After meeting the hardest hit residents and inspired by their courage and hope, Pitt resolved to do whatever he could to help them rebuild. It was here he initiated the "Make it Right"( MIR ) project. The MIR Project aimed to revive the Lower Ninth Ward, by constructing a community of 150 sustainable, affordable homes that would incorporate modern, high quality design and construction. Matching up to $ 5 million in donations for the project ,Pitt also called on politicians, foundations and companies to donate to MIR.
The MIR core team assembled by Pitt has been working in tandem with leaders of local, national and international architecture firms, ensuring that the focus on the lower 9th ward is demonstrably diverse. At present ,MIR construction is underway in the lower 9th Ward. The first six homes are completed, giving some thankful residents affordable ,storm resistant and sustainable housing designs. the houses are among the first in the city to earn LEED Platinum certification. Some of the materials used are sustainable wood cabinetry, non-toxic paints , and Energy Star appliances. Furthermore, the green features that take these houses to the next level include insulation that makes them five times more air tight than typical homes , photovoltaic systems, and groundwater heat pumps for both heating and cooling.
Architects who are involved in this project is James Timberlake ,Concordia Architects;Billes & Graft;Shigeru Ban Architects;BNIM Architects of Kansas City;Eskew +Dumez+ Ripple of New Orleans;Constructs of Accra, Ghana.
-Excerpts from ‘Inside Track'