This week we attended a presentation by Rzey, from Urbanxyz on redeveloping Louisiana, after it got devastated by hurricane Katrina.
It was very helpful to note how they addressed the design at different scales, from a building to entire region, for various issues ranging from landscape and natural features, to infrastructure and social equity.
A striking feature of the presentation was its sensitivity to context. Louisiana is home to two different ethnic groups who have a very different culture. They have developed a unique style of architecture over a period of time. The redevelopment proposal didn't give a hasty design solution; one size fits all, rather took into account this diversity; carefully studying elements of each style and taking community responses to refine it further. One community cherished the open nature of their houses which look on to street, and make a rich social life as well as their close connection to nature and food. These were mostly farmers. The other community liked the class and elegance of their houses which were richly decorated, and luxuriant, which the farmers found frivolous. The design respected both the communities and gave them houses that they desired.
Another achievement of design was its sensitivity to natural systems, which echoed with the community's concerns. Since most of people in Louisiana were born within a mile of where they lived,they know their land and knew what the solutions were to the problems city faced, like of natural drainage. The design proposal was congruent to local wisdom and aimed to restoration of nature.
I took back a design solution , to a city which was wholesome in its approach and therefore very sustainable in social, environmental and economic spheres.
It was very helpful to note how they addressed the design at different scales, from a building to entire region, for various issues ranging from landscape and natural features, to infrastructure and social equity.
A striking feature of the presentation was its sensitivity to context. Louisiana is home to two different ethnic groups who have a very different culture. They have developed a unique style of architecture over a period of time. The redevelopment proposal didn't give a hasty design solution; one size fits all, rather took into account this diversity; carefully studying elements of each style and taking community responses to refine it further. One community cherished the open nature of their houses which look on to street, and make a rich social life as well as their close connection to nature and food. These were mostly farmers. The other community liked the class and elegance of their houses which were richly decorated, and luxuriant, which the farmers found frivolous. The design respected both the communities and gave them houses that they desired.
Another achievement of design was its sensitivity to natural systems, which echoed with the community's concerns. Since most of people in Louisiana were born within a mile of where they lived,they know their land and knew what the solutions were to the problems city faced, like of natural drainage. The design proposal was congruent to local wisdom and aimed to restoration of nature.
I took back a design solution , to a city which was wholesome in its approach and therefore very sustainable in social, environmental and economic spheres.
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