PHILADELPHIA'S NEWEST CULTURAL ICON

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Philadelphia has a distinctive barrel-vaulted glass roof that shelters an interior public plaza and presents a grand profile to the city's Broad Street. And yet the structure, designed by Rafael Viñoly, may be missing the elegant design details and civic dimension that make architecture come alive. Set in the city's cultural district, the Kimmel's exterior is difficult to distinguish from that of a corporate headquarters or a shopping mall. Next week ArchitectureWeek contributing editor Michael J. Crosbie will explain how Philadelphia's new cultural highlight does and doesn't meet expectations.

SHORTCUTS TO GRAPHIC SUCCESS

The accuracy of computer rendering is difficult to match with a hand drawing, while the character of a hand drawing is difficult to match with a computer rendering. Both have their advantages and place in the design visualization process. But how to simultaneously exploit the strengths of both media? One architectural illustrator who has learned to successfully combine the accuracy of computers with the charm of sketching is Jim Leggitt. Next week he will demonstrate how to create technically accurate site drawings that come alive.

A SOLAR-POWERED FACTORY

In Santa Maria, California is new solar-powered manufacturing plant for Hayward Building Systems, which makes roof and floor trusses and wall panels for residential and light commercial construction. The roof is covered with enough photovoltaic panels to provide all the plant's electricity needs, even while leaving room for skylights that provide daylighting to further reduce energy demand. Next week we'll take a look at these and other factors contributing to the building's expected LEED certification.