Learning to Dive: The Digital Restitution of Lot 3317

This project heuristically explores the history of the St. Lawrence Seaway and of the villages displaced by the construction of various locks, channels and canals prior to its opening in 1958.This thesis begins with a review of the techniques involved in the digital restitution of sub-merged artefacts, followed by the replication of a chosen site. As a proof of concept, the data will then be used as a model to explore methods in creating and validating heritage values, while valourizing assets as a cultural resources for use in the future.More importantly, the content produced will demonstrate that there are benefits in maintaining a link between the lost villages and the historical lore of existing communities. As a design paradigm, this project will invite individuals to reflect on the physical, representational and political attributes that the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project helped define.