NEW PAPAL CULTURAL CENTER OPENS TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM

This month, the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, designed by Leo A Daly Architects, opened in Washington, D.C. The new building houses exhibits from the Vatican, interactive exhibits exploring faith and culture, and an interfaith "think tank." ArchitectureWeek contributing editor Michael J. Crosbie will report on the building that combines elements from Catholic tradition with a 21st century architectural sensibility.

WHY BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD BUILDINGS

How often have you heard: "They don't build them like they used to"? When buildings make it into the nightly news, as often as not it's because of a structural or material failure. Are such disasters occurring more often? And if so, why? Next week engineer Thomas A. Schwartz, president of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. will explain many of these failures from the perspective of modern construction methods.

A MUSIC CENTER AND LIBRARY IN THE HEART OF TEL AVIV

Transparency is the first thing that strikes you when you enter the Felicja Blumental Music Center and Library, a project of the Tel Aviv Foundation. Architect Nili Portugali has taken a holistic approach to creating a visual connection between the rooms and, like 18th century Shakers, combines beauty with function. Next week, frequent ArchitectureWeek contributor Lili Eylon shows us this contemporary cultural center that preserves the spirit of its surrounding historic environment.