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 the January 2003 Master
Plan
In January 2003 the Master Plan Symposium for A Studio in the Woods (ASITW) assembled a consortium of architects, landscape architects, artists, naturalists and humanists as well as architecture students from Tulane University who will be involved in the design and building of structures in the plan. Through the Symposium, and follow-up work by architect Daniel Winkert, an environmental architect, conceptual master plan was developed for structures to be built for an artists’ retreat community, within 7.66 acres of preserved bottomland hardwood forest, an essential and endangered hurricane buffer in the wetlands, on the Lower Coast of Algiers in the southernmost edge of New Orleans. The goal of this multidisciplinary approach to design was to obtain a wide range of experience and diversity to establish a new approach to creating structures that are artful and respecting of the natural environment as well as provide  learning experiences for all involved. This goal emanates directly from the Mission of ASITW: “to preserve our Mississippi River bottomland hardwood forest and to provide a tranquil haven where artists can work uninterrupted within this natural sanctuary.”
Since Hurricane Katrina this type of design rarely seen in the Deep South, is now recognized as essential for the preservation of the forest newly understood to be a vital part of the wetlands which protects South Louisiana from hurricane winds and surge.
The Conceptual Maser Plan document, post Katrina more important than ever, contains guiding principles and vital first steps in master planning process and provides a road map which is being used by architects, architecture students and green building advocates begin the process of creating the structural environment at ASITW as well as a model for other development in the region so in need of the hurricane protection provided by this endangered bottomland hardwood forest.
Download Complete Conceptual Master Plan Document (3.62 Mb)
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