GREENING THE AIA

In celebration of Earth Day every year, the AIA Committee on the Environment selects ten buildings that demonstrate "green" design and construction methods. These projects successfully integrate architecture, technology, and natural systems. One of this year's "Top Ten Green" is the World Birding Center Headquarters in Mission, Texas, by Lake/Flato Architects (photo by Paul Hester/ Hester + Hardaway). Next week we'll see what makes it "green" and take a look at the other nine projects.

VISITING HOUSES DOWNUNDER

A house overlooking Waterfall Bay in the Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand is tucked onto a narrow sliver of land between the sea and the rising hills behind. It was important that existing trees be maintained, so the lower levels were cut into the bank to reduce the impact of the overall form (photo by Paul McCredie). Next week author Robyn Beaver will give us a closer look at this and three other exemplary houses from Downunder.