URBAN ROOFTOP

The city of Kyoto is a network of paths and gardens bounded by mountain ranges. The Skip House, by FOBA, the firm that Katsu Umebayashi established in 1994, is a microcosm of the city. The entire upper surface is an outdoor terrace in the form of a wide stair that begins at ground level, rises to the rear of the site, and then turns back to reach the rooftop (photo by Hiroyuki Hirai). Next week architecture critic Michael Webb will tell us more about the work of this Japanese firm.

VENERABLE BRICK

In July 2006, the Brick Industry Association announced the winners of its annual Brick in Architecture Awards, recognizing outstanding works of nonresidential architecture in which clay brick features prominently in construction. One of those so honored is the Concord Hospital designed by TRO/The Ritchie Organization (photo by Gary Kessel). The building's primary material of brick evokes the vernacular architecture of this New Hampshire town. Next week we'll see some of the other award winners and hear why brick was the chosen material.