One of the most influential architects of the 20th century, Walter Gropius, was born on May 18 in 1883. Gropius believed that design should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. His theories became the foundation for the stark, no-nonsense Bauhaus style.

I thought I didn't like Bauhaus until I visited the modest home Walter Gropius built for himself in Lincoln, Massachusetts. The day was cold and rainy. The boxy, colorless Gropius House seemed to melt into the dark, wet landscape. And yet even at dusk, the Gropius House conveyed a sense of light and space.

See photos of the Walter Gropius House >>

^{Photo © Jackie Craven}

What a week. Earthquakes... cyclones... tornadoes... and now a fire. A raging blaze at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands has destroyed one of the greatest architecture libraries in Europe. Lost are important academic collections and drawings, including books that date back to the 16th century. Many projects and models by faculty and students have also been destroyed.

The modernist building was designed by architects J.H. van den Broek and Jacob Bakema, who helped rebuild Rotterdam after World War II.

Full story from Architectural Record: Fire Engulfs Academic Building in the Netherlands >

The earthquake in China has sent shock waves through the world. What, if anything, could have saved the children who died in the collapsed school buildings or many thousands killed throughout the Sichuan Province?

No structure can withstand the powerful force of a major quake, but for communities on fault lines, monolithic domes are becoming a prudent choice. Just as these concrete shell buildings can withstand tornadoes and hurricane force winds, they appear to provide remarkable strength during earthquakes. How?

Builders say monolithic domes are strong because they are self-supporting structures. During tremors, a dome acts like an upside down bowl. It moves with the ground instead of collapsing. For the science-minded, here are the technical claims made by dome-promoters:

• Understanding Seismic Zones
• Liquefaction and Earthquakes

Can any home withstand a storm as powerful as the cyclone that devastated Myanmar or the tornadoes that swept through the American Midwest?

Some builders say that the world's strongest buildings are monolithic domes made with a thin shell of concrete. The charitable organization Domes for the World supplies communities in need with homes like the ones shown here. Each house costs about $1,500.

For upscale versions of the idea, check out these modernist dome homes >

^{Photo: Monolithic dome homes in the village of New Ngelepen on Java Island, Indonesia.
© Dimas Ardian/Getty Images}

What could be safer than designing a home for your own mother? No matter what you do, she's certain to sing your praises (even if the house seems radical for her taste.) Architect Robert Venturi broke new ground when he designed the radically Postmodern Vanna Venturi House for his mother, back in the 1960s.

^{Pritzker Prize Photo}

The devastating cyclone in Myanmar left up to one million people homeless. Damaged infrastructure and a despotic military rule have hampered relief efforts. Fortunately, some organizations are making inroads in providing emergency shelter and relief for displaced families.

• Mercy Corps
• Organizations For Rebuilding After Disaster
• Alms for Burma

All the excitement over Cinco de Mayo reminded me how much I love Hispanic architecture and buildings inspired by Spain. From fanciful Churrigueresque churches to modest Spanish Revival bungalows, this is architecture that says olé.

Architecture inspired by Spain >>

^{Photo: Spanish Revival Bungalow near Los Angeles. © iStockPhoto.com/David Liu}

All across Mexico and in many parts of the USA, today is a day of parades, festivals, and feasts. El Cinco de Mayo ("The Fifth of May") commemorates Mexico's victory over the French in 1862 in the colonial town of Puebla. Today, Puebla, Mexico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with outstanding Spanish Colonial buildings like the Renaissance style Puebla Cathedral and the Mexican Baroque Rosario Chapel. So, this festive day is also a good time to reflect on Mexico's rich architectural heritage.

• Architecture in Puebla, Mexico
• Spanish Colonial Architecture
• Spanish-inspired House Styles
• Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in the Southwest USA

'Tis the month for historical questions as the National Trust honors National Preservation Month. Here are our top four queries, with problem-solving answers:

• How old is my house?
• Did it come "in the mail"?
• Where are the plans?
• Did Frank Lloyd Wright build my house?

What's your question? Ask us!

Wanna win a weekend at an historic inn? A subscription to Arts & Crafts Homes? How about private tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Beth Sholom Synagogue in Pennsylvania? All this and much more are up for auction as the National Trust for Historic Preservation celebrates National Preservation Month.

The celebrations last through the month of May in all parts of the USA. Check with your local historical organizations for special events in your area. See what's up for auction >