You know that an architecture trend is starting when Rem Koolhaas is talking about it. He is turning away from cities now and focusing on preservation and the countryside, even though our focus is not the countryside just yet, we couldn’t agree more with Mr. Koolhaas about Preservation and it seems like Architectural Record is on the same boat, their February 2015 issue was all about renovation, restoration and adaptation.
Our New Orleans Jazz Market, home of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) has been honored with a 2015 Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation by the Louisiana Landmarks Society that recognizes projects completed in Orleans Parish (outside of the French Quarter) that represent outstanding examples of restoration or rehabilitation of historic buildings.
The 14,000 SF building hosts 360 seats on its floor, a partial wrap-around balcony, and a retractable stadium seating section. The performing arts venue includes classrooms, a digital Jazz archive and administrative offices for the non-profit organization. One of the greatest design challenges was to provide suitable acoustic design that could add vibrancy and energy, creating an inspiring experience in the undisputed birthplace of jazz music.
The project opening this Spring, was mentioned in the New York Times as one of the 52 places to visit in 2015 ‘the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra opens in a new home that has a state-of-the-art performance space, as well as exhibits of current and former jazz greats.’
The New Orleans Jazz Market demonstrates that preserving historic buildings and cultural sites is a tool to revitalize unique neighborhoods like Central City and the Oretha Castle Haley corridor. Neighborhoods that portray communities and create a sense of place. Many of New Orleans first jazz musicians lived in Central City including Buddy Bolden, Kid Ory, Jelly Roll Morton and Jordan Noble. The building reflects the deep roots of the organization to jazz culture, while still reinterpreting the past and expressing the culture of today.
The design is highly driven by the mission of the nonprofit organization “to create Jazz, to enhance life, transform place, and elevate spirit. NOJO inspires freedom and culture in the individual and the global community by creating authentic, engaging Jazz experiences that celebrate the origins and transform the future of Jazz.”
Preservation, renovation and adaptation of old buildings is becoming even more crucial in today’s construction market. The New Orleans Jazz Market reflects the textured layers of historic New Orleans while adapting to contemporary uses that honor the past and look towards the future.
More about the project here
Kommentare