The Hypothetical Development Organization, founded in 2010, recognizes, promotes, and extends a new form of urban storytelling.

HDO identifies neglected-looking buildings, and devises blatantly implausible (but entertaining and engaging) futures for them. These ideas are illustrated by our team of talented artists, and printed on large signs inspired by those of real-world real estate developers. The signs are then posted on the actual buildings.

Thus, HDO's stories are shared with the public at large.

This volume documents the debut of HDO in New Orleans: A dozen buildings, and a dozen "stories."

Introduction by Rob Walker