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TWO GREEN HOUSES
Fifty-one-year-old Kengo Kuma, among the best-known Japanese architects of his generation, tends to use each of his residential commissions to explore a single building material. In a dense Tokyo neighborhood, for example, he designed the so-called Plastic House. — Published 2006.0517
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MIES ON LAKE SHORE DRIVE
When German-born architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed the famous twin-tower Lake Shore Drive Apartments in Chicago, these modern icons, also known as the "Glass Houses," took their place in line along a lakefront history exhibit of the city's residential architecture. — Editor — Published 2006.0503
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AIA HOUSING AWARDS 2006
In the wake of a century in which in U.S. residential architecture suffered from suburban sprawl, wastefulness, the popularity of extravagant but barren "MacMansions," and indifference to history, urban context, and affordability, it is refreshing to see a collection of projects that offer positive object lessons for architects and homebuilders. — Published 2006.0503
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ENERGY CONCERNS MAINSTREAM
In March 2006, architect and planner Bob Berkebile, FAIA addressed an overflow audience at the Building Energy '06 conference in Boston. He gave a stirring call to arms, saying that this was a powerful moment in human history. — Published 2006.0419
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BOISE LEED-NC
In a state better known for its green forests than its "green" building practices, a newly renovated warehouse sets a precedent for sustainability. Front 5 Building in downtown Boise, Idaho has just been received the state's first LEED-NC (New Construction and Major Renovations) certification for its energy- and resource-efficiency. — Published 2006.0412
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DEEP AND MERELY TINTED GREENS
As the concept of "green design" enters the mainstream of our building culture, designers are being given a glut of information — and misinformation — on what constitutes environmentally sound practices. The term "greenwashing" has entered the lexicon to mean giving the appearance of being green without providing substantive environmental benefit. — Published 2006.0329
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SAVING CONCRETE ENERGY
With the growing awareness of the environmental harm of greenhouse gases, one major culprit in the construction industry is beginning to attract attention. The production of Portland cement, a key ingredient of concrete, releases substantial amounts of carbon dioxide (C02) — 8 percent of greenhouse gases worldwide. The United States consumes 110 million tons (100 million metric tons) of Portland cement annually and China now produces and places five times that amount. — Published 2006.0222
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AIA HONOR AWARDS 2006
In January, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced the 2006 recipients of their national Honor Awards. The 30 chosen projects — in architecture, interior architecture, and urban design — will receive the AIA's recognition of excellence at the institute's annual convention in June. — Published 2006.0215
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SUSTAINABLE PHILOSOPHY
As the concept of sustainable design moves into the mainstream of architectural practice, it will evolve in how it is perceived and understood. Already the idea has moved in from the fringes of practice and has shed most of its original, inappropriate reputation as a fad. In light of its growing acceptance, sustainable design is now worthwhile fodder for philosophical speculation. — Editor — Published 2006.0208
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OF GLASS AND WARMTH AND WOOD
When a theological seminary commissioned a worship space that would be timeless, spiritually uplifting, and ecumenical, architect Joan Soranno returned to first principles, posing to herself the question: "what is each individual's relationship to God?" In a striking play of form and material, her answer offers a fresh take on religious architecture. — Published 2006.0201
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