RECLAIMING WEST KOWLOON IN HONG KONG

In this week's issue, Bernard Chan describes five prize-winning schemes for a master plan for the West Kowloon Reclamation in Hong Kong. Each of the five proposals features a different approach to developing a cultural hub on an expanse of unused land — rare in this dense city. Next week, in the second part of the two-part article, Chan will point out the similarities and differences between the five schemes and explain their significance for future development in Hong Kong.

DISMANTLING PENN STATION

New York's Pennsylvania Station by McKim, Mead & White was one of the great engineering and architectural feats of the early 20th century in the United States. The station remained a civic landmark until its demolition in the 1960s, which was documented by noted photographer Norman McGrath. Next week we'll see his written and photographic observations of Penn Station's demise and of the structural mysteries it uncovered.

IDEAS FOR THE HIGH LINE

Built during the Great Depression, the "High Line" served as an elevated freight spur through midtown Manhattan. But the structure has been inactive since 1980, while the neighborhoods below experienced dramatic change. There is now a movement afoot to return to public use the overgrown, mile-and-a-half- (2.4-kilometer-) long structure. Next week we'll look at the results of an international competition, sponsored by the Friends of the High Line, to develop ideas for rethinking the elevated rail bed.