Stone accompanies the metal and glass

Architecture is perhaps the most public form of art. Everyone sees the results and everyone has an opinion about whether they like it or not.

And in Chicago architecture is very important as we consider ourselves a capital of the art.

A new book about the work of one Chicago architect and his firm has just been released. "Lucien Lagrange: The Search for Elegance" by Robert Sharoff (Images Publishing, $70), is part of the publisher's "The master architect series."

The book contains many photographs by William Zbaren of the high-rises that Lagrange specializes in.

Most of the featured buildings are in Chicago, including a neo-gothic called The Pinnacle at 21 E. Huron St.; the rehabbing and remodeling work that turned the famed Art Deco Carbide and Carbon Building into the Hard Rock Hotel at 230 N. Michigan Ave.; the turreted building at 840 N. Lake Shore Drive, and Erie on the Park at 510 W. Erie St., a steel-and-glass tower.

The native of France takes his cues from surrounding buildings and details from all kinds of historic architecture, including Modernism.

Worth noting is Union Station, 210 South Canal St. Lagrange worked on renovating the station. Over 20 years he also designed additions that show what developers at the time expected of urban real estate, but that were never built.

Are you thinking pumpkins yet?

It seems a little early to be talking jack-o'-lanterns and pumpkins, but who are we to question Chicagoland Gardening?

If you're going to learn to carve like Steve Dahlke, you'd better start practicing. The man who did the incredible face on the cover of the current issue of the magazine will be at the Old House New House Home Show Saturday, Sept. 27, and Sunday, Sept. 28, at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles.

Pumpkins come in several shades including red, white, gray, green and light gold. Throw in a Blue Hubbard squash for that most illusive of garden colors (OK, it might be grayish).