The AGNX

Student name: Rita Wang

School: Dalhousie University

Degree Program: Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies (BEDS)

Location of Project: Hollis Street, Halifax, NS

Year of Project: 2019

Brief Description of Project:

The contemporary art gallery in Halifax is a mixed-use building that offers multiple spaces for art storage and display, public gathering, and service center. Located in the corner of North Park Street and Cornwallis Street, the gallery is connecting the community living area on its east and the commons in the west. The design aims to provide a continuous series of experiences for visitors and community members as they visit the gallery. Using ramps and slanted floors, the “flowing building” is trying to eliminate the different stories and create a sense of feeling of “moving without knowing where I am”, but following the art appreciation order to continue the journey. The giant bold lightwell that runs through each floor tightens the building together, as well as creating special moments for people to experience. The building envelope is designed as a double skin curtain wall. During summertime, the exterior panel would be opened at a certain angle and encourage passive airflow; while in wintertime, the exterior panel would be closed and the cold air would be heated in the in-between layer before entering the building to facilitate an energy-saving mode.