Building a Community: A Vernacular Strategy for Mixed Income Residential Housing in St. John's Newfoundland

Through architectural design, this research project explores a vernacular strategy for mixed income, medium-density residential housing as a new place of community and dwelling. This thesis will investigate the urban condition of the existing residential typologies, as well as the potential for the addition of people to a downtown core which has experienced a steady population decline over the past 50 years. Focusing on downtown St. John’s, Newfoundland, this thesis considers options to design innovative living spaces that foster a more affordable and sustainable community. Finally, this thesis assesses options to adapt to existing communities responding to the range of income of the residents, while also allowing for an increase in density and a better accommodation of an increasingly diverse population.