Pathfinding: A Study of Place Along the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail

This thesis investigates how the Franco-Ontarian concept of "Retrouvailles" can be used to inform the architecture of a sixth pavilion on the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail. Recreational trails are often created from the travel paths of the defunct industries of an area. The adaptive-reuse of sites of the rail industry makes it possible for paths like this one to exist. Such trails create great community amenities, however, considering their vast coverage of mostly rural lands, a lack of community engagement can be problematic. The Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail will serve as a vehicle for the geological, geographical, and historical studies of the region. The project will use the place-making strategy of Retrouvailles to explore and question the architectural implications of site, place, memory, history, materiality, craft and appropriateness.