The city of New Orleans is divided into distinct administrative units called wards. These wards originated from a historical context and serve as geographic divisions within the city. With a total of 17 wards, each plays a crucial role in the city's governance and representation.
The distribution of the wards in New Orleans dates back to the city's founding, following a traditional French and Spanish urban planning model. Over time, as the city expanded and evolved, the ward boundaries were adjusted to accommodate population growth and ensure effective governance.
Each ward has a specific purpose, acting as an electoral district for local representation and providing a framework for community engagement. They serve as essential units for residents to voice their concerns, seek services, and participate in local decision-making processes.
From the bustling streets of the French Quarter in Ward 1 to the vibrant neighborhoods of the Bywater and Marigny in Ward 9, the wards encompass a diverse range of iconic landmarks, cultural hotspots, and residential areas. Each ward holds its unique character, capturing the essence of New Orleans' rich history, traditions, and vibrant communities.
The Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans faced severe from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm exposed urban design and resulted in widespread displacement. Since then, efforts have been made redesign the neighborhood with a focus on sustainable infrastructure. The Lower Ninth Ward symbol of resilience, as the community works sustainable and vibrant future through innovative initiatives.
severe devastation exposed flaws in its destruction and made to rebuild and on resilience and Ward stands as a towards a more innovative urban design
Streetscape Enhancement: Revitalize the streetscape of St. Claude Avenue to create an inviting and pedestrian-friendly environment. Implement wider sidewalks, street furniture, shade trees, and landscaping to improve walkability and create spaces for outdoor seating and social interaction. Incorporate public art and cultural elements that reflect the neighborhood's identity along the avenue.
Mixed-Use Development:
Encourage mixed-use development along St. Claude Avenue to support economic growth and provide a range of amenities for residents. Designate areas for ground-floor commercial spaces, such as local businesses, cafes, and art galleries, to activate the street and foster a vibrant atmosphere. Incorporate upper-level residential units to promote a live-work-play environment.
Sustainable Transportation:
Prioritize sustainable transportation options along St. Claude Avenue. Include dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing
programs to encourage cycling as a mode of transportation. Improve public transportation infrastructure, such as bus stops and shelters, to enhance accessibility and connectivity to other parts of the neighborhood.
Historic Preservation: Respect and preserve the historic character of St. Claude Avenue. Identify and protect buildings of historical significance, highlighting their architectural features and integrating them into the streetscape design. Consider adaptive reuse of vacant or underutilized historic buildings to bring new life to the avenue.
Community Spaces:
Allocate spaces for community gathering and events along St. Claude Avenue. Designate plazas or pocket parks where residents can come together for social activities, performances, or markets. These spaces can serve as focal points for community engagement and enhance the sense of place along the avenue.
Green Infrastructure: Incorporate green infrastructure elements along St. Claude Avenue to manage stormwater and improve environmental sustainability. Integrate rain gardens, bioswales, or permeable pavement to capture and filter stormwater runoff. Enhance the aesthetic appeal by introducing street trees, landscaping, and urban gardens to create a greener and more environmentally friendly streetscape.
Signage and Wayfinding: Install clear and informative signage and wayfinding systems along St. Claude Avenue. These should guide visitors and residents to key destinations, public facilities, and attractions within the neighborhood. Consider incorporating interpretive signage that highlights the history and cultural significance of the area.
O SHAPE MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
MIXED USE, COMMERCIAL HUB
COMMERCIAL BUILDING
SHOPS, RESTARAUNTS, AND OFFICES
I SHAPE MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
MIXED USE, SOUTH FACING COURTYARD
C SHAPE MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
MIXED USE, SOUTH FACING COURTYARD
CONDOS AND TOWN HOMES
MULTI LEVEL, PROMOTES OWNERSHIP PATH PROVIDES PEDESTRIAN STREET SOUTHERN EXPOSURE
SAFE
PUBLIC
The redesign of St. Claude Avenue embraces several key elements that contribute to its success and overall livability. One of the primary considerations is the integration of a walkable 10-minute radius, which fosters a pedestrian-friendly environment. By ensuring that essential amenities and services are within a comfortable walking distance, residents can enjoy convenient access to shops, restaurants, parks, and community facilities, promoting a sense of community and reducing reliance on cars.
In addition to walkability, the redesign incorporates dedicated bike lanes, recognizing the importance of promoting sustainable transportation options. These lanes provide safe and separate spaces for cyclists, connecting St. Claude Avenue to surrounding neighborhoods and encouraging active commuting. By prioritizing cycling infrastructure, the redesign supports healthier lifestyles, reduces traffic congestion, and contributes to a more environmentally friendly urban fabric.
Furthermore, the inclusion of a pedestrian street adds a distinct and inviting character to St. Claude Avenue. This pedestrian-oriented space offers wider sidewalks, outdoor seating, and opportunities for public art, creating a vibrant and engaging environment for social interaction, leisure activities, and community events. The pedestrian street becomes a focal point for the neighborhood, fostering a sense of identity and vitality.
Maximizing southern exposure is another crucial aspect of the redesign. By orienting buildings and public spaces to harness the benefits of natural light and sun exposure, the project optimizes energy efficiency and creates a more pleasant and comfortable environment for pedestrians. This approach not only enhances the aesthetics but also supports sustainable practices by allowing buildings to utilize solar energy for heating, lighting, and other energy-saving initiatives.
The project reclaims wood from the damages of the hurricane by incorporating it into wooden sun shading tactics, such as louvers, as a sustainable design solution. By salvaging and repurposing the wood, the project not only reduces waste but also symbolically reclaims and honors the resilience of the community.
The prominent display of wood on the facades of the buildings emphasizes
resilience by showcasing the material that has endured the challenges of Hurricane Katrina. By prominently featuring the salvaged wood, the design serves as a visual reminder of the community's ability to overcome adversity and rebuild.
In addition to its symbolic significance, using reclaimed wood for sun shading tactics also offers practical benefits. By utilizing salvaged wood for louvers, the project reduces
costs and the carbon footprint associated with sourcing new materials. It eliminates the need for the production and transportation of new wood, which can require significant energy and resources. By using the salvaged wood close to where it is reclaimed, the project further reduces transportation-related emissions and supports local sourcing, promoting sustainability and minimizing environmental impact. The integration of reclaimed
wood into sun shading tactics like louvers not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the facades but also aligns with the project's sustainability goals. It combines practicality, symbolism, and ecological responsibility by creating a visually striking design element that embodies the community's resilience, reduces costs, and minimizes the project's carbon footprint.