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"Those who make peaceful evolution impossible make violent revolution inevitable."- John F. KennedyThere's one thing for sure: 2008 isn't anything like politics as usual.The corporate media (with their unerring eye for the obvious point) is fixated on the narrative that, for the first time ever, Americans will likely end this year with either a woman or a black man headed for the White House. Bloggers are telling stories from the front lines of primaries and caucuses that look like something from the early 60s - people lining up before dawn to vote in Manoa, Hawaii yesterday; a thousand black college students in Prairie View, Texas marching 10 miles to cast their early votes in the face of a county that tried to disenfranchise them. In recent months, we've also been gobstopped by the sheer passion of the insurgent campaigns of both Barack Obama and Ron Paul, both of whom brought millions of new voters into the conversation - and with them, a sharp critique of the status quo and a new energy that's agitating toward deep structural change.There's something implacable, earnest, and righteously angry in the air. And it raises all kinds of questions for burned-out Boomers and jaded Gen Xers who've been ground down to the stump by the mostly losing battles of the past 30 years. Can it be - at long last - that Americans have, simply, had enough? Are we, finally, stepping out to take back our government - and with it, control of our own future? Is this simply a shifting political season - the kind we get every 20 to 30 years - or is there something deeper going on here? Do we dare to raise our hopes that this time, we're going to finally win a few? Just how ready is this country for big, serious, forward-looking change?Recently, I came across a pocket of sociological research that suggested a tantalizing answer to these questions - and also that America may be far more ready for far more change than anyone really believes is possible at this moment. In fac

A methodology and philosophy of revolution is neither born nor accepted overnight. From the moment it emerges, it is subjected to rigorous tests, opposition, scorn and prejudice. The old guard in any society resents new methods, for old guards wear the decorations and medals won by waging battle in the accepted manner. Often opposition comes not only from the conservatives, who cling to tradition, but also from the extremist militants, who favor neither the old nor the new.

Steven Pinker is a Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, the author of several magnificent books about the human mind, and one of the most influential scientists on earth. He is also my friend, an occasional mentor, and an advisor to my nonprofit foundation, Project Reason.Steve's new book is The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined. Reviewing it for the New York Times Book Review, the philosopher Peter Singer called it "a supremely important book." I have no doubt that it is, and I very much look forward to reading it. In the meantime, Steve was kind enough to help produce a written interview for this blog.

The new Shri Swami Narayan mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey revives one's burgeoning pride in Indian temple architecture. Take a look.

Story-telling the Zaha Hadid way - ground-breaking design for the new Mathematics Gallery at the Science Museum, London will tell the stories of how mathematicians have helped shape the world...

Mecanoo Architects design the new Delft station, marking one's arrival at Delft as a ceremonial and memorable experience...

Metaphorical and environmentally conscious design anoints the new premises of the International Criminal Court at Hague, Netherlands. Check it out here...

MVRDV designs a new landmark for #Taipei a la #NewYork's #TimesSquare. The twin towers' vibrant #façade appears like a real-life #game of #building #blocks. Check out the story here…

Boundless cultural overtures and variously open mindsets are resulting in a new-age generation that is sensitive to humanity but eager to unshackle itself from societal pressures. Educating this generation needs to pave new paths. Principal of Sasaki Design studio, Ar. Romil Sheth enlightens…

Tom Dixon's new studio showcases his luxurious designer ware in warm rustic environs. Read more...

Responding to Madrid's Mediterranean climate, Foster + Partners reveals their newest project in Madrid seeking to nurture a new identity and sense of place for the city. Check it out here…

Bridging the fine line between conservation and contemporaneity, Studio Modijefsky redesigns #BlauweTheehuis to carve out #brouwerijhetij, perfecting the balance between old and new. Check out the new taproom-cum-restaurant here…

Chromed Design Studio once again crafts a synthesis of old and new in the recently completed Ophelia restaurant at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi. Check out the uber-chic restaurant that transforms from a luxury fine dine by day to a high energy lounge bar by night…

SL Architects craft a low-impact footprint for a new open-air music venue in Bahrain, meeting recycling/ re-use objectives for a circular design.

The Next Level expansion project of the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum in Denmark is collaboration between architects SHL and renowned American artist, James Turrell; it proposes to define a new experiential art-architecture idiom. Check out the recently revealed design and concept and leave us your views...

How often is a proprietary design appreciated by a discerning client? Consequently, what drives architects and designers to continue to push boundaries to explore bespoke? Check out a break-through by studio Orproject and leave us your views…

Building a narrative in a cutting-edge, engaging style totally in synch with the cultural ethos of the client is nothing short of an art. Ar. Alhad Gore of Beyond Design smartly rises to the challenge. Check out this new-age office and tell us what you think…