Research

• Louisiana Universities Resilient Architecture Collaborative (LURAC) – Inaugural Summit

  LURAC is focused on the development of techniques, processes, policy recommendations and outreach through “design research.” A range of case study examinations, physical mapping, community engagement, studio-based design, and synthesis...
  Research
• Strategic Community-Level Green Infrastructure Planning for the Amite River Watershed

  CSS encouraged the development of Amite River site-specific design studios in Architecture and Landscape Architecture, promoting multi-disciplinary research and design thinking approaches for problem-solving in this important region. Once research...
  Research
• Inland from the Coast: A multi-scalar approach to regional climate change responses

  Gathering and disseminating local ecological knowledge about landscape functionality Providing high quality, accessible information on current and future environmental conditions to influence community decision-making Evaluating past events to support adaptation...
  Research, Capacity Building, Visual Communication, Community Planning
• A New Changing Course: From the Last Naturally Active to a New Naturally Active and Sustainable Mississippi Delta

  Formalize a new framework to promote safe and sustainable development in coastal Louisiana Reinitiate a functioning delta by reactivating to some extent all major distributaries Redesign a new New Orleans...
  Research
• The Baker Canal Corridor Project

  The Baker Canal Corridor Project will create a culturally sensitive collaborative that brings environmental projects, entrepreneurship, research and education to communities in a manner that encourages a comprehensive understanding and...
  Research
• Inhabiting Risk: A Dual Framework of Insurable Alternatives for a Changing Environment

  Develop speculative, insurable building models that engage economic and technical challenges in high risk communities. Document and add physical building conditions such as elevation, structural systems, materials, and construction assemblies...
  Research
• Environmental Communication for Coastal Louisiana

  The project aims to develop interdisciplinary knowledge of best practices in coastal environmental communication, using research and expertise in environmental psychology, coastal sustainability, community resilience, mass communication, and public relations....
  Research
• Influences on Household and Community-Level Mitigation Efforts and Adaptations to Coastal Hazards in Louisiana

  The research seeks to provide insights into the conditions under which residents and local officials of south Louisiana communities are more likely to implement mitigation and adaptation measures in response...
  Research
• WA | VE: Waterway Information for Vessels Smartphone App

  Develop the technology for commercial fishermen to access various datasets through one viewing platform on their mobile device. Outside of hurricane season the app provides additionally relevant information about waterways...
  Research
• Earth Blocks: Feasibility Study for Low-Cost Hurricane-Resistant Buildings

  Demonstrate the feasibility of CSEB (Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks) systems as hurricane-resistant low-cost housing, through the design of a proof-of-concept CSEB house on Louisiana’s coast. This proof-of- concept design includes...
  Research
• Tactical Extreme Scenario Trial [TEST]

  The Tactical Extreme Scenario Trial [TEST] investigates variations of designed responses to transformation amongst a retreating coastline. Can migration patterns be influenced by and participate with infrastructure design requirements through...
  Research
• Delta Ranch: Resilient Structures for the Coast

  This project integrates architecture, coastal bioengineering, and coastal plant science to develop solutions for structures that can sustain themselves and the coast. Specifically, we look to design a habitable structure...
  Research
• Megatrends – Dynamic Coast

  The study (1) investigates assumptions about the future of the Mississippi River delta and the people who live in it and depend upon it using powerful novel statistical forecasting tools;...
  Research
• I-10 Megaregion

  The I-10 Megaregion project uses the best available research, combined with a systems and design-thinking approach to envision the future mega-region along the Gulf Coast, with coordinated planning around development...
  Research
• Linking Nutrient and Hydrologically Dynamics in the Mississippi River Basin

  The design and management strategies attempted to minimize nutrient runoff while achieving the best outcomes for agriculture, ecosystem services, and sustainable community development.
  Research