We construct a homological approximation to the
partition complex, and identify it as the Tits
building. This gives a homological relationship
between the symmetric group and the affine group,
leads to a geometric tie between symmetric powers
of spheres and the Steinberg idempotent, and
allows us to use the self-duality of the
Steinberg module to study layers in the Goodwillie
tower of the identity functor. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification:
55N25, 55S15, 20B30, 55P25.