PDX COMES IN OUT OF THE RAIN

The Portland (Oregon) International Airport (PDX) Terminal has just completed the most ambitious development program in its history. The project includes an extensive new infrastructure such as an expanded parking garage with pedestrian bridges and tunnels. But most dramatic is a 100,000-square-foot (9300-square-meter) glass canopy covering the entire roadway system. This will be welcome news to visitors to the notoriously rainy Pacific Northwest. Next week we'll look at this symbolic gateway and PDX's other new amenities for travelers.

THE CULTURE OF BUILDING

A new book by University of Oregon architecture professor Howard Davis describes how the built world, including the vast number of buildings that are the settings for people's everyday lives, is the product of a particular culture: a complex system of people, relationships, building types, techniques, and habits in which design and building are anchored. Next week ArchitectureWeek contributing editor Michael J. Crosbie offers his review of The Culture of Building.

WOOD CONSTRUCTION IN THE LANDSCAPE: PART III

Last week we began a series of articles on deck construction, based on Seattle landscape architect Daniel Winterbottom's new book, Wood in the Landscape: A Practical Guide to Specification and Design. Next week we continue the five-part series with Part III: Decks, Beams and Joists. This will cover built-up beams, methods of support, connectors, bridging, and ways to avoid common problems.