Architecture as a Catalyst for Self-progressivism: a Constructive Environment in the Lower Ninth Ward
Open Access
- Author:
- Wertman, Aaron Charles
- Area of Honors:
- Architecture
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Architecture
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Marcus Steven Shaffer, Thesis Supervisor
Scott W Wing, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Self-Progressivism
New Orleans
Lower Ninth Ward
Architect as Activist
Reclamation
Design-Build
Rebuilding
Self-Building - Abstract:
- By promoting the autonomous development of a resilient community through self-progressive architectural activism, the rebuilding process and the architect’s role changes. It evolves from that of a removed designer to an engaged activist. In current home building practice, there is a disconnect between the user and the architect, knowledge & skills, and materials necessary to construct and shape one’s own environment, home, and thus their identity. By becoming an active member of the community, the architect sets an example, working alongside community members to rebuild not only homes and community, but also a collective knowledge that can benefit beyond the building yard. This active engagement fosters empowerment through building. The education-through-experience process acts as a critique of architectural education, implements the radical reuse of materials, and emphasizes the relationship between materials & tools, drawing & building, and the user & architect. The notion of engagement is very important. The project requires a social aspect that allows for knowledge and skills to be shared in an accommodating and comfortable forum where the architect and the user are equals – working together, not separate. Both parties can learn from the other, enhancing the community aspect of building. This is different from current efforts because I am promoting self-progressive and autonomous home rebuilding, instead of a reliance on government or non-profit and aid agencies. [“autonomy” in this case means “ownership” or mastery of the means of production (money, materials, knowledge, skills, design thinking, etc.)]