LIVING STRUCTURE IN THE SUSSEX DOWNS

As the sun rises on a damp, misty morning in the heart of England's South Downs, you can hear the large shimmering giant creak as it awakens. This new workshop for the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, designed by architect Edward Cullinan, engineered by Buro Happold, and short listed for the 2002 Stirling Prize, is one of only five such structures in the world. Next week, Don Barker, London-based contributing editor to ArchitectureWeek, will describe how the Downland Gridshell was built.

BRENDA LEVIN — MASTER ARCHITECT

Harvard-educated architect Brenda A. Levin has received worldwide attention for her historic preservation work on some of the most beloved landmarks in Los Angeles. These restorations have spurred a renewed civic awareness in a metropolis not most known for its sense of history. One of her masterpieces is the rescue of the art-deco James Oviatt Building, designed by Walker & Eisen, completed in 1928. Next week, Joseph Giovannini will describe the importance of Levin's restoration work.

AIA FIRM OF THE YEAR

The American Institute of Architects has named the Seattle firm Miller/Hull Partnership as recipient of the 2003 AIA Architecture Firm Award. Miller/Hull's designs represent "regional modernism," characterized by natural themes and sharp lines and inspired by the rugged landscape of the region. In one award-winning housing project, glass and aluminum-frame garage doors roll up, converting living spaces to exterior balconies. (Photo by James F. Housel). Next week we'll look at more of their work.