Tulane Open Classroom

The Open Classroom project envisions a multi-purpose space on the former site of a 9/11 Memorial on Tulane’s Uptown campus, a project thwarted by hurricane Katrina. It is a reincarnation of the memorial as a Temple of Sustainable Technology and Education, reflecting the milieu of the post-9/11, post-Katrina society.

The proposed pavilion consists of a roof canopy, a floor deck and operable screen walls. It pays homage to the 9-11 Memorial by resurrecting the abandoned foundation. The canopy functions as an armature supporting a solar energy collection system. The harvested energy will illuminate the structure, feed the fleet of electric golf carts and a digital display system showcasing the University’s commitment to sustainable campus development. Operable screen walls create a series of covered teaching-learning space(s) that can be configured to accommodate various groups and their gathering styles. It also transforms the pavilion into a stage for occasional all-campus scale gatherings.

Site work mediates the edge condition between existing building and the pavilion, reshaping perception of the campus grounds. It is a passageway connecting the parking to the quad as well as an ADA ramp to the building entrance and a raked seating for the pavilion. A “digital kiosk,” a solar powered message board displaying the University’s community initiatives and service activities will accompany
the structure.

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