AWARDS IN MARYLAND

The Maryland chapter of The American Institute of Architects has announced the recipients of its annual awards program. One of those chosen for an honor award is Ridgely Commons (photo by Michael Dersin) in Baltimore, designed by Peter Fillat Architects. The project converted an 1844 church into six high-ceilinged luxury townhouses, integrating the original fenestration and using materials to connect new construction with the old. Next week we'll see how this was done and look at the other honor award winners.

DESERT RESOURCES

Architects practicing in wealthy countries are becoming increasingly aware that if climate change goes unchecked, we could face a much warmer, harsher environment. For Namibian architect Nina Maritz the challenges of working in such a harsh environment are already an everyday reality. At the Habitat Research and Development Center in Windhoek, building wings stretch east-west and open to the north to take advantage of predominant wind flows and to maximize daylight. Next week writer Michael Cockram will show us around this new building in southern Africa.