Design for Life: In the Deep South

(Hardback)

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Description

This monograph explores the work of Holly & Smith Architects (H/S) over the past 40 years.

This compilation of some of the firms most recent work demonstrates the designers deep respect for the climate, vernacular, culture/context, topography, and the natural environment of the deep South. Significant climate and environmental factors have informed the H/S design philosophy. The culture of south Louisiana has also greatly influenced the design solutions by respecting the vernacular and context of the semi-rural communities. The constraints of clients of modest means are used as an opportunity to utilize ordinary materials and methods uniquely.

Sustainability methods, such as using closely sourced materials indigenous to the sites and focusing on energy conservation through rigorous site analysis and building orientation, are evident in the designs. Several projects presented address sustainability through the adaptive reuse of historic structures. By utilizing historic tax incentives, these examples maintain historic integrity of the faade while repurposing the interiors, bringing often overlooked and neglected cultural gems back into commerce. These timeless designs fit seamlessly into the existing architectural inventory of the deep South while utilizing current technologies, materials, and construction methodologies to address the needs of the clients, users, and communities.

Author Bio

Founded in 1980, Holly & Smith Architects, APAC (H/S) is a full-service professional architecture corporation with offices in Hammond, New Orleans, and Lafayette, Louisiana. H/S has extensive experience serving a wide range of clients throughout southeast Louisiana and brings over 40 years of expertise in designing and administering construction contracts in the region. As architects, H/S creates the spaces and places where people live their life. How we learn, work, eat, sleep, heal, worship, and gather are all improved by the quality of that space and place.