CELEBRATING THE SUMMER SOLSTICE

All of us at ArchitectureWeek offer our best wishes to everyone enjoying the northern hemisphere's summer solstice, the southern hemisphere's winter solstice, or Independence Day in the United States. In observance of these important dates, we give you ArchitectureWeek No. 152 as a two-week issue. Our next issue will be ArchitectureWeek No. 153, including the articles previewed here, scheduled for release on July 9.

WOOD AND GLASS TENT ON THE BEACH

Residential architect and teacher Marcel Sedletsky was born in Russia but lived most of his productive life in Monterey, California and Mexico. His style was a blend of the forceful modernism of Le Corbusier and the organic fusion of form and site of Frank Lloyd Wright. Sedletsky's houses embody his love for drama and views. Next week author Bill Staggs will describe the Gansa House in the coastal town of Aptos, California, and tell of its creation as a collaboration between architect and owners.

AVOIDING TOXICITY PROBLEMS WITH PAINT

The National Safety council reports that 147,000 people were injured in the United States in 2001 from respiratory conditions due to toxic agents, including solvents in paints. Some paint manufacturers are taking the threat seriously and finding ways to lower or eliminate the solvents in their products. Solvents can also be a problem in construction near potentially flammable equipment. Next week, Rick Braunshausen will explain how to avoid such hazards.

ART UNDER GLASS, UNDERGROUND

In the middle of a forest in Hakone-Machi, Japan is a five-story structure with only a half story above ground. Yet the Pola Museum of Art showers visitors to the lower floors with natural light. Designed by Koichi Yasuda, Ken Kannari, and Masao Nishioka of the firm Nikken Sekkei, this building won the 2003 DuPont Benedictus Award for the application of laminated glass. Next week we'll look inside and examine a few other award winners as well.