NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN

Washington DC has long been a conservative city for architecture, at least since Pierre L’Enfant laid out the city in 1791. But a newcomer, the National Museum of the American Indian, which occupies a prominent spot on the National Mall, is anything but conservative. For Washington, it is a daring building, quite unlike any other in the city. ArchitectureWeek contributing editor Michael J. Crosbie will describe the building and the controversy it has created.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS CITED FOR PRESERVATION EXCELLENCE

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced 22 winners of its prestigious annual awards. The survival of the selected projects ensues that their community’s heritage will remain intact for future generations. One of the award recipients is the American Express Company for its funding of World Monuments Watch. This program protects historic buildings like the San Esteban del Rey Mission at Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico. In the next issue we'll take a look at some of the other award winners.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ARCHITECTUREWEEK

All of us at ArchitectureWeek wish you a joyful Hanukkah, Solstice, Saraswati, Christmas, Kwanza, and a Happy New Year for 2005. ArchitectureWeek No. 222, including the articles previewed here, will be released on January 5, 2005.