The rebirth of the shophouse in the modern age with a special reference to Montreal /

This thesis examines a typical Montreal housing type---the multiplex, a time-tested model to accommodate commercial activities. The focus of this research is on its physical characteristics, which facilitate small-scale commercial transformations of homes with specific needs for different businesses.Chapter 1 introduces the theoretical background of this thesis, and places it in the context of previous research on the subject of small-scale transformations of dwellings.Chapter 2 reviews the history of shophouses in Montreal from 1642, when the city was founded, through to the Industrial Age.Chapter 3 begins with a general discussion of the multiplex dwelling---its basic forms, types, and architectural character. The second section of this chapter introduces the case studies. These trace the interior transformations of four multiplexes, all of which were built in the first decade of this century.In Chapter 4 and 5, the spatial changes identified and collected in all four cases are closely examined. All existing changes have been photographed. These changes are associated with the specific needs of each shop; the four cases were tested, and proved the building's adaptable nature to different degrees. All changes are further regrouped and analyzed according to four important elements---bearing members, non-bearing members, service, and circulation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.