A village of pink, life-size monopoly homes currently occupies 14 city blocks in downtown New Orleans. In a previous life, Lower 9th Ward was home to 150 families. Totally devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and written off by local authorities, the area is being rebuilt thanks to a timely intervention from American actor Brad Pitt, titled the Pink Project.

Timber houses will gradually replace the temporary pink tents as monetary donations clock up. Seen from above, the site will become a real-time progress chart of giving as the pink gives way to grey and green permanent structures.



Launched in December last year, Pitt’s Make It Right organisation employs the skills of an international group of architects each versed in low-cost and sustainable housing projects. “Brad was very affected by the residents’ stories and he spotted an opportunity to rebuild the area in a sustainable way,” says Christoph Korner of German practice Graft, who has brought together the stellar team. “We wanted to make this place a magnet for people. Pink aims to bring to life the plight facing residents for donators who may live thousands of miles away.”

“Residents can choose their new house from 13 variants of the traditional New Orelans ‘shotgun’ design, created by 13 practices including David Adajaye and Shigeru Ban,” adds Korner. “By the beginning of next year, they should all be rebuilt.”

www.makeitrightnola.org

www.graftlab.com