POSTCARD FROM JAISALMER Dear ArchitectureWeek, In medieval times, camel caravans heading towards Arabia, Persia, and Central Asia, laden with silks and spices, would have seen Jaisalmer, India shimmering in the desert haze much as it appears today. The ancient fort, the oldest in Rajasthan, rises above a maze of streets, squares, palaces, and clusters of dwellings, all in the local golden yellow sandstone. — Published 2005.0420
	TALKING HISTORY Art and architecture evolved throughout history in societies that drew strength from their cultural and spiritual traditions and from the places they belonged to. These sources, which one might take as factors that separate peoples, are exactly the ones that can link them together in harmony. The same tree that symbolizes life in the Cabala appears in Tantra Asana art; the same red thread the people of Tibet wear on their wrist for good luck is put on baby's pram in the Jewish tradition. — Published 2005.0406
	TALKING SHEDS Architecture's communicative function was disregarded throughout the first half of the twentieth century. During the 1950s, Robert Venturi and I independently developed a strong interest in it. In the mid 1960s, we looked for a site where we could study architectural communication somewhat separately from architecture's other functions and away from complex urban patterns that would make the communication systems less clear. We found it in the Nevada desert on the Las Vegas strip. — Published 2005.0406
	POSTCARD FROM SANTA ANA Dear ArchitectureWeek, An hour's drive northwest from San Salvador takes you to the mountainous, volcanic area of El Salvador, to an altitude far above the heat of the coast and the congestion of the capital. Near the Volcán de Izalco is Santa Ana, El Salvador's second largest city. It is surrounded by beautiful green peaks and sky-blue lakes and, unlike most other cities here, has retained much of its colonial heritage. — Published 2005.0316
	YALE CENTER FOR BRITISH ART The Yale Center for British Art, in New Haven, Connecticut, is considered to be among the finest structures of noted architect Louis I. Kahn. Begun in 1973, one year before his death, and opened to the public in 1977, the museum was built to house the most comprehensive collection of British art outside the United Kingdom. — Published 2005.0302
	POSTCARD ON MODERN FINNISH CHURCHES Dear ArchitectureWeek, Perhaps modern architecture never missed a beat after the mid-20th century in Finland. At least that is what you might conclude from a small but engaging exhibit currently at the Scandinavia House in New York City. "Sacral Space: Modern Finnish Churches" includes a dozen houses of worship built in Finland between the late 1930s and today (the latest one is currently under construction in Turku). They are sleek and modern, filled with ethereal light, with clean lines and spare spaces. — Published 2005.0216
	SALVADOR DALI — ARCHITECT Throughout his life, surrealist Catalan artist Salvador Dalí played the role of cultural provocateur, but behind the extravagance was a more subtle, private man. His artistically formative years revolved around his intense relationship with his wife, Gala Diakonova, and their treasured joint project, a house in the remote Port of Lligat on the Mediterranean coast near Cadaqués, Spain. — Published 2005.0202
	POSTCARD FROM KHIRKI VILLAGE Dear ArchitectureWeek, Khirki Village, a small "urbanized village" to the south of New Delhi, conceals Khirki Mosque, one of the city's most famous archaeological monuments. Notable for its unusual architectural style, the mosque's roof has four large openings, creating courtyards for light to penetrate into the monumental, red, sandstone building. The most dramatic views are from the roof — where a vast landscape of domes creates a forbidden playground for local children and breathtaking views of the surrounding village. The village takes its name from the mosque — khirki means "lattice windows." There are over 40 of these intricate stone screens on the exterior of the building. — Published 2005.0119
	PRESERVATION AWARDS 2004 Although the built history of the United States is relatively young compared to that of most of the rest of the world, heroic efforts are sometimes needed to preserve what remains. The damaging effects of natural disasters, neglect, and "progress" often destroy old buildings before their historic value can be appreciated. — Published 2005.0105
	POSTCARD FROM PIESTANY Dear ArchitectureWeek, Balneotherapy — therapeutic bathing in hot springs — has been attracting visitors to Piestany, Slovakia since the 17th century. Today, a treatment area and five hotels are situated on Spa Island in the River Váh, the source of the healing thermal waters and sulfuric mud. — Published 2004.1208

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