DESIGN EXCELLENCE IN CANADA

The new city hall in Richmond, British Columbia, by Hotson Bakker Architects, was one of the winners of a 2002 design award from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Its palette of glass, concrete, and wood gives a warm aura to the public building. Next week we'll take a look at this and another of the Canadian award winners, the Albert Thornbrough Building at the University of Guelph by Teeple Architects.

LEADERSHIP IN A DIGITAL PRACTICE

When the top managers of architecture firms make decisions about computer technology, they have the potential to select systems that can support business goals. But if they lack technical expertise, they need to engage in a creative discussion with their staff, staying focused on business requirements rather than implementation details. Next week technology consultants Kristine Fallon, FAIA and Arleen Boyd will suggest some strategies for sound decision making.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS FOR TOP TEN "GREEN" PROJECTS

On Earth Day, April 22, 2003, the American Institute of Architects and its Committee on the Environment announced their selection of ten exemplars of "green" architecture. These design solutions protect, even enhance, the natural environment. Shown here is one of the 2002 award winners, the Puget Sound Environmental Learning Center by the Seattle firm Mithun Architects + Designers + Planners. Next week we'll look at a few of this year's projects.