I was recently reading about how the “Chicago School” of architecture (a distinct style rather than an academic facility) emerged deliberately from architects seeing opportunity for rebuilding in a very new, very American style following the massive destruction of the Chicago fire in the late 1800s.
My vision is a New Orleans restored in a similar way. With Chicago, it was all functional, and I believe all commercial/industrial buildings. In New Orleans, the residential buildings are where the opportunity lies!
Why are we not seeing this type of movement with New Orleans? Or is it bubbling somewhere? Is it the red tape of the Feds stopping everyone? Is it the idea that New Orleans is not worth restoring? Is it the idea that New Orleans already has a historic style that needs to be clung to (even to the last 2 bedroom home!)? Is it that the corporations and fatcats of our current gilded age have decided that the best way to get their hands on New Orleans is to let it fester for a couple decades and then bulldoze and redevelop at a price that only rich white folks can afford? (There, I said what everyone else is already thinking–my trademark action!)
As enlightened makers and consumers of GOOD DESIGN, perhaps there are some folks on this board or associated with the publisher who have some insight or would be willing to throw out this grand idea to professionals/artists who could truly make it happen. Why not have a contest for a very reasonably price, very easily constructed, very by-the-rules & sturdy small dwelling with great design (appearance and functionality) that could be added onto later, maybe with at least a tip of the hat to a traditionally distinct New Orleans style, and GO BUILD THEM down in New Orleans en masse!!! What designer WOULDN’T want their name tagged to that movement for generations to come??
Let’s brainstorm this one now that I’ve got your creative juices flowing. And as any good artist knows, “follow your art–the money will follow.” (Don’t worry about funding yet!)
Your idea man,
Sally
Replies
Good idea. I had two ideas about replacement buildings in hurricane areas. One was to dig a hole and use catenary cables and other reinforcement and spray on concrete, then lift the finished dome out with a crane and do the next one. The other idea would be to have prefabricated concrete arches that could be bolted together, with each section sort of like a bay in steel construction. Could close off the ends with either a rounded panel or a half dome.
You should check out Architectural Record, December 2005 issue, page 32.
There are housing solutions being put forth as we speak. In the brief AR article, some of the difficult issues are discussed.
As for the Chicago School of Architectre, the distinctive style was a culmination of events which all transposed at exactly the right time and place. First, there was a major fire which wiped out a significant portion of Chicago which needed rebuilding (sounds familiar). Secondly, emerging steel and concrete technology answered many of the answers required of a mass rebuilding. And thirdly, there was a concentration of like minded major designers all subscribing to a similar design theory in the Chicago area.
Housing, in contrast, is a highly personal affair. The likes of the individual, the need for historical reference - no doubt a major concern in NOLA - and a new awareness of the need for better construction methods is causing pause. In addition, many insurance carriers are still sorting through the implications of paying out money, how much, to whom, where are they, etc, and are now forced to contemplate what happens in the future. Do they insure a city if the levees are not sufficient? How can the levees be rebuilt without Federal funding which is yet to be determined?
It is a complex issue for which many have few answers. And understandably so.