THE NATIONAL ART CENTER TOKYO

Kisho Kurokawa's new National Art Center Tokyo is, according to the architect, a perfect expression of his philosophy of symbiosis. Rather than trying to iron out irregularities and resolve contradictions, his distinctly non-Western idea is to instead achieve what he calls a "dull, flat harmony." Next week writer C.B.Liddell will explain how Kurokawa's philosophy applies conflicts and tensions in positive ways to achieve interesting and energizing effects.

THE HEIFER INTERNATIONAL CENTER

Heifer International is dedicated to easing worldwide poverty by bringing livestock to rural populations. Their new headquarters building in Little Rock, Arkansas, by Polk Stanley Rowland Curzon Porter, reflects this mission through its environmentally responsible design. "If we’re going to have a lasting impact on ending world hunger, then everything we do must renew the earth and not deplete it," said Jo Luck, Heifer’s president and CEO. Next week writer Michael Cockram will explain the building's local and international "ripple effect."