Aqrab Rana

Advisor: Carlos Rueda

1.Graphic representation of the Concept of “Baukultur” (Culture of building)
Graphic representation of the Concept of “Baukultur” (Culture of building)
Environmental responsive design to facilitate and maximize natural light and views into live and workspaces.
Environmental responsive design to facilitate and maximize natural light and views into live and workspaces.
Design to facilitate social and cultural interactive spaces within the project by providing horizontal and vertical connections between different floors.
Design to facilitate social and cultural interactive spaces within the project by providing horizontal and vertical connections between different floors.
Graphic representation of preserved building façade and its connection with the street.
Graphic representation of preserved building façade and its connection with the street.
Renders show the connections between the interior space and the built environment around the project site.
Renders show the connections between the interior space and the built environment around the project site.
Renders showing the project’s integrated design approach towards its urbanist context.
Renders showing the project’s integrated design approach towards its urbanist context.

Revitalizing the Mall Plaza – Winnipeg

This architecture design thesis explores the adaptive reuse and preservation of a century-old historic building i.e., The Mall Plaza, located in the Character district of downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The project aims to revitalize the Mall Plaza’s existing building with the intervention of a new structure in the adjacent open space while respecting its historical significance and integrating it into the dynamic urban fabric of downtown Winnipeg. By integrating preservation with contemporary design interventions, the thesis seeks to create a sustainable and functional architectural solution that enhances the building's cultural value, contributes to the social and urban context, and fosters community engagement.

Winnipeg's Character district is renowned for its rich architectural heritage, which reflects the city's historical and cultural significance. However, many historic buildings in the area face neglect and deterioration, posing a threat to their existence. This architecture design thesis presents an opportunity to address these challenges by preserving and repurposing a 100-year-old building while embracing the principles of adaptive reuse and sustainable design. In totality, the project and its design process have a holistic approach toward the social/cultural & environmental sustainability and architectural dialogue between the old building and the new intervention. 

The research involves a comprehensive investigation of the building's historical context, architectural features, and cultural significance. A thorough analysis of the site, its surroundings, and the existing urban fabric provided insights into appropriate design responses. Additionally, the thesis design proposal incorporated sustainable design strategies, considering energy-efficient systems, material choices, and lifecycle assessments.

The project program comprises the following spaces in the existing historic structure of the Mall Plaza Building; Gallery & bar space for display/exhibition, co-working space, live/work apartments, and a rooftop restaurant. The newly proposed intervention comprises of a bookstore, a café, a library, game rooms, a terrace and roof gardens. The two main features of the project which provide vertical and horizontal connections between the old and new building and different floors are 1) social stairs towards the south façade of the building and 2) the interactive atrium volume which connects both buildings.  

By undertaking the adaptive reuse and preservation of a 100-year-old historic building in Winnipeg's Character district, this design thesis seeks to demonstrate the potential for revitalizing neglected architectural gems while contributing to the cultural, social, and environmental sustainability of the urban fabric. The project aims to inspire a renewed appreciation for historic structures and encourage the integration of preservation practices into contemporary design approaches, ultimately enriching the urban experience for both residents and visitors.