Queen’s Marque

One of Halifax’s most anticipated mixed-use developments in recent decades, Queen’s Marque represents a significant transformation in the city’s waterfront landscape and larger public realm. Brackish was hired to develop the streetscape and bike lane along Lower Water Street, as well as a large plaza space at the terminus of George Street. The design of both spaces links to the narrative of the historic shoreline, incorporating custom seating elements and site features meant to signify a ‘wrackline’; the line of debris that is deposited by tidal action on the shore. In the city, the wrackline is a place to slow down or pause. Using a palette of native coastal plants, reclaimed granite from the original sea wall, and muntz metal in connection with the architecture, this new landscape establishes a new standard of quality for Halifax’s public realm.