URBANbuild is a design/build program where teams of students design and construct prototypical structures for New Orleans’ neighborhoods. URBANbuild partners with a community organization in the development of these homes. Partners have included Make It Right, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans, Inc., and Harmony Neighborhood Development.

URBANbuild18, located at 1824 Washington Ave, is a continuation of UB’s collaboration with Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Crescent Care to create a low-income housing community for families dealing with illness. This structure is a two-bedroom, two-bath ADA accessible scheme designed to enhance the quality of life for an occupant undergoing end-of-life care.

A central aspect of the UB18 was the “feature wall.” The driving idea behind this feature wall was a lantern. The social areas (living and dining rooms) would be illuminated indirectly with warm, inviting light from the stairwell. The horizontal and vertical louvers would cast shadows across the space. These louvers were inspired by those on the exterior of UB17 - merging the aesthetics of UB17 and UB18 and bringing elements of the exterior facade inside.