In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, architects, city planners, and government officials are discussing ways to rebuild New Orleans. Like any large city, New Orleans has many sides. New Orleans is the colorful city of Mardi Gras, jazz,
French Creole architecture, and thriving shops and restaurants. And then there is the darker side of New Orleans - mostly in the low-lying flood zones - populated by the very poor. Can we preserve the truly great aspects of New Orleans yet improve upon mistakes of the past?
8 Ways to Rebuild New Orleans
Which of these eight approaches is most important? Stop by our Discussion Forum and
tell us what you think.
1.Save the History
The New Orleans floods spared the most famous historic neighborhoods: the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the Warehouse District.
But other areas of historic importance were damaged. Preservationists are working to make sure that valuable landmarks are not bulldozed.
2. Look Beyond the Tourist Centers
Most architects and city planners agree that we should preserve historic buildings in upscale neighborhoods and popular tourist areas. However, most of the damage took place in lowland regions where impoverished Creole blacks and "Anglo" African Americans settled. Some planners and social scientists argue that true reconstruction of the City will require restoring not just buildings but social networks: schools, shops, churches, playgrounds, and other places where people gather and form relationships.
3. Provide Efficient Public Transportation
According to many urban planners, the secret to making cities work is a speedy, efficient, clean transportation system. In their view, New Orleans needs a network of bus corridors that will connect neighborhoods, encourage business, and stimulate a diverse economy. Automobile traffic can channeled around the rim of the city, making the interior neighborhoods more pedestrian-friendly. Newsday writer Justin Davidson suggests Curitiba, Brazil as a model for this type of city.
4. Stimulate the Economy
New Orleans is riddled with poverty. Many economists and political thinkers say that reconstructing the buildings is not enough if we don't address the social problems. These thinkers believe that New Orleans needs tax breaks and other financial incentives to stimulate business.
5. Find Solutions in Vernacular Architecture
As we rebuild New Orleans, it will be important to construct homes that are suited to the soggy ground and humid climate. The so-called "shacks" in New Orleans' blighted neighborhoods should not be underestimated. Constructed by local craftsmen in the 19th century, these simple wooden homes can teach us valuable lessons about weather-ready building design. Instead of heavy mortar or bricks, the homes were made with insect-resistant cypress, cedar, and virgin pine. The lightweight frame construction meant that the houses could be elevated on brick or stone piers. Air could easily circulate beneath the homes and through the open, high-ceilinged rooms, which slowed the growth of mold.
6. Find Solutions in Nature
An innovative new science called
Biomimicry recommends that builders and designers observe forests, butterflies, and other living things for clues on how to construct buildings that will withstand storms.
7. Choose a Different Location
Some people say that we should not attempt to reconstruct the flooded neighborhoods of New Orleans. Because these neighborhoods lie below sea level, they will always be at risk for more flooding. Poverty and crime were concentrated in these low-lying neighborhoods. So, according to some critics and government officials, the new New Orleans should be constructed in a different location, and in a different way.
8. Develop New Technologies
Over a hundred years ago, the entire city of Chicago was constructed on reclaimed swampland. Much of the city is only a few feet above Lake Michigan's water surface. Perhaps we can do the same with New Orleans. Instead of rebuilding in a new, drier location, some planners suggest we develop new technologies for defeating nature.
How do you think we should rebuild in New Orleans? Stop by our Discussion Forum and
tell us what you think.
