NOLA: URBAN HYBRIDS

Located in New Orleans, this building concept combines a coffee shop, public space, two auditoriums, offices, and a plaza. It brings together post-oil ideas and traditional french quarter concepts. 

Balconies along the street facade at the second and third levels begin to engage the public through their street proximity and their reference to the typical french quarter architecture. In addition, they provide shelter from the frequent rainfall. Level 00 features an auditorium integrated into the public realm that unfolds into the exterior plaza.

As climate conditions escalate around the world. New Orleans is particularly fragile in reference to flooding. When I visited, after raining for only 15 minutes many roads began to flood. I wanted the design to reflect this issue. The plaza responds to this through raised walking surfaces and pools of permeable surfaces designed to collect and redirect rainwater.