AIA HONOR AWARDS FOR 2005

The American Institute of Architects has announced its annual honor awards in architecture, interiors, and urban design. One of the recipients is Trahan Architects APAC, designer of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Complex (photo by Timothy Hursley) in St. Amant, Louisiana. On this rural campus, chapel and secular buildings together frame a courtyard. Next week we'll take a look at this and some of the other architectural and interior design exemplars.

CUSTOM DESIGN FOR THE MASSES

Advances in manufacturing, including the rapid introduction of information technology, have brought about a new business model that may end an old dilemma. With "mass customization," producers and consumers will no longer have to chose between individually designed components and the economy of scale that comes with high-volume production. Next week Daniel Schodek will explain how this manufacturing model will affect the practice of architecture.