NEWS

A rewarding service-learning opportunity for students in the School of Architecture at Louisiana Tech University will result in a new “green” community school for the city of Shreveport.

Through Tech’s Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC), Alyssa Andres, Jessie Gray and Zac Zeller provided the architectural design for a community school being planned by Sankofa Vision, Inc.

All materials to be used in the construction of the school will be environmentally-friendly. “Green” features will also include walking trails, gardens, a fruit orchard and an outdoor performance space.

“For many students, CDAC provides their first opportunity to work with a real client on a real project,” says Kevin Singh, assistant professor of architecture and director of the CDAC. “They are able to utilize their skills gained in studio and other courses, and apply them to improve a community.”

According to Singh, Ms. Leia Lewis, founding director for Sankofa Vision Inc., has a tremendous vision to improve her community and be a model for Shreveport and the region by teaching all ages of people how to be good stewards of the land.

Lewis expects the school to be completed by the end of 2010.

Since its inception in 2000, CDAC has assisted in many community enhancement projects including master planning and envisioning for Oak Grove Recreation and Civic Club, downtown renovations for Tallulah, La, a conceptual building design for Community Outreach of Ouachita, Monroe, La., and envisioning of areas in St. Joseph, La. for renovation and redevelopment.

The Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC) was established in Louisiana Tech’s School of Architecture to provide service-learning opportunities for students and to support our communities by envisioning design issues and promoting economic development throughout northern Louisiana.

Written by Dave Guerin