defining regionalism :: take one

Bayou Sauvage, originally uploaded by regional.modernism.

regionalism =(df) a syncretic approach to design, exhibiting a consciousness of both environmental forces and vernacular forms.

"Buildings as well as people tend to return to a state of nature more quickly in the South than in the North and West. Whatever may be said of the economic consequences of this fact, it is an advantage for architecture. Here in the South there is a sort of natural heritage of the picturesque akin to the older civilizations of Europe, something the artist would consider of value, and which in a measure should be retained."

- Nathaniel Cortlandt Curtis 1936

The Child is the Monument

The Child is the Monument, originally uploaded by regional.modernism.

Thirty thousand people attended an exhibit of revolutionary school construction designed by students of Prof. Charles Colbert, Tulane. Colbert above left, and Edwin Eley, assistant head of Orleans Parish Public Schools, check the exhibit.

In the 1950s thirty new public schools were constructed in New Orleans. The drive to modernize school facilities was spearheaded by Charles R. Colbert (1921-2007). In 1948 this young assistant professor at Tulane coordinated a 2nd year studio focused on designing modern schools suitable to our climate and sensitive to the needs of children. The subsequent public exhibition of this student work was viewed by 30,000 New Orleanians. “They went away all steamed up over such items as modern, soft-finish, non-glare desk tops; light-absorbing, easy on-the-eyes green chalk boards instead of old-fashioned blackboards; glass wall blocks which filter light and produce a soothing indirect illumination in the classroom; windows on two sides; ‘orientation’ toward prevailing breezes-----and all this at a smaller cost per foot than is usual for conventional school buildings.”

Colbert served for two years as Supervising Architect for Planning and Construction for the Orleans Parish School Board. In 1952 he produced A Continuous Planning and Building Program, a comprehensive study of existing facilities and plans for growth and development. The following spring Colbert resigned from this position as planner to focus on his architectural practice. And to practice what he preached.

‘The Child Is The Monument’ by Helena Huntington Smith, Colliers, September 3, 1949

Vintage Lustron Home for Sale in Shreveport

Lustron for Sale, originally uploaded by regional.modernism.

 
THIS IS A ONE OF A KIND HOME CALLED A "LUSTRON HOME". MADE OF STEEL WITH PORCELAIN COATED EXTERIOR PANELS,STEEL FRAMING,STEEL INTERIOR WALLS AND CEILINGS AND MAINTENANCE FREE. LOOK IT UP ON THE WEB. 

http://lustronpreservation.org

YOUR GREEN BUYERS WILL LOVE THIS!! 

3906 Akard, Shreveport, LA 71105
Single Family Home
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Square Feet: 1,440
Year Built: 1949
MLS Number: 119911

Contact Donna Smith
(318) 686-4690

www.century21spigener.com/property/property.asp?PRM_MLSNu...

notes on treme

The opening montage of David Simon's Treme features a series of images of floodlines on buildings, some verging on abstraction. The final image was similar to the one above of a streamline moderne "House of the Future" on Canal Blvd. It was nearly demolished two years ago, but has since been renovated.

The closing scene of the pilot episode is set outside the Payne Memorial A.M.E. Church on S. Liberty in Central City. This is just one of hundreds of little churches embedded in our back-of-town neighborhoods.

In this case, the church is open, but sadly many of the shotguns in the neighborhood remain shuttered. I like that Simon weaves a bit of  Central City, the Lakefront and especially modern architecture into his vision. Twentieth century architecture is all around us in New Orleans but rarely seen, especially not by the ad man or filmmaker. Thanks, Mr. Simon for noticing.

"House of the Future" August Perez, c. 1940. 6855 Canal Blvd. New Orleans LA  photo: Francine Stock 

Payne Memorial A.M.E. Church, 3306 S. Liberty Street, Central City, New Orleans, LA. photo: Francine Stock