Whereas other forms of architectural representation may better communicate the formal or aesthetic concerns of a project—whether a project is “naturalistic, rectilinear, curvilinear, formal, or informal”—sectional drawings cut right past the plan aesthetic. Able to be drawn quickly and early in the design process, sections offer a powerful generative, communicative and analytical tool. — landscape urbanism

Four projects have today been announced as First Round Finalists in TEX-FAB Digital Fabrication Alliance’s 2012 international competition, APPLIED Research Through Fabrication. — bustler.net

A pair of exhibitors at next weekend's Dwell on Design show will have a new take on living in a bubble. AirClad, a British company that makes an inflatable pool house, and CasaBubble, a California firm that designs pneumatic backyard guest rooms, are trying to capitalize on the outdoor-living and small-space trends with structures built using little more than lightweight PVC and air. — latimesblogs.latimes.com

Big names of the international architectural and design community recently gathered at Toronto's Thompson Hotel as AZURE Magazine revealed the winners of its second annual AZ Awards, the only international, multi-disciplinary design competition in Canada. Representing a global snapshot of the world of architecture and design, submissions were open to designers, architects, firms and manufacturers of all disciplines, as well as students in these fields. — bustler.net

In this one-off special the Culture Show goes behind-the-scenes to follow it from commission to completion, and discovers just how difficult it is to build a tower for the 21st century. — bbc.co.uk

The highly anticipated skyspace by famed American artist James Turrell does not open to the public until June 14, but Rice students, faculty and staff got a sneak preview May 5 during an exclusive Cinco de Mayo celebration for the Rice community. — youtube.com

Adjaye first designed a free-standing floor mirror, then added a wall version after Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, the owner of Salon 94, said clients would want them. There are options — fully or semi-reflective, or — Adjaye’s personal preference — a black mirror, which he said is “more about silhouette and profile, not showing every detail of a person.” — tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com

That a 977-foot tower has gone unnoticed is partly the point. Designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, 4 World Trade Center has a quiet splendor hidden within its still skin. Like the original Twin Tower, 1 World Trade Center still imposes itself on the skyline. By contrast, 4 World Trade Center becomes a part of it. — New York Observer

We are interested in connecting architecture with the social — The Architectural League

2x8:Taut showcased outstanding work from students from very diverse design backgrounds, "What is most impressive is to see the level of work from all these different schools." said 2x8 juror David Montalba, AIA - "You expect high caliber work from the more highly regarded schools, and you see that, but it's also great to see some of the smaller schools, like the Community Colleges, submit high level work." — aialosangeles.org

The original is a centuries-old village of 900 and a UNESCO heritage site that survives on tourism. The copycat is a housing estate that thrives on China's new rich. In a China famous for pirated products, the replica Hallstatt sets a new standard. — news24.com

The Buckminster Fuller Challenge just announced that the Living Building Challenge is the official winner of this year's competition. The LBC sets the world’s highest ecological standard for building thoughtful, sustainable buildings, but it's much more than that - it’s also a philosophy, an advocacy tool and a support network. — Inhabitat