Workshop /APD

Can you take us through the first time you went to New Orleans post-Katrina, what you saw there, and how it had an impact on the work that you’re now doing?

Matthew: It was just so extensive, it was mind-boggling. Andrew: You couldn't process it. The scale was something that you never could imagine would happen in this country—and still look like that eight months later. And we didn't even get to the worst part until the second time we came down. It was a real eye-opening experience just to see this. Whenever any sort of natural disaster happens, I am one of those people who watches it all the time on television, I am just so taken aback by it. To see it firsthand, eight months later, as though nobody had ever picked up a tissue or a towel laying on the ground was beyond human comprehension. Matthew: When you see it at that scale, you're seeing an entire city wiped out. Like the Chicago fires of the 1870s. The whole city is gone. Andrew: Except the French Quarter where everybody still drank and partied all night long as if nothing had ever happened. That was the amazing thing, the disparity between these two parts of the city, which exists all the time there:the downtown part of New Orleans and the other part of New Orleans. Tourism is reinvigorating the downtown. But the second you drive a mile outside of that, you see they haven’t done anything.

Last year, Brad Pitt and Global Green cosponsored a design competition to build a sustainable neighborhood in New Orleans. Your plan, out of 160 designs, won. Please tell us what you envisioned for that neighborhood.

Andrew: It began with an intense analysis of context and of history and of the people that lived there. That began to inform our design. We stepped outside of the guidelines of the competition and looked at what was going to be our concept and engaged the people in the community, took their feedback and tried to integrate it back into the project. We tried to gain a better understanding of the local area in the Ninth Ward—what are the rich, historic elements they liked—such as roof overhangs or front porches.

Because the Lower Ninth Ward sits below sea level, many architects and city planners have contested its redevelopment. Why do you think it should be rebuilt?

Matthew: It doesn't all sit below sea level, that's the first misnomer. Part of the Lower Ninth Ward does, part of it doesn't. It's a large area that goes from the Mississippi River on one side to about halfway up the industrial canal. It starts at about seven or eight feet above sea level at the levee and then goes to about seven or eight feet below sea level at that end point. Andrew: Half of it is below sea level and should never be redeveloped. Our site, though, is above the sea level, right at the levee, at seven feet above.

Is sustainable design affordable for low-income residents?

Andrew: It is absolutely affordable. There are very low-income materials out there—you can retrofit your house with energy efficient appliances, different light bulbs, different toilets, things to create a more sustainable home that doesn't require high costs and high-paid designers.

Any memorable people you've met during this project who come to mind?

Matthew: Our interaction with the community was incredibly memorable. We were invited down between the first and second phase to meet with them a number of times. Initially we were led to believe that there wasn't that much interest, but we've been overwhelmed by how savvy and intelligent everybody has been about embracing a new direction. They saw how important it is to rebuild their neighborhoods in a way that allows them to live there for a very long time. It's difficult to embrace change but they have been really incredible.

What are three things that you recommend to people who would like to do their part to lead more sustainable lives but really don't know where to begin?

Andrew: A place like Global Green is a great place to start. They're trying to help people at all economic levels find ways to implement sustainability into their daily lives. Great product information and links, and they're beginning to roll out greener sections—what you spray on your lawn, what you paint your walls with. It's education first so that you can make informed decisions. Matthew: People want their children to grow up in healthier environments and they want themselves in less polluted, healthier environments. You can go online and Google "green activities" and come up with lists of ten things to do to be more green. You just start there. It opens the door.

Do you have any eco-sins—areas where you'd like to be more green but you aren't?

Andrew: I love big SUV's, but that's just me. I'm amazed every week at the garbage I generate in this office and in my apartment. I wish I didn't consume so much stuff but I don't know how to reduce it. Matthew: My eco-sin are these individual water bottles. We drink a lot of water and I like the individual bottle I can take with me and if I had to get up to refill my cup every time I would be very frustrated.

What green products do you each use at home?

Matthew: We're learning about a company that makes 100 percent recycled dry wall. Andrew: For me, I have two kids and everything—clothing, blankets—is organic. I'm not so sure that it's about the environment or if it's just a better product and God forbid the child is wrapped in something that isn't 100 percent natural. Everything we do we think about the effect it is having on the children. Matthew: I've decided our next car is going to be a hybrid car. Andrew: I haven't committed to that yet.

What does "green" mean to each of you?

Andrew: Understanding the ramifications of your actions. We all choose to acknowledge that selectively in life. I drive a lot, I could use public transportation probably more. I look at products more consciously. We only buy organic food. We all have a selective approach to what we think is green and tune out the things that make our lives easier. Trying to continually be more responsible. Matthew: When you look at just the facts, the built environment contributes more than automobiles, more than anything else, to greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings contribute to thirty percent of all waste, much more than you would think. We have to make a choice: Are we going to do it in a way that's responsible or in a way that ignores those real facts? A lot of older architects say it's not my thing, that's not who I am, that's not what I do. But for a lot of younger people, it's just another factor that comes into play.