Rebuilding New Orleans

Summer 2005  

As part of their seventh terms of academic study at ArtCenter, and in the wake of the devastation left by hurricane Katrina, Product Design students Wakako Takagi and Chris Favela developed a multi-phased research-based independent study project focused on renewed urban planning strategies for the City of New Orleans.

Designmatters is pleased to endorse the independent study project, which concentrates on developing innovative transportation and mobility solutions for the city, focusing on a key area in the region that the students have identified after comprehensive ethnographic research and consultation with community leaders, academics and experts on the ground. Wakako and Chris are also supported in their efforts by Graduate Film student Roman Wyden, who is documenting the team’s research and exploration of New Orleans, and the project’s highly dynamic context within the Gulf Region.