Fiona Hamilton, “Obsolescence as Opportunity”

JURY COMMENT

Fiona Hamilton’s involvement in conservation efforts in Canada, her expansive education in architecture, environmental design, urban planning, and visual arts and her commitment to pursue a career in architectural conservation were compelling reasons for the bestowing of this award.  The jury noted the public awareness of her research – Obsolescence as Opportunity: a case for adaptive reuse of century-old industrial architecture in Saint John, New Brunswick which involves offering a tool kit for the conservation and adaptation of a vacant warehouse and approaching design in smaller, historically significant urban spaces. 
Through her work and studies, Fiona, a graduate student at Dalhousie University, has demonstrated her tangible contribution to the field of architectural conservation within Canada. She has had experiences as both a municipal development planner and an Intern Architect and has volunteered as a student representative and mentor with national and provincial organizations. She is currently completing her Master of Architecture design thesis which focuses on identifying and tailoring adaptive reuse methods to small-scale industrial architecture in small urban centers.