MOSHE SAFDIE IN ISRAEL

Israeli-born architect Moshe Safdie is well known for structures on the American continent, including his pioneering Habitat '67 in Montreal, the residential complex that has widely influenced thinking about urbanism and building systems. But Safdie has also continued to work in his native country. One recent example is the Mamila Development Project, an urban mixed-use commercial center for Israel's capital. Located on the seam between the Old and New Jerusalem, it was conceived as "an area of interaction and coexistence" meant to bring people together. Next week ArchitectureWeek contributing editor Lili Eylon will describe this and some of Safdie's other work in Israel.

BOSTON BUILDS ON AIR

Creating urban land where none existed before is a Boston tradition. In the 1800s, the Charles River was dredged and hills leveled to transform a shallow backwater into the prestigious Back Bay neighborhood. Now, developable "plots" are being created by leasing "air rights" over the portion of the Massachusetts Turnpike that traverses downtown. Massive platforms will be built strong enough to support highrise buildings, townhouses, and verdant public spaces. Next week Boston writer James McCown will describe the political, economic, and social forces at work in figuring out how to develop this "new" real estate.

PENTAGON RISES FROM THE ASHES

Earlier this month, workers began moving back into the Pentagon, the office building of the U.S. Department of Defense, which was severely damaged by a terrorist-controlled aircraft on September 11, 2001. Construction work has proceeded nearly around the clock to meet a goal of having the damaged portions completely reoccupied by September 11, 2002. Now workers are making last-minute adjustments to lights, furnishings, and computer and telephone systems. Next week we'll report on this remarkable timetable of reconstruction.