Brad announces New Orleans design competition

Brad Pitt today called for people to submit proposals for an environmentally friendly design competition he is sponsoring to rebuild parts of New Orleans devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

“It is our hope that this competition will generate and uncover new and innovative ideas, which will advance the practicalities of responsible architecture, as well as spark a long overdue rebuilding effort for the people of New Orleans,” the actor said in a statement.

He added: “This competition asks the question, can this catastrophe be turned into opportunity?

"Can we create for these neighbourhoods and its families something even better than they had before? We encourage anyone with an idea to get involved.”

Pitt, who is currently in Namibia with Angelina Jolie and their children, is teaming up with Global Green USA, a national environmental organisation, on the design project.

Pitt will lead a jury made up of architects and local leaders to choose designs by six finalists, who will then work with local neighbourhoods on more detailed proposals.