AWARDS IN NORTHWEST AND BEYOND

Buildings all over the Pacific Rim were spotlighted in this year's Regional Architecture Awards announced recently by the AIA Northwest and Pacific Region chapter of the American Institute of Architects. One honor award went to Koonce Pfeffer Bettis, Inc., of Anchorage, Alaska for the BP Energy Center, also in Anchorage, which the jury praised for its forest siting (photography by Kevin Smith). Next week we'll look at this and the other top award recipients.

LIGHTING IN GYMNASIUMS

Good lighting for gymnasiums would seem to be a simple task, but it can become rather complicated as we try to provide high quality light with systems that are energy efficient and versatile. And, with the advent of new light sources and fixture types, the old tools and rules of thumb become less viable. Next week, Eric Strandberg LC, of Seattle's Lighting Design Lab, will sort out the design options.