Home Architecture

Roman Architecture

2008-01-15T16:33:00.000-08:00

Roman architecture is a fusion of traditional Greek and the Etruscan elements, where arches were developed and horizontal beams were supported by columns. Later, three dimensional counterpart of the arch, namely the dome was introduced. Apart from this, Roman architects found their inspiration from the Greek architecture at large.

The basic building materials of the Roman architecture are stones, developed concrete, and highly expensive marble. The idea behind mosaic, a decoration of colorful chips of stone inset into cement, was brought from Greece. Roman homes joined the well known mural decorating floors, walls, and grottoes in geometric and pictorial designs.

Architecture of the Romans was always eclectic and was characterized by varying styles attributed to different regional tastes and diverse preferences of a wide range of patrons. In general, Roman monuments were designed to serve the needs of their patrons rather than to express the artistic ability of their makers.

Roman architecture was also considered to be an exact copy of the Greek building style. But, the Romans have also contributed to the classical architectural styles. The two developments of Roman buildings styles are the tuscan and composite orders. Tuscan is a shortened, simplified variant on the doric order of the Greek style. Composite is a tall order with the floral decoration of the Corinthian and the scrolls of the ionic building style of the Greeks.

The Roman Colosseum is the best-known amphitheatre in the world, which is more correctly termed the Amphitheatrum Flavium, after the Flavian dynasty that built it. The Pantheon is a building in Rome, which was originally built as a temple to the seven deities of the seven planets of the Roman state religion. Since 7th century, it has been a Christian church. The Colosseum and the Pantheon are some of the buildings built during this period.

Roman contribution to the architecture of the modern world is the development of concrete for building purposes. And the other contribution is the Empire's style of architecture that can be still seen throughout Europe and North America in the arches and domes of many governmental and religious buildings.

Architecture provides detailed information on Architecture, Architecture Designs, Architecture Schools, Landscape Architecture and more. Architecture is affiliated with Residential Architects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely

Understanding Gothic Revival Architecture

2008-01-09T04:02:00.000-08:00

By Susan Zanzonico

Some architectural styles should never change. That's likely what many builders thought in the early 1800s when Gothic architecture was re-discovered. With its tall, looming lines and intricate facades, the style was as relevant and attractive then as it was in its original period between the 12th and 16th century. Many Gothic Revival structures throughout the united states have been carefully preserved, and new examples are always celebrated.

Gothic and Gothic Revival architecture is always easy to identify. Buildings of this style often have high pitched roofs or spires, tall, narrow windows coming to a point at the top, exposed wood structural beams, and cross hatched decorative patterns. Because of its defining characteristics many people have the misconception that all gothic buildings are tall and narrow. In fact, some of the best examples of the style are squared or rectangular structures such as the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and the Saint Clotilde Basilica in Paris - the Gothic tradition in these buildings is as apparent as anywhere else. Gothic skyscrapers built in the late 19th and early 20th century, particularly in New York City, may be responsible for the style's most common interpretation. The Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburg, is another beautiful example of tall, narrow Gothic architecture.

Gothic architecture is widely accepted to have begun in the 12th century with the Basilique Saint-Denis in Paris, where nearly all of the country's monarchs were buried. The style quickly spread across Europe, and was developed over several centuries, with the last high profile example being the Chapel at Westminister, built by Henry VII in the early 16th century.

Gothic architecture never died out completely, but resurfaced less frequently between the 16th and 19th centuries, while post renaissance styles were popularized. The literature of the 19th century helped as much as anything to revive interest in the middle ages, as authors like Horace Walpole began to celebrate the period in their works.

The Gothic Revival was in full swing by the early 19th century, and came to America in the 1830s. While the style re-emerged largely unchanged, it was now being applied to smaller structures like homes and commercial buildings, as well as in traditional settings. Gothic revival architecture remained popular in the U.S. until the 1870s, although, again, it never vanished completely. Aspects of the Art Nouveau style of the 1930s can be traced to Gothic and Gothic Revival architecture, and occasionally a gifted architect is able to channel the original style in all its unmistakable stark beauty.

