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Neutral Ground



Matthew Brown
University of Toronto, 2009

Problem
The current design of most New Orleans streets sends stormwater at high speeds across impermeable surfaces and into storm drains. This water, contaminated by oil and other chemicals, races through the storm sewer system at speeds and volumes beyond the capacity of the city's pumping systems.

Proposal
This project uses the planted street median, called a neutral ground in New Orleans, to slow, hold, and clean stormwater. The neutral ground is reconfigured as a planted swale, and water percolates into the street's underground canal through a sand and gravel filter. Tree planting on either side of the neutral ground increases the travel time of water to the ground and into the canal; it absorbs water; and it brings dignity and quality to the street.