NANO Architecture | Interiors was hired by the New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority as the Architect of Record (AOR) for the Stage 1 Interior Upgrades, marking the “largest contract the [Exhibition Hall Authority] has ever awarded to a Small and Emerging Business”.

Prior to this contract as the AOR, we were originally hired by Populous (national architect) to complete the schematic design and assist with concept design for the spaces allocated in the CIP – we were the local DBE firm. Fast forward to today, we are now the AOR on the larger more comprehensive Stage 1 Interior Upgrades.

Beginning in 1984, the facility was built in three phases over the course of 10 years; continuity was achieved at the building transitions, but over the years has become disconnected. A key ambition of NANO’s design team is to utilize the inconsistencies as opportunities for improvement, growth, and stability throughout the framework of the facility. NANO identified where the disconnects existed between MCCNO and their end goal before being able to address them and find the inherent opportunities. Interviews with staff were combined with research and on-site observations to identify and address all challenges and considerations.

Scope of Work + Design Methodology

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO) houses an event space that can provide over 1 million contiguous linear feet for their customers, leaving endless possibilities only limited by the show designer’s imagination. Even with this impressive statistic, many convention-goers are drawn to MCCNO largely due to the culture, history and experiences New Orleans has to offer. With this in mind, NANO’s prime design directive takes a two-fold approach: modernize all meeting rooms, corridors, public gathering spaces, and pre-function spaces while incorporating the experience of New Orleans into the facility through food, art, lighting, textures, rhythms, movement, and visitor interactions.

Currently, NANO is responsible for the improvements of over 680,000 SF of space consisting of first floor lobby areas, pre-function skylight areas, pre-function corridors, and meeting rooms. All doors and storefronts will be replaced as part of the access control and security upgrades, as well as repairs to the Great Hall after Hurricane Ida and converting the Nouvelle Ballroom into additional meeting room spaces.

The team is utilizing the patterns, typical urban archetypes, and the natural forces of the Mississippi River that historically determined our unique urban grid system into the design of the facility. Abstracting typical materiality, exclusive to New Orleans and cultural context, we are producing a heterogenous design strategy for a holistic experience that emulates New Orleans without imitation.

Other crucial goals that are driving the design of the facility are the AIA 2030 Commitment, modernizing infrastructure and technology in a post-COVID environment, promoting local small businesses, cultivating a better connection with the New Orleans community, and strengthening MCCNO’s identity that captures the essence of New Orleans.

Thank you for your consideration. For more info, contact: Kara Nelson, knelson@tegpr.com, 504.377.8937.