The New Alt-architects

Earlier this month, 14 architecture teams from universities nationwide participated in the Solar Decathlon, a U.S. Department of Energy-sponsored competition to build the ultimate solar home of the future -- one that produces enough juice to power a modern, energy-intensive lifestyle. The spirit of revolution was in the air on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where a temporary solar village sprung up beneath the Capitol's giant dome. It was not just a gimmicky competition, but a harbinger of a growing trend in sustainable architecture, an indication that architecture and the environment are becoming inextricably linked. Amanda Griscom introduces you to the new generation of alt-architects in this month's Powers That Be.