TWO ECO-HOUSES

"Eco-architecture," according to author Sue Roaf, refers to buildings that are part of the larger ecology of the planet, and each building is part of a living habitat. This contrasts with the more common notions of the building as a work of art, perhaps as "frozen music." Next week Roaf will show us two examples from very different climates: a courtyard house in New Delhi (pictured) and a photovoltaic-powered house in Wales.

TRESSANTS: AN INVISIBLE CITY

A "new" hotel has just been completed on the island of Menorca. Tressants is the result of both the preservation of a historic building and the creative work of the Menorquin architect Fernando Pons Vidal and the Italian designer Chiara Fabiani. Their work was inspired by the book by Italo Calvino, Invisible Cities, in which Marco Polo recounts tales of his amazing travels. Next week we'll take a look inside this hotel that merges ancient forms, magical themes, and modern design.