Barrington Playspot

From Cypress Swamps to Spanish, French, and US colonialism, from temporary home and refuge for maroon and indigenous communities, New Orleans East was drained and developed as a suburban escape outside the city in the 1960s.

Economic booms, then busts followed development resulting in stunted population growth, unrealized expectations, and white flight. The reputation of New Orleans East was damaged by racial bias, politics, and disinvestment over recent decades. The residents who call New Orleans East home today are working hard to change public perception, build on their sense of community, and act as stewards and champions for revitalization.

Through our design, we aim to honor the historical landscape and ecology, through habitat restoration of species traditionally used by the Choctaw and Chitimacha peoples for their cultural and artistic forms of basket-weaving, and visual inspiration from pattern language and the present day neighbors who have welcomed us to the site, educated us as experts in their community, and shared stories of the site’s contemporary history. We honor their wishes through a design intended for gathering, sharing, and experiencing both the quiet and loud moments of life together.