The Movie Star and the Power of Architecture

Actor Brad Pitt's efforts to rebuild housing in New Orleans are not just flashy PR, but rather a reminder that architecture can make a difference, according to this article from Metropolis.

3 minute read

March 20, 2008, 8:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"Since when do movie stars have a better sense of architecture's possibility than most architects? Post-Katrina New Orleans-like post-9/11 Ground Zero-was supposed to be a moment when architecture would prove its relevance. Instead, architects and planners came in like the cavalry, full of expert opinions about what New Orleans should look like and where it should (or more to the point, shouldn't) be rebuilt. The result was that rather than providing houses, they seemed-in the name of good planning-to be taking them away. 'It felt to me that architecture was trying too hard to make its point,' remembers Steven Bingler, founder of Concordia Architecture & Planning, in New Orleans. And was anyone really surprised? Architecture has always had trouble connecting with the masses. There's that famous, perhaps apocryphal, ­statistic-architects design two percent of American homes-and the bald fact of the contemporary American landscape, with its big-box stores, chain restaurants, and bland condominiums."

"But if architecture has failed society, Pitt never heard the news."

"With Make It Right, Pitt-founding a new organization this time, not just being a spokesperson-has massively multiplied Global Green's effort, setting an initial goal of building 150 houses. Architecturally, it's equally ambitious, with 13 different designs offered for each homeowner to choose from. All were encouraged to include sustainable features like solar panels and rainwater collectors, and they'll be safe from future flooding-raised up off the ground, with escape hatches to the roof and waterproof safes for valuables. Whenever possible, they'll use Cradle to Cradle–certified materials (although early talk of the houses themselves being certified hasn't worked out). At press time, Make It Right had raised more than $10 million, on top of the $10 million committed by Pitt and Hollywood producer Steve Bing. It is enough to subsidize 70 homes, with construction on the first group of five to begin this month."

"If Pitt can pull this off, he will have transformed a swath of the Lower Ninth Ward, a neighborhood symbolic of everything rotten in America, into one of the world's most design-intensive sustainable communities. Modeling it after the Case Study Houses, Pitt wants Make It Right's architecture program to raise the bar for 'answering a new set of challenges,' as he puts it. 'It can be such a proving ground for so many things. It's ready for the next evolution. We can actually advance the discussion and practice of intelligent design-and I'm not talking about creationism.' If all that succeeds, and the Lower Ninth Ward does indeed become for the single-family green house what Seaside was for New Urbanism or Pacific Palisades was for California Modernism, then our assessment may need to shift: rather than architecture's most fam­ous dilettante, Pitt could become one of its most important patrons."

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 in Metropolis Magazine

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18, 2024 - Beverly Press

White and yellow Metro Transit streetcar in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Video: Making Transit Better

How trackless trams and other innovations can make U.S. transit more efficient.

21 minutes ago - CNBC Marathon

Amtrak train passing over tall trestle bridge on California coast at Gaviota Beach.

LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality

A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.

March 27 - SFGate

Major League Baseball Stadium

Lawsuit Aims to Stop Dodger Stadium Gondola

A proposed aerial tram project that would shuttle visitors to L.A.’s Dodger Stadium faces backlash from environmental and community groups.

March 27 - Los Angeles Times

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.