Susan Zanzonico has a wealth of information for buyers, sellers, and investors in the Harding NJ real estate area. Visit her website for community profiles, property listings throughout the area, including homes in Madison NJ, and information on her extensive real estate services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Zanzonico

Gothic Architecture

2008-01-04T19:18:00.001-08:00

By Kristy Annely

Gothic architecture is a style that began in France during the 12th century. It was particularly associated with cathedrals and other churches. In Florence, Italy, the Gothic style became widespread in the 15th century AD. England could see a series of Gothic revivals in the mid 19th century and it spread across other parts of Europe. Across America, in the 20th century, this style was largely used for ecclesiastical and university structures.

Gothic style emphasizes the vertical plane and features largely skeletal stone structures. Gothic architecture structures have large stained-glass windows that allow more light to pass through. These windows are usually the point of focus to design other structures of the building. Usually, buildings have extensive glass windows, sharply pointed spires, cluster columns, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, pointed arches using the ogive shapes, and inventive sculptural detail. Flying buttresses were used as a means to support higher ceilings and slender columns.

Building materials used in Gothic architecture are usually native stones. But in Northern Germany, Scandinavia, and Northern Poland, where native stones were unavailable, simplified provincial Gothic churches were built out of bricks. Gothic brick buildings were associated with Hanseatic league, an alliance of trading cities of Northern Europe. There are over a hundred brick Gothic castles across Northern Poland built by the Teutonic Knights.

The French Gothic style has different sub-styles, including Rayonnant and Flamboyant styles. The Gothic cathedrals of France are highly decorated with statues on the outside and paintings on the inside. They are built over several successive periods and the dominant architectural style changes throughout a particular building. In England, Gothic style was more widely revived as a decorative, whimsical alternative.

The Gothic style that prevailed in the 20th century, known as Neo-Gothic, is found mainly in modern churches and college buildings. Although it was considered inappropriate, Gothic style was used for early steel skyscrapers, jailhouses, and towers.

Architecture provides detailed information on Architecture, Architecture Designs, Architecture Schools, Landscape Architecture and more. Architecture is affiliated with Residential Architects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely

Luxury Home Architects

2007-12-29T04:54:00.000-08:00

By Elizabeth Morgan

Luxury homes are the current trend in civil constructions all over the world, which combine aesthetic and utility values to create unique models in a pleasing environment. Luxury home architecture encompasses construction patterns used in different countries. There are construction patterns reflecting the chronology. Luxury homes could be Avant Garde/ modern contemporary styles. European, French, Italian, Tuscan, Spanish, and Mediterranean styles are the popular styles adopted by luxury home architects.

Castle, estate home, chateaux, manor, and villa are the types of luxury homes offered by John Henry Design International Inc. They offer Mediterranean Tuscan dream homes, European traditional style house plans, for new home design and construction. Luxury homes, traditional and contemporary house design including French country chateaux, classical beaux arts houses and estates, modern movement deconstruction, Mediterranean revival, Victorian, English Tudor, Tuscan province villa estates, castles and Georgian Mansions are also some of the models. Henry Design International Inc has a fee structure according to schematic plan of construction calculated based on area.

Toll Brothers, Inc, with experience in construction industry for more than 37 years, is offering designer luxury homes. They are at present building luxury homes at Arizona, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Rhode Island, and their luxury homes are located in 21 States.

Ellis Nuhn & Associates, Wyoming offers luxury homes that are constructed specially for the nature lovers. Heath, Yarrow, Indian springs, Tucker R, Crescent R, Tucker Range27, and Gos venture North are their models of luxury homes. John B. Scolz Inc is an international architect firm specializing in luxury home constructions. They offer a comprehensive plan highly detailed and unique. These firms cover a full range of spanning design services.

Rand Soellner, a member of the American Institute of Architects, offers luxury log homes. They try to work with appraisers to evaluate resale value of luxury homes because property owners are concerned about future for their investment on luxury home. Donald A. Gardner, Interactive LLC is promoting craftsman style luxury homes apart from the regular Mediterranean style homes and Italian homes.

