Overall I got a lot out of the conference. Hearing the Dutch designers, planners and engineers gave me great hope for the future of humanity and lots of ideas for New Orleans. I also met many contacts including an architect and engineer from New Orleans who were both there with the same idea as me to listen, learn and meet like minded folks. Both have expressed interest in joining the cause and opening up a greater coalition.
I learned that we will need to either work on reforming the way the corps is run in regards to seawall/levee construction, planning, etc. or focus entirely on urban planning/design/building. I think it's going to have to be the latter. It's an achievable goal and we can work on a number of other areas that are connected like housing for the poor, education, mass transit, bike paths, parks, etc. It's the whole kit and kaboodle really.
The main thing that I learned though is that this crisis will indeed bring about massive change in the City of New Orleans. As Annemieke Nijhof says, "Politics is about Emergencies". The pressure and activism from the greater design/architecture community will be strong. If we can combine it with the new passion coming through the community right now we will get great things accomplished. I'm exicted for the coming months as we get this org rolling and build definitive ideas and arguments for what the masterplan of the city should look like.
Sounds like it was worth the trip... Was this in Crown Hall? I'm a little surprised you didn't mention it. I guess you were focused on other things. It appears to be Crown Hall, IIT's campus - I remember chatting with you about OMA's addition to the campus some years back.
Posted by: casey | October 03, 2005 at 08:24 AM
Actually, it looks like a Mies impersonator... I can't imagine the lack of alignmebt + hand rails being designed or added to any of his buildings.
What is the next step? Do you ave any political ties?
Posted by: casey | October 03, 2005 at 08:27 AM
The next step is getting everyone together and working on an alternate master plan. We're also going to be bringing lots of speakers to the city to see the aftermath and to be a part of the reconstruction dialogue.
I made a lot of contacts at the conference and we are doing our best to make inroads with the city.
Posted by: Jonah | October 03, 2005 at 10:29 AM
The conference took place at IIT in the Herman Union Building (or HUB-center as they also call it). It is a Mies building. Crown Hall is just a few blocks away and looks absolutely fantastic after its recent refurbishment.
Jonah, I'm happy to hear that your trip was a productive one and that the program we added was useful to you and I hope others. Keep up the good work and all the best with your endeavours in NO.
Posted by: Cor | October 04, 2005 at 09:58 PM
1962, Walter Netsch for Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
not to be picky, but i knew it wasnt mies
Posted by: jude matthews | October 05, 2005 at 07:48 PM
good job jude.
Did you speak with anyone incharge of N.O. development? Who is in charge? Who's voice is heard, in regards to reconstruction and development?
Posted by: casey | October 06, 2005 at 08:42 AM