Preservation Studio in Historical Preservation Degree

Preservation Studio II

Preservation Studio II concentrates on documenting, analyzing, and planning for the preservation of built environments as a basis for understanding the technical, theoretical and procedural aspects of urban conservation. The course includes intensive study of representative historic structures and landscapes including streetscapes in the New Orleans region as well as in Puerto Rico, where students work both as independent researchers and in teams to learn professional preservation concepts and methods. This studio examines documentation and interpretive methods for sites representing different styles and periods in various conditions. Solutions for such situations will be explored with respect to current architectural preservation principles and procedures.

In the fall of 2023, the Tulane School of Architecture was approached by the management of Latrobe’s on Royal, located at 707 Conti Street. They showed interest in gaining a greater understanding of the architectural history and significance of the site.

The Fall 2023 Preservation Studio I class conducted initial research and documentation of the property. Their work continued into the Spring 2024 Preservation Studio II, led by Heather Veneziano and Mark Rabinowitz, to create a Historic Structure Report (HSR), along with thirteen Tulane School of Architecture graduate students who
participated in group and individual work to construct a detailed history and current conditions of Latrobe’s on Royal.

The intention of the Preservation Studio II course is to concentrate on documenting, analyzing, and planning the preservation of the built environment as a basis for understanding the technical, theoretical, and procedural aspects of urban conservation. Latrobe’s on Royal is a contributing structure listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, listed as Louisiana State Bank. The structure is also designated by the Vieux Carre Commercial District. Its significance is due to its contributed architect, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, also coined “The father of American Architecture”. In addition, its architectural style, contribution to the french quarter urban fabric, and role in the formation of the “Bank” typology lend itself towards noteworthy.

STUDENT WORK

FACULTY

Heather Veneziano, Mark Rabinowitz