DTAH at Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada Conference

The Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada (SSAC) is hosting their 45th annual conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 28-31 2019, themed Heritage, Diversity, and Belonging. DTAH Creative Strategist Stephanie Mah will be co-chairing the session On Revitalization: Altering Canada's Urban Fabric Through Architectural Interventions in which DTAH Partner Joe Lobko will be presenting The Revitalization of a 130 Year Old Community Institution Into an Arts and Cultural Hub. This presentation will share insights into the adaptive re-use of Holy Angels Convent into New Dawn's The Convent.

Holy Angels Convent was opened in 1885 by the Sisters of Notre Dame Congregation, and until it’s closure in 2011 it played a significant role in education, arts, and culture in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Over the last 130 years, the landmark structure has gone through various architectural transformations from over-cladding to re-characterization that were influenced by community needs and ultimately impacted the surrounding area. In 2013, Holy Angels was purchased by New Dawn, the oldest economic development organization in Canada, with the desire to preserve the historic building and revitalize it into a centre that could host the Island’s growing innovation community while continuing to support the deep-rooted tradition of arts and culture. The new community hub, designed by DTAH with Trifos as Architects of Record, is currently under construction and once completed in Fall 2019 the former Holy Angels Convent will be transformed into a vibrant home for a number of local organizations and artists.

Learn more about the SSAC Conference