Cogswell Redevelopment Halifax, Nova Scotia

Cogswell Redevelopment

Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Cogswell District Interchange Redevelopment is a transformational reconstruction of an elevated interchange to a mixed use urban neighbourhood with complete streets, parks, transit, active transportation, green roofs and district energy, within the Halifax downtown and waterfront. The final master plan and detail design for the new district removes the interchange to revitalize and re-imagine the district, reconnecting downtown lands to historic neighbourhoods and current employment centres. It provides a range of public spaces from parks and active streetscapes to green roofs and POPS (privately owned public spaces). It creates livable streets with wide sidewalks, transit and integrated active transportation including a separated, two-way cycle track along Cogswell Street and the waterfront. A transit plaza with custom architectural shelters, outdoor cafes and public art creates a destination space while enhancing mobility.

A new central urban park brings much needed public space to downtown Halifax, while extending and revitalizing the existing Granville Mall pedestrian street. A street-level plaza with a grand staircase and terraced seating reconnects Barrington street to the waterfront. Gathering spaces, interactive fountains and a series of outdoor rooms with diverse activities create a four-season destination for residents and visitors.

A comprehensive commemoration strategy brings meaning to the new community spaces by bringing to life the story of the site and its residents from prehistory to modern times. With a special focus on underrepresented communities, a series of design features, informational signage and public art create "moments" of significance along the streets, trails and within parks. The approach includes paving patterns developed in consultation with the African Nova Scotian community, along with murals and a series of signage panels describing their significant role in the development of Halifax. Other features focus on M'ikmaq history and their important presence on the Peninsula. A plaza remembers the shape of the historic wharf, and the central urban park is designed on the original street grid prior to the demolition of the historic city for construction of the interchange. A Monument to the Protesters celebrates the role of the community in saving historic architecture from further redevelopment during the 1960's.

Cindi led the urban design and landscape architecture from concept through construction, including public consultation and design charettes with stakeholders and members of the public.

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Client: Halifax Regional Municipality

Date: 2016-2019

Role: Design lead for public realm including four parks, plazas, active transportation, transit mall, streetscapes, public art and commemoration strategy