Faculty of Design

Environmental Design - Interior Design Specialization

Claire Livingstone

01 For Jurying Consideration- Absence in Presence: The Adaptive Reuse of Grain Terminals as a Catalyst for Economic and Cultural Renewal

Thesis StatementThe typology of the grain elevator, once an eminent feature of architecture, now stands as a symbol of abandonment. Despite their gradual dissolution, these structures bear great historical significance, having played a pivotal role in the agricultural industry, much like cathedrals or churches did in their respective domains. These towering edifices once housed bustling communities, providing them with livelihoods and purpose. They served as tangible manifestations of farm production and embodied the essence of waterfront symbolism.Today, however, these structures stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time, serving no discernible purpose. The Collingwood Grain Terminals, for instance, have been rendered obsolete, with their proposed conversion to a boutique hotel seeming rather meaningless. Thus, the pressing need to reinvigorate this space and imbue it with a renewed sense of purpose has become apparent.The proposed adaptive-reuse project seeks to revitalize the Grain Terminals and reposition them as the cornerstone of economic development in Collingwood. The project aims to introduce a host of practical businesses and job opportunities for residents, while simultaneously mitigating unemployment rates. By resurrecting a sense of purpose for these terminals, the project promises to restore their significance and imbue them with renewed vitality, all while celebrating the rich agricultural heritage that has defined this community for centuries.Design IntentThe silo typology provides a unique public space with employment opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels, including sustainability advising, data analysts, marketing specialist, curatorial practices, hospitality and more. It aims to create jobs in areas such as biological waste and water management, maintenance, and marine ecology. The adaptive reuse project converts the Grain Terminals into a sustainable mixed-use public space that celebrates Collingwood's cultural heritage and promotes economic vitality. The goal is to create a space that fosters creativity, innovation, and social equity while embracing a sustainable future and supporting the local economy."We could never have loved the earth so well if we had no childhood in it, if it were not the earth where the same flowers come up again every spring that we used to gather with our tiny fingers as we sat lisping to ourselves on the grass, the same hips and haws on the autumn hedgerows, the same redbreasts that we used to call ‘God’s birds’ because they did no harm to the precious crops. What novelty is worth that sweet monotony where everything is known and loved because it is known"-G Eliot

“The concept rationale is to create a new food system that prioritizes sustainable agriculture, with a focus on circular economy principles that foster synergy for future generations of Collingwood and its surrounding areas. By defining a conceptual framework that integrates sustainability, circularity, and health as guiding principles, It aims to leverage the synergies between these elements to drive transformative advancements in agriculture. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system for the future.”