Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth Helps Developer See Green

Museum Courtyard Glides Through the Ages
Once again, Foster + Partners prove their mastery of the historic public sphere
The Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., is the latest example of Foster + Partner’s approach to designing historic renovations that respect the original building’s history without bowing to it in subservience. The steel-framed atrium draws its form from the Greek Revival Old Patent Office that surrounds it. It engages the building in an energetic discourse on the progression of human knowledge. The courtyard below features lush landscaping and unadorned stonework and also works in concert with the adjacent facades.

Deck the Malls
Chicago’s Scenic Studios designs Santastic holiday villages to spread good cheer
Chicago Scenic Studios, Inc. has designed three interactive holiday village attractions for malls owned by General Growth Properties Inc. Unwrapped last month, the fantasy holiday villages, called Santastic, vary in size and are located in malls in Tucson; Columbia, Md.; and Baton Rouge. Each Santastic village offers families magical entertaining through special effects and four engaging interior village structures, including a station that tells Santa whether you’ve been naughty or nice.