Not about Race, but its about Race
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Not about Race, but its about Race Posted on Aug 22 2008 at 9:13am by When it comes to rebuilding or revitalizing a community, especially New Orleans, its always the same story. A bunch of people not from the area, never been to that area, trying to put their footprint on it. That's the problem with architecture in general. If there were diversity in the education and diversity in the students, maybe the show wouldn't be a student version of extreme makeover. 
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RE: Not about Race, but its about Race Posted on Aug 22 2008 at 11:41am by I don't think you have to be FROM a place in order to help make that place better. No, these kids are not FROM NOLA, but their professor is. And they've all been going to Tulane, which is definitely a part of the culture of the city. On the other hand, just being from a place does not mean you always know what's best for it.
Big Al says the kids are experimenting in his neighborhood. That's a powerful statement, and I can see why he'd say that. And it seems true that the kids didn't necessarily do their homework in terms of really getting to know the neighbors and get them involved in the creative process. But Al, too, would prefer the pre-fab, shotgun recreations that other groups are putting up in the neighborhood. If all vacant lots were replaced with historical recreations, what would that do? It would be Epcot Center. It would be NOLA-land. It would not be a progression.
It seems it would come down to education. The kids need to be more socially aware; the neighbors need to be more open-minded about what a progressive neighborhood can be.Dealing with the issues? Posted on Aug 26 2008 at 12:05pm by Tulane's arch dept is rightfully adept to deal with this issue. Students come from all walks of life and are duty-bound to seek solutions such as this. There is no isolation from what happens here. Addressing the needs makes us all understand better. Sure, the users wants practical shelter; but he longs for improvement as well. Same-old-stuff does not necessarily work under new circumstances. Materials development & processes change over time and lifestyles change in keeping with the trends. The basics of sunlight, weather, time, weather, privacy and community are taught to these students as elements of design. But, the human user dictates a more client involvement that what I've seen here. As surely as an automobile needs the ergonomic dimensions, it too, needs to solve the feelings and personal demands of the occupants. It's not too evident if these kids have made that threshold yet.
As in other professions, the noteriety goes to the "grand statements". But the unsung thousands that work every day to solve immediate design problems get hardly any mention in the press. To assume there is a problem with public perception is correct. The first posting confirms this. Am glad to see this effort to ease that barrier. Hopefully, this sequence will initiate more discussion.
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RE: Not about Race, but its about Race Posted on Aug 28 2008 at 3:55pm by vwconvertibug01, What is a progressive neighborhood??? In my experience, "progressive neighborhood" is a term used to describe some of the least diverse places - lacking in minority representation living in that area - AND if they are diverse, people of color are on their way out (sad but true)- Brooklyn's, Fort Greene is a perfect example of this (from my neck of the woods).
What we are talking about is gentrification. NOT to say that it is bad - but the truth is, with gentrification in large cities, poorer people (generally people of color) inevitably are forced out because of an increased cost in living. In a city historically divided by race and class, like New Orleans, I can REALLY understand the neighbors concerns and even contempt for the students and there ignorance to this fact.
Eastender21.1, I hear your frustration, but the bottom line is, New Orleans needs to be rebuilt and Tulane University IS doing something. I am frustrated with the apparent absence of minorities (i.e. Black people from all backgrounds) in this process as depicted by the media, and the ignorance of the students…..RE: Not about Race, but its about Race Posted on Aug 29 2008 at 4:51pm by This is definitely gentrification, and the show is already depicting people (from the neighborhood!) who can't afford it. My point was that good architecture doesn't have to leave out people of color, and just because someone thinks something is ugly doesn't make it true. Some of it comes down to education. The show depicts many people of color in the neighborhood who like the new architecture. The guy who hates it doesn't speak for everybody in that neighborhood.
RE: Not about Race, but its about Race Posted on Sep 22 2008 at 1:13am by The original thesis is correct.. but that is not the entire story. No, you don't have to be OF the same background/culture to do good work. But you DO have to go into the process of the programming and analysis UNDERSTANDING that the culture of the community always matters. (Assuming you don't need to understand the local community is a failure too many white Americans keep making decade after decade. Just look at the mess created by cultural misunderstanding on a global level that we Americans find ourselves in the last 8+ years.)
I think the original poster of this thread implies (correctly) that the students probably were not working with that understanding initially-- at least it doesn't appear as if they did.
But as an African American licensed architect, I applaud the work all volunteers (with good intentions, not selfish intentions) are making in the NOLA, MISS, Gulf coast areas-- including these hard working students on this program.
Context does matter. But that doesn't mean we, as designers/planners should be foolish devotees to styles AND approaches OF THE PAST. So indeed, move FORWARD with better expectations for our communities, better approaches, better technology and methods. Mindless regurgitating of styles of the past is not the solution to successful rebuilding of damaged communities. And as planners and architects (and students) it's OUR responsibility to convey to communities/clients just why what you are proposing will suit and SERVE the users/community GOING FORWARD -- not just looking to the past. You can address the history and context (and comfort) of the past, but you should design for the future well being of that user, home owner, for that community, so that those structures don't become obsolete by the time they first walk through the door.
History does matter, but so too does planning FOR A COMMUNITY's FUTURE. And you must convey that to the people you serve. Because that communication with the people you serve is ALSO part of your job as planner and architect-- not just providing the design & technical expertise.
Also, contrary to what the world of TV, movies and media might tell outsiders (to the profession), novices and students of architecture/planning, the Architecture profession CAN be an incredibly thankless job. It's often not at all glamorous. If you go into arch/ design thinking people will adore you, admire you, or worse--- because you are SEEKING admiration, approval and recognition, then get another line of work (and get into therapy).
In my opinion, you do the work because you feel it serves people well, because you want to contribute to communities, because you want to do the right thing that HELPS people (and makes them safe/r). If you go into architecture for more superficial reasons, then you are bound to become disillusioned. So, either get over it and get to work, or find a new line of work. People may NEVER thank you for your good work/visionary thinking (while you're alive) -- just ask Buckminster Fuller.
Cutting edge thinkers, visionaries and yes, sometimes architects have throughout HISTORY been ridiculed, lambasted for their innovative work/thinking long before the masses and local politicians came around to understanding the solutions. Rebuilding the damaged Gulf area (or even tornado damaged towns like Greensburg, Kansas) is no different.
Stick to what you believe in but be prepared to adjust your approach so as to address the needs of your clientele. Listen to your clients'/community's needs, and devise solutions which HELP them live fulfilling, safe, happy lives not as lived in the past, but toward a promising future.
-Signed Chicago Architect
I welcome dialog (not ranting) about ideas and solutions.
Whiners need not reply.
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