New Orleans, Louisiana
Albert + Tina Small Center for Collaborative Design
June 2021, Small Center Team
MOBILE TEACHING LAB
Operation Restoration
done in collaboration with Mel Evans + the OR team
Operation Restoration is an organization that focuses on women and children who have been impacted by incarceration. They run multiple programs focusing on advocacy, education, economic mobility, and true economic equity for their staff, clients, and community.
The Mobile Teaching Lab will provide a vital piece of infrastructure for the Lab Assistant Program. While many of the colleges and prisons that Operation Restoration is associated with can provide a lecture or classroom space, most don’t always have available lab spaces and equipment for the students to use. By creating a mobile lab, they can bring the lab environment and equipment to the students, while also not contributing to prison infrastructure and providing students with a warm and welcoming space.
Through this project we were able to lay out a vision and initial research for a mobile teaching lab that includes workstations for 6 or more students, a teacher’s workstation, shared equipment, and the infrastructure required to provide power, water, and thermal control. Along with potential designs for several vehicle types, there is also research involving the materials, equipment, code requirements, and other considerations to keep in mind once the project is able to be realized.
OPTION #1 TRANSIT BUS
potential price: $10,000-$40,000
estimated square feet: ~293 sq ft
gas mileage: 3 mpg (gas) or 6 mpg (diesel)
benefits: comfortable ceiling height, spacious, comes w/ a wheelchair lift or ramp, large/expansive windows
potential issues: large vehicle, may require a CDL if over 26k lbs.
OPTION #2 AIRSTREAM
potential price: $25,000-$150,000
estimated square feet: ~252 sq ft
gas mileage: reliant on tow vehicle
benefits: comfortable ceiling height, comes w/ some plumbing/electrical, easier to replace tow vehicle
potential issues: requires tow vehicle, weight restrictions due to lightweight frame
OPTION #3 RV
potential price: $20,000-$175,000
estimated square feet: ~189 sq ft
gas mileage: 6-10 mpg (gas) or 8-14 mpg (diesel)
benefits: - comfortable ceiling height, windows - comes w/ plumbing, electrical - no CDL required
potential issues: - large vehicle - size & cost vary widely
JERICHO ROAD SITE VISIONING
done in collaboration with the PID fellows + JR team
Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative of New Orleans is a neighborhood-based nonprofit homebuilder that provides families with healthy and energy-efficient affordable housing opportunities. We partner with neighborhood residents, organizations and businesses to create and maintain a stable and thriving community.
The Jericho Project inhabits a lot at 2717 S. Saratoga St. in New Orleans. Once an orchard for the community, the site has become overgrown and uninhabited due to external factors like COVID-19.
This project proposes a renovation of the site in order to bring life back to the surrounding community and create a space for workers and community members to occupy. By re-introducing the language of lush greenery, and program that suits the current needs of the Jericho Project team members, this project will revitalize the site and provide a quiet, beautiful spot tucked away within the city.
