Louisiana Speaks: Pattern Book louisiana region In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, urgent need exists to rebuild vast numbers of houses and buildings and to do so with a speed not possible using only traditional construction techniques. The challenge is to make sure that rebuilding is achieved in the best possible way – Safer, Stronger, and Smarter – in keeping with the motto of the Louisiana Recovery Authority’s Louisiana Speaks program. The Louisiana Speaks Pattern Book has been created to provide both guidance and tools for the builders who will take on that task.
project type
UDA Pattern Books® and Form-Based Codes primary client
Center for Planning Excellence year completed
2006 reference
Elizabeth “Boo” Thomas Plan Baton Rouge 402 North 4th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225)267-6300 boothomas@c-pex.org
E LE M E NTS OF TH E NEW NEIGHBORHOOD
The new neighborhood is a collection of streets, parks, houses, and mixed-use buildings that fit within these frameworks. STR E ETS
Within the plan area, street types include small-scale neighborhood streets, a collection of alleys and service ways, and a perimeter drive around the park. For each of these street types, there is an appropriate crosssection which describes its width, the design of the sidewalks, and the lighting. L o t R e q u i r e m e n t s : S e t b a ck s a n d f a c a d e z o n e s a t the neighborhood scale
Streets
L A N D S CA P E : S T R E E T S CA P E S A N D P U B L I C O P E N S PAC E
The street rights-of-way are further developed with street trees in the planting verges, the development of a park, and special treatment along the banks of the canals. B LO C K S A N D LOT S
The framework of streets defines the blocks for development. The blocks are subdivided into individual parcels for sale to home owners and developers. Different parcel types accommodate different building types. LOT R E Q U I R E M E N T S
Landscape: Streetscapes and Public Open Space
Buildings placed on lots
In order to organize the urban space of the neighborhood, the plan establishes setback lines and facade zones for each parcel. These set the location of individual buildings within the plan and create the relationship of the house to the street. B U I LD I NG S
Facade Zone Setback Zone
Lot Requirements: Lot scale
A wide variety of houses and buildings can then be placed on the lots. A diverse collection of styles and types of buildings creates a coherent urban environment. The illustration includes: >> Single-family houses on wide lots >> Small cottages on small-scale streets >> Attached houses >> Small apartment houses >> Mixed-use buildings on the main square
B l o ck s w i t h L o t Ty p e s Rowhouses
A Louisiana house on its lot Large Houses
Mixed-Use Buildings
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