Notes on Architecture

Preservation week

May 9-15 is the National Trust for Historic Preservation's annual awareness week. Around the United States, preservation societies will address this year's theme, "Make the Connection: Preservation and Livable Communities," with open houses at historic sites, lectures, and outreach programs. House-history workshop

On April 17, the National Building Museum in Washington is offering a workshop on how to research your house's origins using deeds, tax records, photographs, and oral histories. Reservations are required, non-member fee is $30 per person. The museum is located at 401 F Street N.W., telephone: 202-272-2448. International design competition

The American Institute of Architects and the International Union of Architects are sponsoring an international competition for students, design practitioners, and scientists to "propose ideas for sustainable built environments that will affect building design, architectural technologies, and community development over the next 50-100 years."

The deadline for registering to enter the competition, titled, "A Call for Sustainable Community Solutions," is April 15. Cash prizes will be awarded totaling $50,000.

For more information, write: The American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Ave. N.W., Washington, DC, 20006.