Architects provides detailed information on Architects, Landscape Architects, Residential Architects, Famous Architects and more. Architects is affiliated with Architecture Schools.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan

Front Yards: Matching Landscaping With Architecture

2007-12-23T04:42:00.000-08:00

By Caitlina Fuller

You have a beautiful home and you want to have a beautiful yard as well. However, you can have both and them not look all that beautiful together. That happens when the front yard landscaping does not match the home’s architecture. If you live in the Phoenix area and are interested in having the most beautiful yard in your neighborhood or the entire city then you can do so buy choosing a Phoenix landscaping company that knows how to landscape your front lawn in a way that will complement your home. A Phoenix lawn requires special care and a professional landscaping company knows just how to make your grass green, flowers bloom, and create an overall beautiful appearance. A good idea is for you to always ask for a landscape plan up front or maybe even two. That way you can evaluate the plan for your front yard before anything is done. So, if you like the plan you can give the go ahead and if not you can work on changes or find another landscaper that will work better with you. The importance is to find landscaping techniques that complement your home.

For example, you always want to landscape in a way that will always emphasize the beauty of your home’s architecture. At no point do you want to hide any of your home’s architectural beauty by planting large plants or trees that will grow and shade parts of your home. Of course if you have problem spots on your home that you just don’t care for you could always landscape in a way to camouflage them. However, this is not usually the case and you will want to plant plants and shrubs to frame and emphasize your home, not the other way around.

When you find a Phoenix landscaping company that understands what you are looking for and is capable of coming up with a plan to help you landscape your yard in a way to make your home’s beauty really stand out then you will be ready to get started. Also, don’t go with just any landscaper but rather one that is educated and understands landscaping. This will be an important decision and you will see the ultimate difference in the beauty of your lawn. Remember, it is your home and your lawn so you get the final say in what looks best and what it is exactly that you want.

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. If you live in the Phoenix area and are interested in having the most beautiful yard in your neighborhood or the entire city then you can do so buy choosing a Phoenix landscaping company that knows how to landscape your front lawn in a way that will complement your home. A Phoenix lawn requires special care and a professional landscaping company knows just how to make your grass green, flowers bloom, and create an overall beautiful appearance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caitlina_Fuller

When Architecture and Design Make Your Dream Home

2007-12-21T19:26:00.000-08:00

By Sarah Miller

One of the most watched segments in the woodworking industry is architectural woodworking. For the past few years, it has fast created its own market, usually composed of homes and high-end facilities like hotels.

But you may ask, “What created the need for architectural woodworking?” Well, it seems that this kind of artwork has been a symbol of long-lasting impression to the kind of commitment the owner has for quality. Every architectural woodwork plan has become an enduring element of elegance, beauty, and timelessness. Therefore, you can conclude that only the best kinds of materials are used, designs are well thought of, and only the best architectural company or person was hired to do this complex task.

This article focuses on the different architectural woodworking plans you can do for your home. There are many styles to choose from, and you can freely decide which bests suits your needs and can bring out the uniqueness and overall feel of your house.

Georgian homes are stately looking. It is reminiscent of the period of classical revival in England, which happened before the onset of the American Revolution. These types are usually are made of brick. In the colonies, there is a shortage of such material, and so most Georgian homes are built of wood. A more common feature includes two-story English-style freestanding columns that serve as support for a triangular pediment. In America, these pillars, often are referred to as pilasters, and are connected to the building. In order to maintain its classicism, you may need to conduct periodic maintenance and repair. The first area you need to check is the pediment. Make sure that all the three sides of the triangle are not exhibiting any signs of deterioration such as rotting. If bird nests are present, it is ideal that you remove them as birdlime will speed up wood rot.

Most mansions built today are influenced by Greek architecture. Unlike the courthouses constructed in 1800s, where columns are made of bricks, these houses have wooden pillars. The good thing about this is you can create your own column designs to add a more grandiose look. However, since they are seldom solid, they easily deteriorate. Should you encounter this problem, the best solution is to replace them or apply some preservation methods.

