Even though Hurricane Katrina only devastated the Gulf Coast and the Greater New Orleans area, the whole world felt her effect. It has been ten years since the horrendous storm blasted through the Gulf Coast and the lessons learned have become the model for cities around the world as they plan and prepare for severe weather and rising sea levels. In essence that one storm became the catalyst for new changes in urban design and development around the world.
No one was prepared for the lives lost and communities lost by Katrina. The Urban Land Institute (ULI) realized that this was a wake-up call for all communities in the area of buildings’ resilience to storms. Buildings must be built with every detail looked at when facing the challenge of a major storm. Not only did New Orleans need to have many buildings rebuilt, but they also needed to be built better than before. Part of this process was not only to focus on the buildings themselves but the land and environment around the community. This was done by restoring marshland and wetlands that aid in absorbing floodwaters, building affordable houses with green technology, and using other means of building that do not solely depend on oil and gas.
According to Sarene Marshall, executive director for ULI’s Center for Sustainability, “The result is a city that is more environmentally sustainable, socially cohesive, and economically prosperous, and is as a result attracting new residents, businesses and investors.”
ULI studied other communities around the world who have also been proactive in their storm protection. These cities have focused on resilience and molding their infrastructures to climate change. Small coastal towns to larger tourist oceanfront resorts have all been affected by the climate change which includes rising sea levels, extreme heat, drought and stronger storm activity. Marshall explained, “As the resilience movement has gained momentum, we are seeing innovative approaches to the planning, design, development, financing, and insuring of real estate.”
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) reported that cities around the world are building for resilience which is not only protecting from bad weather but also improving local and economic growth and quality of life. Resilient design strategies enable a stronger defense against extreme weather which makes communities healthier and more desirable places to live. How are communities doing this? They are taking a holistic approach. Cities are building developments that are walkable and mixed-use which encourage social interactions among neighbors.
The public and private sectors are also building community amenities such as parks, trails, and fitness centers which are also being used for neighbors to connect socially and to be used as emergency escape routes during a storm. Homes in these developments are not only able to withstand extreme weather but also reduce energy and water use which can cut utility cost.
ULI’s Marshall backs up this theory stating, “Being resilient means focusing on adaptation and flexibility of space, so that building uses can change over time to 1) meet the new needs and preferences of residents, and 2) be better equipped to withstand environmental and economic stresses.”
The design of a community can prepare it for severe weather. Not every community should be designed the same. There are a couple of factors to consider such as the types of risks faced and the scale of action. An example of this is considering strategies and risks for someone who is building in a flood zone. These could include raising electrical equipment above the first floor and using water resistant materials in lower levels of the home. ULI has a publication called “A Guide for Assessing Climate Change Risk” which will assist in choosing the correct strategies and actions to take when dealing with disasters. Basically it comes down to understanding the risks and tailoring a strategy for a specific community.
Thankfully ULI has been there for New Orleans during the rebuild after Katrina. ULI has provided guidance and assistance to New Orleans’ development industry through their “Resilience Strategies for Communities at Risk” where the relationship between built and human systems is considered when building housing in the Greater New Orleans area developments.
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https://theparkslifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Parks-of-Plaquemines-Near-New-Orleans.png00plaquadmplaquhttps://theparkslifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Parks-of-Plaquemines-Near-New-Orleans.pngplaquadmplaqu2015-09-13 17:50:142015-09-13 17:50:14Tour the Little Red Caboose in Gretna, Louisiana, October 12, 2015
This year is the first year that Algiers will host a fall festival on September 26, 2015, from 11:00am – 7:00pm. The Algiers Fall Festival in Federal City is celebrating the military and Algiers community on the West Bank. This family event will have live music, local food trucks, local art vendors, children’s activities, beer and wine. Many local favorites will serve you with great food and drinks. These include Big Dog BBQ on DA Go, Bite-N-Go Express, The Holy Grill, Kenny’s Cajun & Creole, King Sham Boiling & Grill on Wheels, La Cocinita, Nola Girl Food, Pirate Pizza, Sweet “T” Old Fashioned Homemade Treats, Taylor Made Wings on the Geaux and Ye Olde Kettle Vendor. Ochsner Health System, a sponsor of the festival, will also have their ribbon cutting ceremony on their new facility in Federal City during the Algiers Fall Festival at 1:30pm. There will be free food provided and free group fitness classes!
New Orleans is known for its great music festivals, and the Algiers Fall Festival is sure to live up to the city’s hype. The music line-up will include the Marine Corps Band New Orleans which will headline at 11:00am, followed by The Young Pinstripe Brass Band at 12:30pm, Little Freddie King at 2:00pm, The Bucktown All-Stars at 3:30pm, and will end with Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band at 5:30pm.
Here is a little background on each of the bands that will perform. The Young Pinstripe Brass Band combines jazz, funk, soul, rock and hip-hop. Originating out of New Orleans, this band exudes the energy and talent from the streets of New Orleans by using traditional brass sound in modern music. The Bucktown All-Stars, famous for their true Cresent City flavor, prides themselves in “bringing their A game” whenever they perform. This band will bring high energy mix of rock, soul, funk, R&B and legendary New Orleans classics to the festival.
Local Leader and Legend of New Orleans, Little Freddie King has been performing for fifty-five years. Many love the sounds of his American root blues with a mix of country and urban blues. Of course it would not be a Louisiana festival without a little zydeco. Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, pure zydeco music, has recorded five CD’s and traveled the world.
For more information on the Algiers Fall Festival go to www.algiersdevelopment.com or call 504-367-3331. Presented by First NBC and sponsored by Ochsner Health System, Jones Walker, First Bank and Trust, Navy Federal Credit Union, Beurman Miller Fitzgerald, Pickering & Cotogno, Sean Bruno, CPA, Algiers Development Corporation, Algiers Development District, and Joint Development Committee.
Click Here and Here for the Sources of the Information.
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