UNDERSTANDING FIGURE IN WOOD

The term grain is often used erroneously to refer to the distinctive surface appearance of wood, especially that resulting from growth-ring structure. To avoid continued confusion with that already overworked word, we prefer the term figure to refer to distinctive or characteristic markings on longitudinal or side-grain surfaces of wood.

SKYLIGHTING SCULPTURE

When Texas entrepreneur Raymond Nasher asked for a "roofless museum" for his extensive sculpture collection, his architects and their consultants delivered a unique interpretation. The Nasher Sculpture Center, which opened in downtown Dallas in 2003, is a synthesis of nature and building: a sculpture garden and a building with a roof that's "open" to the light of the sky.

GLAZING FOR DAYLIGHT

Windows and fenestration systems have undergone a technological revolution in recent years. Glazing systems are now available that can dramatically cut energy consumption and the associated pollution sources, reduce peak demand, enhance daylighting performance, and improve occupant comfort.

But all these improvements have made windows more complex. A number of characteristics for glazing need to be understood to properly specify an appropriate fenestration system.

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