SCHOOL REFORMS

There is a crisis in funding public education in the United States, and some of the problem is expressed in deteriorating school buildings. How do crumbling environments affect children? And how can architects create better environments for learning? Next week we'll examine a report produced by the American Federation of Teachers, "Building Minds, Minding Buildings," a plea for healthy and sustainable schools such as the Ash Creek Intermediate School in Independence, Oregon by BOORA Architects. (Photo: Sally Painter)

BELFAST REBUILDS

Mention Northern Ireland, and two images likely come to mind: rolling green hills and violent skirmishes dressed up as religious unrest. While the first is still very much in evidence, the latter much less so. In fact, the region has transformed in the last ten years, and the capitol city of Belfast is bustling as a center of redevelopment. Next week writer Janet Collins will show us some examples, such as the new construction on the city's waterfront. (Photo by Kevin Cooper Photoline)