Spring 09_Anti-Flood House_New Orleans_Cornell

On the 29th of August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and its surrounding areas in one of the most catastrophic natural disasters ever to impact the United States. Since then, there has been an energetic wave of rebuilding primarily focused on providing replacement housing to single family home owners while simultaneously improving overall conditions in affected areas. Prior to the hurricane, the citys residential fabric was as diverse as its citizens - with each neighborhood possessing a distinct flavor; various architectural styles were incorporated such as single and doubleshotguns, bungalows, Victorians, Greek Revival, Italianate, and suburban ranches. There are definitedesign trends that can be noted throughout New Orleans from the historic districts dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, to the raised homes of the 1950s, and finally to the current slab-on-grade designs that prevail today. Given the magnitude of devastation in New Orleans and the expansive scope of the rebuilding, a unique opportunity now exists to make significant changes in the home designs available to residents of New Orleans. Not only can we inspire innovation in codes, living styles, and the aesthetics of homes and communities but we can also nurture a new acceptance of more modern and contemporary architectural styles that fit within the neighborhood contexts, as well as the latest in building methodologies. Residents are now looking to be environmentally responsible but ...