OVIEDO, SPAIN (EFE).- U.S. actor Brad Pitt, who has created a foundation to promote rebuilding in hurricane-wracked New Orleans, visited Monday the northern Spanish town of Aviles to study the possibilities of taking part in the architectural project of the Island of Innovation.

Pitt, who toured the works of the future Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Center, said he was "enthusiastic" about the innovative project and showed special interest in "everything that has to do with sustainability."

Those were Aviles Mayor Pilar Varela's words after she and the actor with several architects from Pitt's Make It Right Foundation New Orleans looked over the works being built as part of the riverfront project.

The center is the first project in Spain by Niemeyer, the world-renowned Brazilian architect.

Pitt was also accompanied by the director of the Oscar Niemeyer Foundation, Natalio Grueso, and Aviles culture secretary Mercedes Alvarez.

"He's interested in supporting the project in both its cultural and architectural aspects," the mayor said, adding that they have talked of "possible ties" whose details will be determined over time.

Varela said that "a fundamental part" of one of the actor's architectural projects in New Orleans is "sustainability" and he has said that this is what he is particularly looking for at the Island of Innovation, most of which will be operational by July 2010. EFE