks. Our design uses three main strategies: alleviation, embracing water, and elevation techniques. Alleviation means creating spaces like parks and gardens that can absorb and manage water. Embracing water foct where people can interact with water and prepare different flood scenarios. Elevation techniques involve using mat help control water runoff and prevent flooding inside the building. The building has two floors of commercial spaces, including shops, a food club, a food court, and a health club. Above these, there are nine floors of residential units, totaling 225 apartments. These homes are designed to meet variety of needs and preferences. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for residents and support the sustainability of the Anacostia Park community. This project serves as a model for future buildings in flood-prone areas, showcasing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.