MOSHE SAFDIE ADDS TO THE PEABODY ESSEX

The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts is one of the oldest and fast-growing museums in the United States. Its latest addition, by Moshe Safdie, exhibits the renowned Israeli architect's passion for complex geometries, elegant materials, and urban place-making. Next week ArchitectureWeek contributing editor Michael J. Crosbie will give us a tour.

ALUMINUM STRUCTURES

Today, aluminum is under-appreciated as a structural material. Out of ignorance, perhaps, engineers today seem to avoid aluminum even though its minimum yield strength is almost equal to that of steel. Next week J. Randolph Kissell and Robert L. Ferry will dismiss some misconceptions and explain when to consider aluminum as a structural material.

DESIGN KUDOS IN THE GULF STATES

Five states from the Gulf Region of the United States have recently announced their annual 2003 design awards. Among the recipients is the Golden Residence in Louisiana by W. Geoff Gjertson, AIA. (Pictured, photo by Hyatt Hood.) In this "modern transformation of the traditional southern Charleston side-porch" style, a row of French doors opens out to an untouched wetlands area. Next week we'll look at a few other award winners.