15 "Brad Pitt Houses" Occupied in New Orleans

by Leigh Graham · 2009-11-30 09:00:00 UTC
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For several years now, Brad Pitt's Make It Right foundation has been building state-of-the-art, architecturally fascinating houses in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans for residents who wish to return to their former community. Pitt plans to build 150 in total; 15 are complete and occupied, and the subject of much fascination from tourists, residents and the design world.

There is no shortage of philanthropic and non-profit redevelopment initiatives happening in New Orleans, but none have as high-profile a sponsor as Make It Right, and few are as eye-catching (whether they meet your tastes is another story) as the homes in the Lower 9th. It's a tremendous gesture that he is providing rebuilt, safe housing for displaced residents, most of whom were low-income homeowners who lacked the funds to rebuild after the flood. Nonetheless, criticisms abound about the design of the homes - whether they're culturally appropriate and taking too much time to create.

Quite often I'm on the side of the naysayers, and I concur here that the individual design of 150 homes sounds extremely time-consuming, versus designing 4 or 5 models that can be replicated around the neighborhood. Yet, this is also one of these conversations that seems relatively moot. Were there more rapid, more relevant programs that Pitt - with his celebrity and largesse - crowded out? One of the reasons so much philanthropic and private sector development is happening in NOLA - for better and worse - is because the government lacked the will and the resources to repopulate and rebuild the city. It's a sad fact that the City of New Orleans was rather dependent on such widespread charitable efforts.

I'm curious what you think about Pitt's initiative - should poor, displaced residents be grateful no matter what? (Is that a leading question or what!) Should the homes be more reflective of traditional design in New Orleans? Is this just all mindless chatter? Do you like the houses? This is a conversation worth having, as design is often trumpeted among housing advocates as a key ingredient in effectively fighting poverty.

(Photo by 9th Ward)

Leigh Graham
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