I think it's time we address this issue. An article today in the New York Times (in the Art & Design section, I might add) lays out Brad Pitt's plans for rebuilding the Ninth Ward:
"The project, called Make It Right, calls for building 150 affordable, environmentally sound houses over the next two years. In a telephone interview from New Orleans, where he plans to present the designs today, Mr. Pitt said the residents of the neighborhood had been homeless long enough. 'They’re coming up on their third Christmas,' he said."
Though the project is daunting, Pitt remains unfazed. 'If you have this blank slate and this great technology out there, what better test than low-income housing?' Mr. Pitt said. 'It’s got to work at all levels to really be viable.'"
The article sates that the green buildings will "reduce upkeep costs by at least 75 percent." The project is being funded by Pitt himself as well as foundations, corporations, and individuals. He is asking donors to "adopt a house" or a portion of one.
"Responding to critics who question the wisdom of rebuilding at all in an area likely to get hit again, Mr. Pitt said: 'My first answer to that is, talk to the people who’ve lived there and have raised their kids there. People are needing to get back in their homes.''
The website for the project has more details on the plans, calling the rebuilding effort "The Pink Project." Pitt acknowledges that initiatives for rebuilding New Orleans have failed the survivors whose homes were damaged, and seems to realize that something needs to be done on their behalf, however it is unclear whether or not he is in favor of demolitions. He has not spoken out thus far concerning many aspects of this complicated situation, and it seems to me he isn't looking far beyond the appeal of a challenging learning experience in the field of architecture, one of his main interests.
Any thoughts?
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