Backyard building
Description
The thesis comprises a real estate development investigation and architectural proposal focusing on revitalizing stagnating single-family neighborhoods through legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The research begins with introductory and literature review chapters, followed by Chapter 3, which analyzes the history, development, and discourse surrounding ADUs in New Orleans and beyond. Chapter 4 examines existing precedents and research in Los Angeles, identifying weaknesses and proposing alternative approaches. Chapter 5 presents a survey conducted in Uptown, a New Orleans neighborhood with existing ADU stock, along with a review of the survey results. The thesis reaches its culmination in Chapters 6 through 9, which explore a proposed modular prefabricated ADU system implemented in the Gentilly neighborhood. This system aims to promote sustainable living, facilitate wealth generation, and enhance neighborhood resiliency across multiple scales, including zoning, block, lot, and domestic levels. These chapters emphasize the significant potential of underutilized spaces on homeowners' lots to drive positive change for homeowners and the broader community. Chapter 10 concludes by highlighting the strong synergies that can be achieved by addressing the national need for affordable housing, implementing asynchronous scattered-site real estate development, and employing intelligent city planning practices.