PV AT HOME As the cost of photovoltaic (PV) technology declines, it is becoming more common for large companies and institutions to install vast arrays of PV cells to capture solar radiation and convert it into electricity. But until recently, it was the rare individual who would place expensive photoelectric panels on the roof of his or her house. Increasingly, however, lower costs and the appeal of an independent power supply have encouraged small businesses and homeowners to take a closer look at the options. — Published 2003.1210
	PATTERN NINE — PLACES IN BETWEEN : WINDOW PLACES — Published 2003.1001
	LEED PLATINUM AT UCSB It is fitting that one of the first buildings to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council for achieving the "platinum" LEED status is a school dedicated to researching environmental issues, training research scientists and professionals, and identifying and solving environmental problems. — Published 2003.0611
	SUSTAINABILITY NORTHEAST "Green" Building design, as it becomes increasingly adopted by U.S. architects, is about more than conserving energy and natural resources. In green building, design criteria broaden to include fostering a sense of community, maintaining healthy environments, and preserving historic properties. These were some of the themes of the 2003 awards program of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), which recently made awards to workplaces, schools, and residential projects. — Published 2003.0521
	BIO-SOLAR HOUSE IN THAILAND It's an environmental dream: a self-reliant house that produces its own electricity, water, and cooking gas. Solar energy powers the air-conditioning, lights, and household appliances. Rain, dew, and condensation from the cooling system produce enough water for a family of four. Recycled water irrigates the garden, and surplus electricity is sold to the power company or used to drive an electric car 30 miles (50 kilometers) a day. — Published 2003.0514
	BUILDINGS FOR EARTH DAY As architects become more aware of their role in protecting the natural environment, they begin to view "sustainable design" more broadly. In addition to reducing consumption of fossil fuels, successful "green" architecture also improves comfort for building occupants, protects and repairs its immediate surroundings, and makes a positive contribution to the community. — Published 2003.0430
	FOSTER'S NEW CITY HALL At first glance, you would hardly believe it is a public service building. Looking more like a moon base landing unit than a city hall, the Greater London Authority (GLA) building is the latest addition to London's skyline from the firm of Foster and Partners. — Published 2003.0226
	SANTA MONICA ELECTRIC In light of rising energy costs and potentially disastrous environmental policies, timing couldn't be better for the opening of Colorado Court, one of the first 100-percent energy-neutral housing developments in the United States. Located on a busy, urban street corner in Santa Monica, California, the award-winning five-story, "green" building is designed not only to reduce energy consumption but to return unused power back to the city's electrical grid. — Published 2003.0212
	SOLAR HOUSES SHINE In a dramatic demonstration of design with solar energy, 14 North American universities recently competed in a Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C. The students were tasked with designing and building solar-powered houses that would blend aesthetics and modern conveniences with maximum energy efficiency. The overarching goal of the competition was to illustrate the benefits of solar energy for a wide audience. — Published 2002.1016
	REVOLUTIONARY DOMES A dome-shaped house that can rotate 300 degrees? It may sound quirky, but this is the product of Canadian company Sunspace Rotating Homes. They design and build these structures, mainly on small hillside and infill sites, in Canada and the United States. — Published 2002.0918

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