Architecture is not a dose to any social and cultural problem.  However, it possesses the capability of modifying or creating the environment to fuel the desired social-cultural life, just like the very simple shelter provides a mean of protection from weather and animals and enhances the living quality.  Departures from the physical security and comfort that the architecture provided, I would like to explore the contribution or influence that the architecture can impose on a community.

The vehicle to explore this idea is a midsize community center.  The site is very likely to be located in Montreal Metropolitan region.  The program shall include library, lecture rooms, auditorium, daycare and health center, restaurant, ballroom and a gymnasium.  Environmental and user friendly are two subsequence themes that will be explored in the thesis.  Therefore, energy efficiency (in term of orienting the building to gain maximum sunlight) and accessibility to the handicap will stand a significant portion in the project.

Can architecture in revitalizing a civic center enrich the civic life and hence a healthy social-cultural life?  Should the civic center come in our community as sees fit or should it be predetermined before the community structure is formed?  In what way can architecture capture the spirit of the community or help to foster one?  These questions may arise in forming of the thesis.