Tulane University Richardson Memorial Hall

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Tulane University sought to re-envision its campus, and specifically Richardson Memorial Hall, home to its School of Architecture. A substantial renovation could achieve ambitious energy goals, supplant the building's historic and outdated mechanical systems, and improve overall resiliency. We developed a comprehensive sustainability plan with strategies to achieve LEED Platinum certification, meet 2030 Challenge emissions reductions, and reduce water use by 80%. Collaborating with faculty and students, we administered a detailed occupancy survey and led a two-day workshop in support of a strategic implementation. The proposed renovation assesses the ongoing needs of architecture students in an academic program focused around sustainability, and details recommendations to improve energy efficiency, water management, ecological materials, indoor environmental comfort, and maintenance and operations.