Risk Management: Adaptive strategies for New Orleans
2010 Fall Studio: Dew Travel Studio | Critic: Jorg Sieweke
New Orleans, LA
The project proposes to give New Orleans residents in the low-lying Gentilly neighborhoods a greater variety of options for moving back home by creating "high and dry" urban spines along five major roads, with wetlands to mitigate flooding between them. While pioneering families have moved back to reconstruct their homes, many cannot afford to rebuild or lack the resources to return until more urban infrastructure is rebuilt. This strategy concentrates that infrastructure along newly built high ground, encouraging resettlement along these spines. Landbanking can be used to allow residents to trade their existing lots for ones along the new spines, or they may choose to rebuild on their existing properties. Excavation of vacant parcels creates habitat for cypress trees which are endangered due to rising sea level in the delta and provide material for the construction of elevated ground. Cypress lots take pressure of the aging pumping infrastructure by allowing regions of the Gentilly to remain wet and retain water.
2010 Fall Studio: Dew Travel Studio | Critic: Jorg Sieweke
New Orleans, LA
The project proposes to give New Orleans residents in the low-lying Gentilly neighborhoods a greater variety of options for moving back home by creating "high and dry" urban spines along five major roads, with wetlands to mitigate flooding between them. While pioneering families have moved back to reconstruct their homes, many cannot afford to rebuild or lack the resources to return until more urban infrastructure is rebuilt. This strategy concentrates that infrastructure along newly built high ground, encouraging resettlement along these spines. Landbanking can be used to allow residents to trade their existing lots for ones along the new spines, or they may choose to rebuild on their existing properties. Excavation of vacant parcels creates habitat for cypress trees which are endangered due to rising sea level in the delta and provide material for the construction of elevated ground. Cypress lots take pressure of the aging pumping infrastructure by allowing regions of the Gentilly to remain wet and retain water.