HIGH DESIGN IN THE HIGH ANDES

El Mirador, on the eastern fringe of Santiago, Chile, is a house known locally by taxi drivers as "the bunker" due to the impassionate concrete wall that faces the street. But open to the mountain view is a light and spacious interior. Architect Cristian Undurraga has used his trademark materials, concrete and glass, to create a house that is sympathetic with its snowcapped Andes backdrop. Next week, writer Paul Harris will explain how a sober exterior combines with a poetic interior in this award-winning house.

HOMEY LIVING IN THE BACK ALLEY

The urban alley was once a ubiquitous part of the American landscape. Now many of these alleyways have fallen into disrepair or — along with the milkmen who frequented them — disappeared altogether. In recent years, however, this unique streetscape has been making a comeback in a trend fueled by "new urbanism," which rejects car-centered, suburban sprawl. Next week, writer Linda Baker will demonstrate the return of 19th century town planning principles and alleys in walkable, mixed-use communities.