AUROVILLE'S ARCHITECTURAL EXPERIMENT

Since the 1960s, architects have been flocking to Auroville, India, attracted by ideals of self-sufficiency and human spiritual development. The lack of restrictive building regulations has fostered an adventurous design freedom, which is visible in a rich variety of structures, from straw huts to modern gems. Next week, writer Robert Such will give us a tour of Auroville's experiment in urban planning and architectural design.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION HELPS COMMUNITIES THRIVE

In September 2005, the National Preservation Conference drew over 2000 people to Portland, Oregon for five days of discussion on the theme, "Sustain America — Vision, Economics and Preservation." As participants shared experiences with linking community revitalization to historic preservation, they also learned of the annual preservation award recipients, such as the Stone Barns Center. Next week, writer Linda Baker will describe the conference and some of the projects and ideas presented.