SAVING MODERN ARCHITECTURE

Over 500 participants from every continent met in Paris in September for the 7th International DOCOMOMO Conference. The organization seeks to document and conserve architecture of the Modern Movement. Their aim this fall was to shed new light on the circumstances in which modern architecture was built during the 20th century and the evolution of attitudes towards it. Next week architect and writer Christian Horn will report on the conference and the organization's successes in preserving a sometimes endangered species of architecture.

SUSTAINABLE BATHHOUSES ON THE BEACH

This summer a new project opened at Assateague Island National Seashore in Virginia. It is a low-cost and environmentally responsible system of roadways, bathhouses, and other facilities on an island that serves one million visitors annually. Innovative elements include lightweight cabana structures that can be dismantled and removed during storms and trailer-mounted photovoltaic panels to provide solar electricity. Next week we'll see what else awaits summer visitors to this Atlantic coast beach.

NEW BUILDINGS AT MIT

An extensive construction program is underway at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, employing some big names in American architecture. The first of several buildings to open is the Zesiger Sport and Fitness Center, designed by Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates (photo by Andy Ryan). Other projects by Steven Holl and Frank Gehry are still in construction. Next week ArchitectureWeek contributing editor Michael J. Crosbie will tell us about the campus program and how the Zesiger Center fits into the historic MIT campus.