Tree Equity CELT Award for Undergraduate Research
Tulane School of Architecture
Instructor: John Park
This research investigates affordable housing in the New Orleans area with a specific focus on how tree coverage supports this housing stock. Research reveals this area’s susceptibility to climate change related rises in rainfall, sea level and consequent flooding disasters. Selected residents rely on federal assistance, which includes housing choice vouchers, low-income housing tax credits, and other project-based housing programs. However, little attention has been paid to the use of green spaces, such as tree canopy and permeable topography, to lower the temperature and provide better permeability toward the ground. A greater focus on the use of these natural resources may benefit vulnerable neighborhoods in the prevention of disastrous hurricanes and flooding.