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As we become more aware of residential density and as lots shrink, our garages are more often sited closer to the road, as opposed to behind or next to our homes. Naturally, we would like our homes to have curb appeal, and the increasing variety in garage door design reflects this. We are no longer limited to white, gray, or brown; nor are we confined by building material or an absence of architectural flourishes. The sky – or at least the roof of the garage – is the limit.

With sensitivity to Abu Dhabi’s local culture, climate, and architectural heritage, SOM designed a medical campus that creates a "city within a city."

Visiting the hospital for any length of time can be a difficult experience for patients and their families, what with adjusting to new surroundings, being separated from loved ones, or just missing the familiarities of home. That is why the designers of the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City have put hospitality and psychological well-being at the forefront of their medical campus design.

What was once a three-story Japanese Army headquarters building from the 1930’s in the Cool Docks development on the South Bund District of Shanghai, China, has been renovated into a four-story, 19-room boutique hotel. Completed in May 2010, the Waterhouse at South Bund was designed by Neri & Hu Design and Research Office (NHDRO). Shanghai designers Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu founded NHDRO, which has received internal and domestic awards for their designs in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, England, Canada, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Over the past few years home improvement and building improvement have taken a dramatic shift toward retrofits with financial benefits. Homeowners and building managers are no longer content with inefficient homes and underperforming assets. Instead, they are looking for multiple ways to lower their expenses. One of many successful strategies has been to decrease water use through the installation of low-flow fixtures. However, the question must be asked: what is the return on investment (ROI) of low-flow fixtures?

After seven years of planning, design, and construction, J. Mayer H. Architects' Metropol Parasol in Seville, Spain, is a cultural and civic celebration of exuberance and hope -- and a striking testimonial to the spirit and dedication of the people of Seville in creating it. This mixed-use, total redevelopment of the Plaza de la Encarnacion covers over 18,000 m2 (approximately 193,750 square feet) and cost 90 million euros (approximately 129,501,000 U.S. Dollars). Completed in March 2011, the Metropol Parasol project, which defines the Plaza de la Encarnacion, brings welcome life to an important urban space (once a blighted parking lot) in what is becoming the hub of Seville, including a farmers' market, observatory, archaeological museum, and city-view promenades.

Perform a few simple maintenance tasks, schedule professional HVAC service on a yearly basis, and enjoy efficient performance and trouble-free operation of your central air conditioner throughout its expected lifespan (and maybe longer).

Invented after the turn of the 20th century but not mass-produced for homes until after World War II, the air conditioner has increased our comfort and modified the landscape from coast to coast. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2009 American Housing Survey (AHS), 75% of owner-occupied housing in the United States has a central air conditioning unit. The average life expectancy of these air conditioning units is 10–15 years, according to the Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components, prepared in 2007 by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Neglecting your unit will result in a shortened lifetime, costly repairs, and higher energy costs due to inefficient operation. Maintain your unit and you will extend its lifetime and keep repair and energy costs low while ensuring your comfort on those hot summer days.

Weather patterns are proving that water conservation is a must. Find out 25 simple ways you can make an actual impact!

Finalists in Kaiser Permanente’s "Small Hospital, Big Idea" Competition Share Their Visions

What will be the next big thing in hospital design? Kaiser Permanente, a leading not-for-profit health plan and care provider, aims to find out. Although accustomed to building large medical campuses, a changing health care delivery model has induced the company to explore ways of making care more accessible while improving cost effectiveness.

As the old saw goes, the proper tools make the job; this applies to painting as well. Purchase quality tools and materials. DIYers save on labor costs and can easily justify paying the price of quality tools. Tool quality and price vary widely, but you can find good quality at a medium price. The right tools will help you to achieve your goals of increased quality and decreased work time.

The Crystal Cathedral, designed by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee in 1980 (with adjacent buildings by Richard Neutra and Richard Meier), will continue to serve as a house of worship, having been purchased by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange in 2011.

“Oh, I’m mad for religious buildings. The only thing that really gives you a kick in the world is a religious building.” The inimitable Philip Johnson was quoted saying these words in the iconic book on the architect by Hilary Lewis and John O’Connor, Philip Johnson: The Architect in His Own Words.

In many historic homes, especially ones that date from the Victorian era, one of the most eye-catching design features is a stained glass window. These classic elements recapture the elegance and luxury of days gone by, but the beauty of stained glass is no longer restricted to older homes. Many manufacturers nationwide offer an extensive range of modern stained glass products to suit the needs of any homeowner.

The term “stained glass” actually refers to glass that has been painted and then fired; traditional works are constructed from pieces of cut glass that are set into lead channeling to form a pattern. Most of what we see today is really art glass, although some artisans still practice traditional methods.

Frank Gehry's second architectural venture into New York City is also his tallest building yet. Spiraling 76 stories and enveloping 1.1 million square feet, Beekman Tower dominates the nearby Woolworth building in downtown Manhattan. Under construction since 2006, the newest addition to the city's distinct skyline is expected to open early next year, and it proves that Gehry's signature, sculptural vocabulary translates successfully into skyscraper form.