ADJAYE ASSOCIATES

Since many of the Lower Ninth Ward residents who drowned post-Katrina were tragically trapped in their attics, MIR mandated rooftop access for all the homes, and participating architects took different approaches. London-based David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates designed the rooftop as usable space. 'It's such a great idea'these families have lived their whole lives below the levees, and now they're able to stand on top of their house and get a new perspective on their neighborhood,' says Darden.