GEOFFREY BAWA HONORED BY AGA KHAN AWARD

Geoffrey Bawa is Sri Lanka's most prolific architect. His work has had tremendous influence on architecture throughout Asia and is acclaimed by critics worldwide. Surprisingly, his architecture has not received the degree of international attention it deserves. This changed when he recently received the special Chairman's Award of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Next week we'll see how his life's work has blended traditional Sri Lankan and South Indian architecture with the modern in "a powerful image of democracy, cultural harmony, continuity and progress, and a sense of gentle monumentality."

ITALIAN STONEWORK FROM ANOTHER ERA

For the past two years, students from the United States have gathered in a small stone village in northern Italy to participate in an unusual experience — the preservation of a built environment that has changed little since medieval times. Their coursework provides a rare opportunity for the students to work with Italian craftsmen while learning about the history, culture, and architecture of the region. Next week, Michael Cockram, one of the instructors and founders of the program, will describe the students' experience and their most recent project.

AN AUSTRIAN SKY-GARDEN

Only a few years ago highrise buildings were quite rare in Vienna. To be considered desirable, housing had to be near the ground and, if possible, with direct access to a garden. Today, skyscrapers seem to be the height of fashion in Vienna thanks in part to the internationally renowned Viennese firm CoopHimmel(b)lau. Next week, Austrian architect Oliver Tschuppik will show us the tower "the Coops" built, with its climatic facade and integrated terraced gardens.