CHILD'S PLAY IN SAN FRANCISCO

The Tenderloin Childcare Center in San Francisco, California serves children from homeless families in the "Tenderloin District." The project, converted from a former boxing gym, provides a feeling of security and respite from the stresses of street life. Next week ArchitectureWeek contributing editor Michael J. Crosbie will show us around.

PRESERVING ROMAN RUINS WITH HIGH-TECH TOOLS

The Domus Aurea was built in Rome by Emperor Nero in 64 A.D. It was richly decorated with frescoes and gold but later buried under Emperor Trajan’s baths. The Domus Aurea has survived as one of the world’s most architecturally complex underground structures but has suffered from microclimatic conditions. Now, computational fluid dynamics software is being applied to help rescue the national treasure.

HONORS IN CHICAGO

In a few days, the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects will announce the 2003 Design Excellence Awards, honoring the work of Chicago-area firms in categories of distinguished buildings, exceptional interiors, and "divine detail." One of the projects being considered for an award is the Deutsche Post tower in Bonn, Germany, by Chicago firm Murphy/Jahn (photo by Andreas Keller Fotografie). Next week we'll announce the award recipients.