Program: Mixed Use, Urban Housing, Public Space, Historic Preservation
Categories: Urban, Housing, Public Space, Historic Preservation, Competitions, Parametric Design, Design Research
Client: American Institute of Architects
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Year Built:
Interface Studio Architects
Interface Studio Architects
Interface Studio Architects
Interface Studio Architects
Higher Ground is a conceptual model for post-Katrina housing development in New Orleans on lots above the flood plain. The site is a city block with three typical characteristics to this neighborhood in New Orleans:
1)few existing buildings 1-2 storeys
2) mostly surface parking
3) its dimensions are large with lots joined.
These conditions create an ideal opportunity for larger developments that can integrate existing buildings, offer a range of sizes and types for commercial and residential spaces thus creating a unique diverse mix of old and new buildings and density the foundation to build a new resilient neighborhood on Higher Ground .
The units are oriented to maximize views of the city, the open air corridor connects residents visually and acoustically to the plaza and media screen with communal spaces distributed on each floor. The building has an intentional dichotomy of facades; the city side has tall vertical windows set into gray stucco finished concrete, while the open air corridors of the plaza facades are clad in a vibrant tricolor louvre pattern. This creates a shading device for passive ventilation and the horizontal striation harkens to the bold paints of the wooden shiplap shotgun homes New Orleans is famous for.
Interface Studio Architects
Interface Studio Architects
Interface Studio Architects
Interface Studio Architects