Lessons Learned from Transdisciplinary Response to Climate-Induced Resettlement in South Louisiana
Haley Blakeman, Undergraduate Coordinator
Louisiana State University, Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture
Debbi La Rue, Graduate Student
Louisiana State University, Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture
Abstract
Managed retreat is an inherently complex process, involving a wide breadth of expertise to be successful. A lack of shared language and practices can impede the resettlement process. This poster examines the mechanics of how an atypical cadre of practitioners can work collaboratively to challenge and deepen the integrity of climate-induced resettlement processes. It builds upon the working relationship of three practitioners who performed key roles in the planning and design process for the managed retreat of 99 people living on Isle de Jean Charles in coastal Louisiana. With academic and professional backgrounds in landscape architecture, urban planning, sociology, anthropology, and geography, and professional backgrounds in the public, private, and academic sectors, these practitioners came to the process with divergent perspectives, theories, languages, priorities, and methods. However, they cultivated a constructive environment for interrupting disciplinary assumptions and bridging diverging knowledge to deepen their individual and shared understanding that improved design and policy outcomes for residents. Instead of simply bringing their discipline's perspective, together they created a âtransdisciplinary approachâ based on a new shared understanding. This poster expands upon earlier work by examining and visually representing specific constructive, collaborative, transformative moments and maps their impacts on the design and policy outcomes.
