‘Architecture Can Tell A Story’ Says Zzap’s Newest Partner
HALIFAX — It’s a fascinating time to be an architect in Halifax.
There is unprecedented demand for new residential and commercial space in the second-fastest-growing city in Canada. But while people clamour for new buildings, Haligonians have made it clear they want development to respect the city’s rich history, and for new builds to fit existing neighbourhoods.
Zahra Williams is an accomplished architect who was just named partner at Zzap. The architecture firm is busy on some of the city’s biggest residential developments. Williams understands the importance a building’s design has on communities.
“It’s a balance. We always want to be sensitive to the context that we design in,” Williams told Huddle just days after she was made partner. “Our goal is to contribute to the neighborhoods and the communities. So that means listening to everyone and ultimately finding a design solution that will contribute positively to the neighborhood.”
But Williams also realizes that it is impossible to please everyone, especially at a time when Halifax needs new housing as quickly as possible.
“We’re in a situation of growth development in Halifax and I do understand that sometimes means that our environment is changing rapidly in a way that some people aren’t comfortable with. But, we hope to strike a balance.
“We can’t overstate the need for housing in this province. So, sometimes, we do have to have difficult conversations with a public that is not so receptive to our needs.”
Williams was born and raised in Barbados, but Halifax is part of her family’s history. Her grandmother lived in Halifax until the 1940s. Williams would later attend Mount Allison and Dalhousie University. She joined Zzap in 2019.
Although she is now partner, Williams will still be hands-on with her projects and clients. One of the projects she is leading is a large residential development on the corner of Willett and Dunbrack Streets. When completed, the two 17-storey towers will house 530 units, along with commercial space and green space.
It’s the type of density the city desperately needs.
“The future transportation routes are intended to stop just adjacent to it. The bike network will cross paths with the project. The bus network will cross paths with it. I think it’s an exciting project in its scale and its density. It will be a hub,” explained Williams.
“In the question of our urban areas, we need density. It is certainly one of the solutions. We need more building stock, we need to meet the demands from national migration to Nova Scotia and international migration and I think there’s many different ways we can provide more supply.”
“And I take great pride in being a part of a solution that is layered and nuanced. We are one part of a multi-faceted solution to this housing crisis that we are in.”
Zzap is also involved in important work on heritage properties, such as the Elmwood and Waverly Inn heritage developments. A year ago, Halifax council approved the plan by Sterling Hotel Ltd to remove the back wing of the Waverly Inn so it could build a 10-storey tower. It’s a project that adds something new while still maintaining a historic property.
“We do have an opportunity in Halifax to maintain and renew heritage assets in order to facilitate new construction.” Said Williams. “And I think it’s a fantastic model. It allows us to preserve some history in Halifax, while also making way for something new; what’s not to love there?
“It’s a physical memory of what once was, and it’s interesting when it’s juxtaposed next to new construction. It really does tell a story. Our architecture and city streets, they can tell a story.”
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].