After the Flood: Building on Higher Ground

After the Flood was an architectural exhibit produced for the 10th International Venice Architecture Biennale by Architectural Record and Tulane University’s School of Architecture. The exhibit examined the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 and offered a range of architectural responses and innovative solutions to the urban and environmental conditions of New Orleans.

To reflect current development in the recovery process of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast A+D Museum collaborated with the Make It Right Foundation. The Make It Right Foundation was established by Brad Pitt to rebuild the Lower 9th Ward, with a focus on green and affordable housing incorporating innovative design. Out of these efforts the PINK PROJECT was conceived.

Together with GRAFT, the idea was born to create an installation that would focus immediate global attention onto a pervasive local issue. On December 3, 2007, 450 pink structures were unveiled along the Industrial Canal in the Lower 9th Ward. Through monetary donations these pink placeholders ultimately enabled the construction of 150 real homes.

This exhibition included 13 designs for these new homes by an international selection of architects including Shigeru Ban and Thom Mayne. Also on view were several large format images of the PINK PROJECT.

After the Flood raised critical international attention to the dire situation in New Orleans and its examination brought awareness to critical urban issues worldwide. The exhibit at A+D Museum created opportunities for updated solutions and an immense opportunity for increased awareness of continued need in New Orleans and of its affected inhabitants.