Regions like the Lehigh Valley have been reinventing themselves since the extended period of deindustrialization began many decades ago. This rather fascinating online exhibit and archive from the Lehigh University Digital Library initiative is designed to aid "researchers in understanding not only the lives of railroad barons and steel titans, but also the experiences of the regular folks who...

The Building Design site bills itself as "the architects" website", and it is a claim that is quite accurate and apropos. Designed to complement their print publication, the site is a treasure-trove of material for just about anyone who is involved in any aspect of building, including architects, design theorists, planners, and so on. As the magazine is based in the United Kingdom, there's...

There's a great deal of talk about "building green" in the architecture and design world, but to many, this phrase may not mean a great deal. This website, created by the Building Green company, can help the uninitiated learn more about this subject. First-time visitors should click on the "Green Building Information" area. Here they can get answers to such question as "What is green?" and also...

Not many people go around wishing to be the Stradivarius of the hurdy-gurdy, but this website’s instructional materials might just make this dream a reality for some lucky individual. The staff at WannaLearn.com have brought together a set of resources for the aspiring musical instrument craftsperson that will be a source of delight, inspiration, and potentially, future innovation. Within...

Aspiring truck drivers and those who seek a commercial driving license will appreciate this website a great deal, as it features a number of practice questions that may be found on the test that is required for such certifications. The site features over a dozen self-assessment modules that cover such topics as air brakes, hazardous materials, and of course, transporting passengers. Within each...

Color theory has been worked on by a number of individuals over the years, and those with an interest in the field include artists, scientists, and of course, interior designers. Janet Ford, a web designer in Minneapolis, has been interested in this field for over a decade, and her website explores some of the issues surrounding color theory in a way that is both accessible and interesting. On...

Tainted Drywall http://www.propublica.org/topic/tainted-drywall/ Habitat for Humanity Remediates Homes With Toxic Chinese Drywall http://www.neworleans.com/news/local-news/561699.html CDC won't study effects of Chinese drywall exposure http://articles.cnn.com/2011-02-09/us/chinese.drywall.cdc_1_chinese-drywall-allison-grant-cdc?_s=PM:US Recalls.gov http://www.recalls.gov/ United...

Learning about the world of design can be rather fun, and for persons interested in entering this industry, it can be essential to stay on top of ongoing developments. Design Week launched their site in November 2006, and as the publication is based in Britain, the coverage of design events and trends is primarily focused on the British and Continental scenes. From those thinking about looking for...

Design Observer takes a catholic approach to discussing various aspects of design. Visitors to the homepage will realize this immediately, as they can find posts on architectural theory, furniture design, and the history of innovative trademarks. On the left-hand side of the homepage, visitors can check out the latest relevant Twitter posts, and also scroll down to the "Observed" area. Here...

The DesignUSA exhibition from the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum celebrates ten years of the Museum's National Design Awards program. The National Design Awards program was founded in order to "celebrate contemporary American design and to increase national awareness of design through education and promotion of excellence and innovation." The exhibition is organized according...