Although the new Lehman Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art was a controversial project based on a questionable premise, the finished building is an architectural tour de force. Despite restrictions imposed by the Landmarks Commission and the donor, the architects responded with consummate ingenuity, artistry, and skill. (JG)

Because of a high vacancy rate and widespread vandalism in its highrise dormitories, the University of Massachusetts commissioned an environmental consultant to assess the problem. A two-year study showed that occupancy increased and vandalism decreased in an experimental dormitory where students were allowed greater freedom to arrange their own…