AIA GOLD MEDAL FOR EDWARD LARRABEE BARNES

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has awarded its highest honor posthumously to Edward Larrabee Barnes, FAIA, who is best remembered for fusing American modernism with vernacular architecture. In describing Barnes, Henry N. Cobb, FAIA remarked: "With characteristically quiet determination, Barnes produced a large body of distinguished built work — some of them too-little celebrated — during his more than 40 years of practice." Next week we'll examine Barnes's work and influence.

ENVIRONMENTAL MISSTEPS

Manila, capital city of the Philippines, is not unique as a large metropolitan center. Yet the densely populated Tondo district is, in its own way, inimitable, with a degree of poverty that belongs more in Charles Dickens's London than in a 21st century metropolis. Sadly, the environmental situation is commonplace in the cities of the developing world, where rapid urban growth has taken place in the past few decades. Next week Ian Morley will describe the environmental challenges of Manilla's gritty slums.