THE LEHEL TER MARKET IN BUDAPEST

The new Lehel Tér market hall by Hungarian architect László Rajk displays the influence of its Soviet/Russian avant-garde predecessors. Yet its context renders the building closer to the postmodern trend of 1980s architecture than to the classic avant-garde. There is an element of chaos in this construction, and the logic behind the selection of individual elements can also be questioned. However one thing is evident: the building is stunningly dynamic. Next week Hungarian writer József Martinkó will explain why he likes the building so much.

A DECADE OF VR IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

Throughout the 1990s, as computer rendering and animation technologies developed and improved, many forward-looking practices explored the potential of "virtual reality" for displaying spaces dynamically. One application was an exhibit, "Exploring the City," featuring many of the London landmarks from the firm of Foster and Partners, including the Greater London Authority Assembly Building (pictured). Next week authors Bob Giddings and Margaret Horne will discuss this and other applications of VR among several notable British architecture firms.

A WINNING FLAME SHINES THROUGH GLASS

An international awards program has identified several projects that show exemplary applications of laminated glass. One winner was the "Olympic Cauldron," a tower built in Salt Lake City, Utah for the 2002 Winter Games. (Designer: Jim Doyle, Wet Design; laminator: Oldcastle Glass Group; photographer: George Frey) Constructed of a special ceramic glass, the 117-foot (36-meter) statue enables a flame to spiral up through its middle. Next week we'll see some other winners of the Solutia Design Awards.