1.) New Orleans boasts a variety of architectural types and styles, many as unique as the city itself. I feel many of the designs offered, missed the mark, not reflecting the character of the city’s architecture. Rather than intermingling with the neighborhoods, many of these homes scream “look at me”. We can still design sustainable and affordable homes without losing sight of an area’s architectural heritage.

2.) More importantly, and what I feel is the primary issue, is how to avoid having homes flood the next time a levee fails*. New houses built within the New Orleans area levee systems should be required to have the floor system, for the lowest habitable floor, built above the potential flood waters resulting from a levee breach.

* The saturated levees failed as a result of a category three hurricane. It’s inevitable that stronger hurricanes will cross the path of New Orleans and test the weakest links of the levee systems. Katrina should serve as a wakeup call. To think that it could not happen again is denial. The citizens of New Orleans should not rely solely on the levee systems for the protection of their homes. This should be evident when the mindset of many officials is “Acceptable risks must be weighed” when determining the level of levee protection needed versus funds to be spent on upgrading the levee systems.

During my last visit to tour the devastation in New Orleans, I saw new homes being built that were elevated around 4 to 6 feet above grade. The irony was they were being built next door to abandoned houses with flood water stains at 8 to 10 feet above grade. I saw many homes with floodwater stains almost at the eaves. In most cases, 5 feet above grade is not enough. You can’t continue to build the same way and expect different results.

I did find a good solution during this visit. It was a newly constructed house, elevated on pilings with the lowest habitable floor system located above the flood water elevation. The ground floor was open to the sides and rear. The ground floor front elevation had a well detailed false façade, constructed of flood resistant materials that provided privacy and an attractive curb appeal. This design provided a good solution to the potential floodwaters and blended in well with the neighborhood.

I support the effort to design with the environment in mind, but in New Orleans floodwaters should be the primary environmental concern. I know this is an expensive proposition, but you can pay now or you can pay later. The problem with later is, it will cost a lot more than just money. More importantly, it will cost lives.

Nicholas Roseland, AIA
Architect Roseland, P.L.
Vero Beach, FL

My mother is Ms. Melba, of 1744 Tennessee Street, lower 9th ward, and she lost more than just a home in 2005. Both her mother and father passed away just before this unreal occurrence happened. And she never had the chance to grieve. This is the first time I’ve seen her smile in a long time. I thank Mr. Pitt and his family and the Make it Right foundation for this opportunity for a new start at life.
I want to say “thank you” to all who have done anything and everything that God has put on your hearts to do, for my family. When I see the new homes, I want to cry tears of joy, but also sadness since it feels as though all pieces of me have gone. Thanks to this project for putting my 9th ward family back together.

Love Always
The Vann Family (Barbara, Jimmy, Cheyenne, and Yurrianne) of North Carolina
C/O Mr. and Ms. Barnes, 1744 Tennessee St.

Lobodomar – http://poemasdeandreluis.blogspot.com/

Wow….

The model for the Lagnaippe House showed promise, but the built form is…. Well… It looks like the roof is falling in. Hurricane Style?

The Graft House looks like part of it got torn off in a hurricane… Not Good.

And the Garden Prototype… I’ve seen better looking double-wides… (seriously)…

All for a bargain $150K each ?

This is embarrassing.