While the finished project feels effortless, delivering this highly accessible public realm on a flood-prone waterfront was anything but. The plaza, bosque, and tree plantings sit entirely atop a two-level underground parking structure

built below sea level. Growing trees and supporting heavy foot traffic on what is essentially a rooftop deck introduced serious structural and horticultural constraints.

The landscape architects, led by Fathom Studio and Brackish Design, were tasked with creating a lush, enduring public garden atop concrete, in a location battered by salt spray, winds, hurricanes, and tidal surges. To address these compounding challenges, they employed a multi-layered strategy:

• Elevate the site above the original grade to pre-empt sea level rise while maintaining pedestrian accessibility.
• Use Citygreen’s Stratavault™ structural soil vault system to provide healthy soil volumes over structure.
• Select robust native and salt-tolerant plant species capable of withstanding maritime conditions.
• Engineer subsurface drainage and stormwater systems to protect the garage and adjacent heritage structures.

In addition, the area’s historic significance complicated excavation. Archaeological discoveries, including remnants of the original seawalls from 1749, required design agility and close coordination with heritage consultants to ensure preservation.

Central to the landscape strategy was the use of Citygreen’s engineered soil cell system, Stratavault™. This modular technology allowed the landscape architects to provide uncompacted, aerated soil volumes under paved surfaces, critical for tree root development in constrained urban sites. Under the grand plaza and Lower Water Street, Stratavault cells form a continuous matrix that:

• Supports full-grown canopy trees over structure without overloading the slab.
• Allows for extensive root systems to flourish below paving without causing surface upheaval.
• Accommodates stormwater infiltration, reducing runoff and providing passive irrigation.

The flexibility of the Stratavault system also allowed the team to navigate around underground utilities and structural columns without sacrificing tree viability. Tree pits were connected below grade, creating shared soil ecosystems that promote long-term health and resiliency.

At the heart of Queen’s Marque is the “Lost Ship Bosque,” an elevated gallery of maple trees planted in a long, raised planter that conceals the garage roof and offers deeper soil volumes. The planter edges double as custom wood benches, turning infrastructure into amenity.

Around the bosque, the landscape is enriched with native grasses and shrubs evocative of Nova Scotia’s coastal ecosystems. These plantings not only enhance biodiversity but offer seasonal interest and salt resilience.

Stormwater is managed at source: permeable paving, integrated drainage, and strategic grading direct runoff into the Stratavault zones. Here, it is filtered through soil

and absorbed by tree roots, reducing load on municipal systems while increasing tree survivability during dry periods.

The decision to invest in green infrastructure also supports social sustainability. The site’s generous shade canopy, seating, and walkable surfaces make it more inclusive and accessible for a wide range of users. From joggers to families, seniors to school groups, Queen’s Marque provides a diversity of experiences that reflect the city’s civic character. Seasonal events, art installations, and spontaneous gatherings all find a home here, reaffirming that green infrastructure isn’t just functional – it’s cultural.

Materials throughout the site reinforce its maritime identity. Salvaged granite and cobblestones from the old wharf have been repurposed into retaining walls and seating. Locally quarried sandstone complements new paving, while Muntz metal – historically used for ship hulls – appears in accents and signage.

Custom furnishings echo the “wrack line,” the edge where sea debris collects. Long, curving benches mimic tide lines, offering rest spots that blend narrative and function. The use of reclaimed and local materials not only grounds

the design but reduces the project’s embodied carbon footprint.

A focal point of the public realm is Queen’s Landing, a wide granite staircase that descends directly into the harbour. Engineered to withstand coastal conditions, the steps were pre-fabricated and installed during tight tidal windows. Today, they serve as both civic stage and contemplative perch – a literal invitation to touch the Atlantic.

Outcomes and Legacy

Since its completion, Queen’s Marque has become a vibrant destination for events, recreation, and daily life. It exemplifies how private development can deliver high-quality, climate-resilient public realm. Its success proves that with the right tools, like engineered soil vaults, adaptive grading, and nature-based design, even the most constrained sites can become green, generous places.

For professionals across planning, civil engineering, and landscape architecture, Queen’s Marque offers a case study in integrated design, collaborative problem-solving, and the power of green infrastructure to transform waterfronts into beloved civic spaces.