From Kansas to the Seventh Ward

Transcript

Research by Kansas-based architects is influencing the rebuilding of New Orleans. From the University of Kansas, this is Research Matters. I’m Brendan Lynch.

In Hurricane Katrina’s wake, KU professors of architecture Nils Gore and Rob Corser worked with students to design and build structures for residents of New Orleans’ Seventh Ward. Corser says the project helps students and the hard hit neighborhood.

Rob Corser: We decided to undertake this ourselves as a teaching and research activity, and as an activity of community service, to involve students over a series of semesters. The approach that we’ve taken from the beginning is to have the students work with the neighborhood group to determine what kinds of objects we could make for them that could be built in Kansas and transported to the neighborhood and that could most impact the quality of life of the neighborhood.

So far, structures include a tool shed, a shade pavilion, a mobile stage and an outdoor classroom. Corser guides the design process to mix teaching, innovation and a focus on New Orleans’ architecture and culture.

Rob Corser: The elements that we’re designing for the Seventh Ward have aspects of the traditions of the construction that you find in the Gulf Coast region and in New Orleans itself. In fact, the shade pavilion that my students made, in part was influenced by their research into Afro Caribbean timber joinery. We are trying to develop a language of construction that is of it own, that’s not trying to look like something else.

Indeed, the KU structures have won recognition from the American Institute of Architects and the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. But ask Rob Corser, and he’ll say true satisfaction comes from helping people in the Seventh Ward.

Rob Corser: It’s an emblematic place and it’s a real pleasure to be able to take students from the University of Kansas bring them there and always have a tremendous sharing of ideas, of energy and to really have them participate in this kind of community building activity is really the most rewarding thing that I think someone can be involved with.

Tell Me More

KU architecture designs for New Orleans earn regional, national top honors

LAWRENCE — Designs by University of Kansas architecture and urban design students to help residents of New Orleans’ Seventh Ward rebuild their community are gaining recognition not only in the Big Easy but also within regional and national communities of architects.

Read the full press release