Although my mother taught me that if you don’t have anything good to say, then don’t say anything at all,
I have to point out that once again we have an award-winning design that has the right heart, but misses the boat in its execution.

Most designs that I’ve seen come out of Katrina competitions are self-referential in nature, and their good ideas are expressed out of context.

A project like this, in an area rich in cultural history, requires a regional thought that at least reflects some of the flavor of existing datum and proportions. I myself am a modernist designer, but Corbu bands of glazing and squat punched openings in no way evoke New Orleans or the Deep South.

Can we designers and architects (leaders) show the outside world the considerate, economically feasible, problem solving, warm side of modern design? In order to sell green development, sustainable development, and modern design we need to reflect back on our appreciation of Louis Sullivan’s belief that “form ever follows function.” I don’t see forms that reference the Shotgun in this design; I see forms that reference our still limited vision of modular construction. The trailer perched atop this great mixed-use facility would most likely be torn off first in hurricane winds. The dramatic cantilevered shed roof is a good sunshade, but a storm wind could come under it and turn the roof into a flying carpet. That projecting roof could fold down in storm conditions to become a storm shutter. (Note: When designing in a hurricane zone, always think about Bernoulli’s Principle. Shed roofs perform “ok” in high winds if they have sufficient pitch and are correctly oriented, but the preferred roof style in high wind areas in the hip roof. A lot of research has been conducted on roof design since Hurricane Andrew wreaked havoc in 1992, and according to Jeff Burton, IBHS’ building-code manager, “If your concern is safety, then the odds are that a hip roof will be more wind-tolerant than a gable end.” — Interview with Herald Tribune)

Also, the building appears to sit firmly on grade… I hope the ground floor is designed to blowout in storm conditions with high waters. We can’t let ourselves design scared, thinking only of how to address hurricane winds and water, but a project like this should exemplify form and means best suited for surviving such natural forces.

Lastly, there is the issue of cost. Modular construction might take hold this time around, but pre-fab manufacturers closest to New Orleans will tell you themselves that modular construction still costs quite a bit more than site-built. We’re supposed to be helping those without the means to help themselves… affordable housing and low-income housing. This is a choice opportunity for us to stretch our creative muscles and take an active part in forming the new New Orleans, and though prototyping does cost more, what better time to make that impending change to the new system… right? But we cannot forget the essentials of the task at hand.

Matthew of APD puts it as it is… “It’s intended to be affordable housing, not necessarily lower income housing. It’s trying to be affordable housing through its sustainability. For example it was designed as a net zero site so that all of the energy production happens on site, and it’s done through affordable tax and more efficient systems that reduce the load- the energy load- so the idea is that nobody would have an electric bill.”

I doubt that this project could afford the technology to be self-sustaining and still be deemed “affordable” for whomever is footing the bill (be it federal, a private entity, or the end user). Even if the project is to be paid for by a federal grant, that money would go further in aiding more people if spent on a more economical scheme.
Yes, in the long term the project will redeem itself by being considerate to the environment, and thrifty with it’s use of supplies and energy, but can it… or should it… be afforded now?