U.S. actor Brad Pitt holds his son Maddox at the starting grid before the MotoGP Italian motorcycling Grand Prix at Mugello June 1, 2008.[Agencies]

Brad Pitt spent more than $500,000 at a design exhibition in Switzerland. Brad - whose long-term partner Angelina Jolie is pregnant with twins - made the trip from France on Tuesday (03.06.08) for Design Miami/Basel.

Among Brad's purchases were a $293,000 marble table by designer Jeroen Verhoeven, a rug made of aluminium thread that sells at $175 per square foot and two $25,000 Ron Arad chairs. He is also said to be considering buying a gold lacquer-coated fibreglass sofa by Zaha Hadid for $300,000.

In addition to his furniture spree, Brad has recently been allowed to further explore his interest in architecture. The 44-year-old actor has been named a design consultant on a new five-star hotel in Dubai. Speaking about the "socially conscious" complex, Brad said: "Whilst acting is my career, architecture is my passion. Selecting this development as my first major construction project has been a simple decision. "We will be unveiling precise plans in the next few months, but you can expect something that is not only stunning to look at, but will also be an incredible attraction to visit or stay at."

(China Daily/Agencies June 6,2008)