Along the coast of Southern Louisiana, communities, ecologies, and industries inhabit a perpetually transforming
landscape. Throughout the most recent centuries of urban development, settlement patterns have denied the persistent
dynamism and typically constructed upon these landscapes as if they were permanent. Both within Barataria Basin and
throughout the rest of Southeast Louisiana this transforming landscape questions current development practices and
challenges the continuation of existing coastal communities. Aligned parallel to the coastline, the long, thin sandy islands
close to the shore are known as barrier islands. Sited within one of these barrier island ecosystems, the Grand Isle Studio
examines the prospects for human settlement to remain amongst this edge condition.
Capitalizing on the attraction to catch world-class saltwater fish within adjacent waters, Raised Landings [Kyle Schroeder]
engages the permanence of the fishing industry as the permanence of the island itself transforms. Conscious of varying
annual populations, the series of flexible, short-term residence spaces within Ephemeral Pixels invites visitors to become
embedded within the deteriorating land on the island’s back bay. The Exoteric Comunete Center [Casey Broussard]
acknowledges risk and distributes building use according to exposed base flood elevations, immersing preparedness and
response within the culture of the everyday. Complete with a terraced dock and shooting range, the elevated bar and
lounge found within Measurable Playscapes [Chris Weimer] facilitates moments of interaction with panoramic views of the
surrounding site. Considerate of the interdependencies of lively communities and healthy economies, the Crossing at the
End of Louisiana [Asal Emamjomeh] attempts to establish a scale of tourism that provides an experience of the landscape
unlike anywhere else. Respite Terrain [Abbey Brown] provides a series of inhabitable environments for migratory bird
species and birdwatchers alike, creating a set of terraced environments that contribute to the larger ecosystem.
DOWNLOAD Born on Island: Anticipating Life at the Edge of Louisiana
PROJECT COMPLETED WITH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE LSU COASTAL SUSTAINABILITY STUDIO, LOUISIANA SEA GRANT, AND THE LSU SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE