Reframing the architectural narrative of filmmaking

Abstract

Film is a visual form of storytelling that relies on spatial settings to convey narratives. At the same time, film production also depends on carefully designed architecture environments. This thesis explores the opportunity to enhance the struggling fisheries-based economy of St. John’s, Newfoundland by augmenting the city’s unrealised potential to possess a film studio in Atlantic Canada. Through the design of a mixed-use film studio facility the design includes accommodations for film crew and staff, public indoor and outdoor film viewing spaces, a material reuse centre, and spaces for a mentorship program. Located within the historic downtown core that relies substantially on the adaptive reuse of vacant spaces. This design proposal seeks to celebrate the history and built environment of St. John’s while boosting the local economy and supporting the community.