A WAVE IN THE CANARY ISLANDS

It was originally intended to be a simple concert hall, but when the multifunction building opens this September, it will also be a landmark for the town of Santa Cruz, Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. The renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava designed the steel and white concrete structure with an overhanging “wave" and a skin of white ceramic tiles. Next week ArchitectureWeek contributing editor Lili Eylon will explain how the unusual structure was built.

ROSE AWARDS IN LOUISIANA

In July, the AIA chapter of Baton Rouge, Louisiana presented its prestigious "Rose Awards" to honor the designs of seven member firms. Pictured here is the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium at the state's Arts and Science Museum (Jeffrey Jacobs, Architectural Photography, Inc.). STBP Architects in association with The Haizlip Firm produced the space theater for the city’s premier civic institution. Next week we'll look at this engaging structure and the other Rose Award recipients.

NATURE CLIMBS THE WALLS OF BRITISH MUSEUM

When British architect Alfred Waterhouse designed a Gothic revival building for London's Museum of Natural History, he integrated into its structure sculptures of some of the plants and animals that would be featured in the exhibits. Monkeys climb the interior arches; flowers grace exterior columns. Next week Colin Cunningham will explain the cultural and architectural value of some recently published pencil drawings of the architect/ naturalist.