Overview
"Like dancing in the Garden of Earthly Delights, Roulhac B. Toledano's A Pattern Book of New Orleans Architecture is an enchanting waltz through the heart of the Crescent City choreographed by the doyenne of New Orleans' preservationists. She presents two centuries of colored renderings from the New Orleans Notarial Archives in a stunning visual portrait of the city's built heritage, while architect Gate Pratt's pattern book of new homes designed in authentic styles provides an indispensible resource for rebuilding efforts. This work is destined to become the quintessential bible for historians, preservationists, architects, and all those interested in the true story of the architectural traditions that have shaped the 'real' New Orleans."--Russell Versaci, AIA, traditional architect and author of Creating a New Old House and Roots of Home
"For architects, builders, and developers working in the Crescent City, Roulhac B. Toledano's A Pattern Book of New Orleans Architecture reveals an extraordinary new design resource. Toledano describes in detail the evolution of the city and the building types that have given the city a character unique in the world. Modern floor plans designed by local architects for historic house types demonstrate that the traditional architectural patterns of New Orleans are as accommodating today as in the past. For local practitioners and visitors wishing to build in New Orleans, Toledano's pattern book is essential for sensitive and thoughtful design in this most exotic and precious city."
--Paul Ostergaard, AIA, Urban Design Associates, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This presentation of nineteenth-century gouache and watercolor archival paintings from the New Orleans Notarial Archives offers a glimpse at what old, renovated, restored, and new buildings in New Orleans neighborhoods not only might look like, but how they should look. Including examples of each New Orleans house type, ranging from the French colonial plantation home to the Creole cottage, this volume offers historic plans for each house along with contemporary adaptive-use alternatives to suit modern needs.
An architectural pattern book, educational tool, city planner's handbook, and stunning visual presentation, this gorgeous resource is intended for all interested in historic preservation and architectural history as well as those wishing to build a modern home in an authentic New Orleans style.
Synopsis
This attractive and useful guide to New Orleans architecture presents typical historical house types along with color archival drawings dating back to the 1830s. It includes a discussion of how and why to continue using such plans when renovating, restoring, rebuilding, or designing new houses in New Orleans. French, Spanish, Creole, and American styles are examined.