The difference between how commercial companies think and how the Internet works is something I've been observing for a while recently. It's most obvious with Twitter, Facebook and other centralised services that mimic the distributed architecture of the web but I think it's as much a state of mind as a technical solution. Here Anil Dash delves into the mire using Google Wave as an example. [<a href="http://dashes.com/anil/2009/08/the-web-on-the-web-way.html">Follow-up post</a>]

Great post that asks "So just what is it about the Birmingham Central Library that generates such loathing (and almost as as much passionate support)?" For the record I like the outside of the building but think the inside needs gutting, so I'm up for this notion of repurposing it it as an art gallery or similar. <i>via <a href="http://www.birminghamitsnotshit.co.uk/2008/12/the-great-inverted-ziggurat-of-birmingham-why-is-it-so-misunderstood-inversion-layer.html">BiNS</a></i>

Fascinating essay on the aesthetics of Star Wars that, if I'm boiling this down right, sees the Rebellion against the Empire as an attack on minimalism. Well worth a read even if you don't know or like Star Wars.

Andy Substrakt on a site they've built for MADE aiming "to represent young people’s views and voices on architecture and the projects they have engaged in."

A nice photo by Bill Phillips pretty much succeeds.

The third of the Birmingham Architectural Association's talks on what it means to be a second city looks at what we can learn from Milan. 4th March, free entry.

Roundup of new from the West Midland's regional architecture centre.

A new blog that promises to bring together all the news about the redevelopment of Digbeth. Starts with a long summary post. Essential reading!