Nocturnal New Orleans

october 20, 2024

BY ISABEL BERMAN

Richard Campanella, Associate Dean of Research and Senior Professor of Practice in Architecture and Geology, is the co-author of Nocturnal New Orleans, a photography book with Marco Rasi.

Campanella is the author of fifteen books and over 300 articles focused on the geography, history, and urbanism of the New Orleans area. His works include Draining New Orleans and Bourbon Street: A History, as well as numerous articles on Louisiana's history, geography, architecture, and culture.

In recognition of his contributions, Campanella was also recently awarded the Patron of Architecture Award from the Louisiana Architecture Foundation at the Louisiana AIA banquet in Baton Rouge.

Nocturnal New Orleans explores the captivating allure of New Orleans after dark, unveiling the city's mystique, beauty, and energy that emerge during the "witching hour." Through a collection of hundreds of nighttime photographs by Marco Rasi, accompanied by text from Richard Campanella, the book celebrates the ethereal charm of the Crescent City under the cover of darkness. While the night often conjures images of mystery and excitement, Campanella argues that this allure is not magical or mythical but rooted in the city's unique history, geography, culture, and economy. The book traces this nocturnal character to New Orleans' origins as a diverse, transient port city at the crossroads of local and global influences, where anonymity, desire, and opportunity have shaped its nighttime identity for over three centuries. Nocturnal New Orleans is a tribute to the enduring beauty and rich complexity of the city as seen in its glowing lights and deep shadows.

For more information, visit LSU Press.