architecture in times of need

editor: kristin feireiss with contributions by brad pitt publisher:prestel year:2009 size:496 pages, 23.5 x 17.8 cm isbn:978-3-7913-4276-4

http://prestel.com _____________________________________________________________

designboom rating: _____________________________________________________________this is the first book to document the projects and progress made by the make it right foundation(MIR), established by actor brad pitt, which has been focusing on the redevelopment of new orleans’ lower ninth-ward which was devastated by hurricane katrina in 2005.

content adjaye associates, shigeru ban, atelier hitoshi abe, elemental, MVRDV, gehry partners, LLP, GRAFT… are all part of a group of more than 50 international architects who are working with MIR to develop affordable, green housing, addressing the humanitarian challenges and needs the ninth-ward area is facing.

each firm was selected based on a considered list of criteria: prior interest or involvement in new orleans, preferably post-katrina, and / or experience with disaster relief familiarity and interest in sustainability, experience with residential and multi-family housing, proven to be skilled innovators on low-budget projects and experience in dealing with structures that have to successfully address water-based or low lying environments.

along with descriptions and illustrations of each housing project the architects have proposed, the book includes interviews with ninth-ward residents, photo essays and discussions on the urban transformation and solutions for sustainable living in the area.

is it for me? this book is for everyone – from humanitarians to architectural buffs. it focuses on architecture for real people with real needs. an exciting look at the future development of new orleans’ ninth-ward.

— this report is illustrated by MVRDV‘s proposal ‘escape houses’ with design team: winy maas, jacob van rijs, nathalie de vries, stefan de koning, stefan witterman and robert grimm

excerpts from the book’s photo essays:

_____________________________________________________________ designboom ratings: ……………………. interesting ………………. good read, worth a look …………. very good ……. excellent, recommended . must have _____________________________________________________________