Modern and contemporary
architecture has been
seen by some as having
had a negative impact.
In particular, historic
cities that lost
significant urban fabric
through urban renewal
have been averse to the
buildings that came in
itsplace. While there
has been opposition to
their retention,
attitudes have been
changing. There is a
growing appreciationfor
their role in the urban
fabric as a record of
diverse values and
cultural movements.The
Recovery School District
is in the process of
finalizing its School
Facilities Master Plan
for Orleans Parish. Only
fivenew school plans
have been revealed while
47 school buildings are
threatened by
demolition. New Orleans’
current population is
approximately half of
its 1960 population, so
there is less need for
so many facilities. It
appears that the plan is
to clear the lots while
FEMA funds are available
for demolition and
rebuild as necessary.
However, in that
process, struggling
neighborhoods are
deprived of a potential
community center,
artists’ studio complex
or musicians’practice
space. These buildings
are ripe for adaptive
re-use and they belong
to the people of New
Orleans. Their
structures are solidly
engineered, designed in
sympathy with our
climate, and have become
part of our cultural and
historic fabric. The
renovation of a
modernist school that
was built in a moment of
sheer optimism can serve
as a symbolfor the
city’s rebirth.
SOURCE: LOUISIANA
LANDMARK SOCIETY
|
