FLORIDA ART DECO HOTELS

The art deco hotels in Miami's South Beach have been the heart of a successful urban restoration project. The historic district had experienced an economic boom in the "Roaring Twenties," when Miami was a holiday destination for rich families. The favored architectural style, as seen in the Essex Hotel (pictured) with characteristic rounded corners, drew inspiration from contemporary art movements. Next week writer and photographer Steven Allan will explain why this art deco restoration has been so successful.

ABCS OF ROOFING TILE

Tile roofing accommodates many building traditions and comes in many materials and shapes. Concrete tile now dominates the tile roofing market because of its low cost and availability. Fiber-cement and composite shingles are also gaining acceptance because of their lighter weight. Next we'll look at a few other considerations in choosing a roofing tile, including characteristics of breaking strength, absorption or porosity, and installation details.

SHOWROOM OF GLASS

Chicago's Merchandise Mart is the location of a "jewel box" of a permanent showroom designed by Canadian glass artist Joel Berman. The three-sided abstract modernist glass sculpture acts as a tunnel inviting visitors to experience the layered glass components. Next week we'll take a closer look at this sculpture-as-showroom.