Economic Downturn Felt in All Regions
Economic indicators of late provide solid evidence that the recent recession in the U.S. economy has ended. Overall, this short period of economic weakness will end up as one of the mildest recessions in recent times. Still, many workers and many businesses felt a substantial softening in business conditions. Full Story

Economists Agree to Add Special Program to Convention
Baker and Murray to present construction outlook on May 11
The recession looks like it's history, but . . . unemployment is up.
On the other hand, residential building is 'way up . . . on the other hand, gas prices are rising daily . . .
Too good to miss, this convention event isn't in "the book"—click here for details

REVIEW: This Book ROCKS!
Stone Work: Designing with Stone
Maybe you can't judge one by its cover, but Stone Work gives you a pretty good hint. Its jacket offers an open field of a rosy, rough-hewn sandstone, with the subhead and author's credit neatly and unobtrusively "chiseled" in. Full Review

BEST PRACTICES
Cut in Stone: Check Out the Quarry
To use stone effectively today requires research about the material. This is an exploratory and analytic activity. Selecting a specific stone, determining appropriate finishes, evaluating methods of erecting, and assessing potential design ideas commence with understanding the resources available at the quarry. Full Story

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
Approaching the "Tipping Point"
Early last month, I awoke with great anticipation, eager to review the final results of my home state of California's primary elections. Although I am not a politics junkie, I have lately taken to casting a watchful eye on where American social values seem to be moving based in part on the voters' mandate. Full Story

Texas' "Cathedrals of Democracy"
State advances historic courthouse renovations
When Texas entered the union in 1846, courthouses were among the first permanent structures built in newly designated counties. They are now a link to the past, embodying the spirit of democracy, and their design reflects the character of the economic, social, and political influences of their time. Full Story

Need to catch up on recent editions of AIArchitect This Week?

March 11–15 | March 18–22 | March 25–29 | April 1–5

To see the complete table of contents for AIArchitect click here.

It's Official: Urban Life Is Now Cool
Historic preservation is not about the past; it is about the future. And, to remain a viable element in future revitalization of our urban areas, the preservation process must employ an innovative formula: meshing of public and private enterprise Full Story

ICC Member Forum to Be Broadcast Live on Internet
The International Code Council is using Internet technology to bring their upcoming hearings—and a two-hour forum on the status of the struggle for a single set of model construction codes—live to the world. Details

Topaz Recipient Soltan Honored
Le Corbusier protégé Jerzy Soltan, second from right, received the 2002 Topaz Medallion March 15 at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. With Soltan, from right, are AIA New England Region Director Scott Simpson, FAIA; ACSA President Frances Bronet; and New Jersey Institute of Technology Dean Urs P. Gauchat. Photo by Douglas Cogger, courtesy of Harvard Design Magazine.

Compensation Surveys Due April 12. Is Yours Done Yet??
Participate in the 2002 AIA Compensation Survey. It's all electronic, really easy, and it just takes a few minutes. Do your part—click here