If you feel like living in a sort-of castle, perhaps you can consider building your own Tudor home. The towers and parapets that are the roof, and their huge timber beams that cross some broad regions of brick stimulate the idea of a fairy tale. They are usually added, however, not as a support structure but as exterior design.

The above article was written by Sarah Miller on behalf of a buzzing online Home Improvement community where homeowners easily and painlessly find the right contractor for their home improvement projects and in turn, contractors can find the right Home Improvement Leads! Also check out the QuoteCity.com Blog for more related Home Improvement Articles and Ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Miller

Sustainable Landscape Architecture

2007-12-15T17:27:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sustainable landscape architecture is a category of sustainable design concerned with the planning and design of outdoor space. This can include ecological, social and economic aspects of sustainability. For example, the design of a sustainable urban drainage system can: improve habitats for fauna and flora; improve recreational facilities, because people love to be beside water; save money, because building culverts is expensive and floods cause severe financial harm.

The design of a green roof or a roof garden can also contribute to the sustainability of a landscape architecture project. The roof will help manage surface water, provide for wildlife and provide for recreation.

Sustainability appears to be a new addition to the traditional Vitruvian objectives of the design process: commodity, firmness and delight. But it can be seen as an aspect of both firmness and commodity: an outdoor space is likely to last longer and give more commodity to its owners if it requires low inputs of energy, water, fertiliser etc, and if it produces fewer outputs of noise, pollution, surface water runoff etc.

The Use of Glass in Architecture

2007-11-18T16:52:00.000-08:00

By Sarah Manners

Acclaimed architect Bruno Taut said, “If we want our culture to rise to a higher level, we are obligated for better or for worse, to change our architecture. And this only becomes possible if we take away the closed character from the rooms in which we live. We can only do that by introducing glass architecture, which lets in the light of the sun, the moon, and the stars”.

A New Architectural Era
Built in Hyde Park, London to house the Great Exhibition in 1851 the Crystal Palace is commonly considered as a significant turning point in architectural history. This magnificent structure built from steel and glass paved the way for further exploration of glass as an architectural element. The glass sail of the new Milan trade fair and Louvre pyramid are other stunning example of the use of glass as a structural as well as a design element. Other examples of glass architecture include the London Bridge, Agbar and Federazija Towers as well as the Tokyo International Forum.

While the use of glass in construction was previously quite limited to grand designs and office buildings it is starting to become a core structural and design element in many homes. Glass facilitates natural light and opens up rooms allowing smaller spaces to look bigger as well as facilitating a natural indoor/outdoor flow which often enhances the tranquillity as well as the value of your home. Glass is also relatively inexpensive and fully recyclable, an important consideration in the current era of heightened environmental consciousness. Glass use in construction has increased dramatically due to the rapid changes in glass production and technology. Previously glass was thought to be quite a fragile building material and many steered away from it because of this. Modern glass, however, is not only spectacular to look through but it is safer, stronger and energy efficient.

Glass in the home
In the past glass was mainly utilized for windows to allow some air and light in to rooms. Today glass is utilized in the construction of several elements of exterior and interior architecture. Exterior glass architecture includes facades, display windows’ skylights, skywalks, entrances, revolving doors, canopies, winter gardens and conservatories. All of which allow homes to be bathed in natural sunlight with gorgeous outdoor views. Interior glass architecture can be used for staircases, elevated walkways and even as traditional walls. There are some houses in which all of the walls are actually glass. Such high quantities of glass previously compromised other aspects such as the heating and cooling requirements. Often glass architecture would incur high heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. Fortunately such great progress has been made in the glass industry that we now have access a variety of different kinds of glass each with fantastic benefits. One such example is glass with spectrally-selective qualities, which allows light to stream into the house without being harmful or degenerative to occupants and their belongings.

Caring for your Glass
To keep your glass looking great and streak free you will need to ensure that it is cleaned often. Try a few different cleaning solutions before you decide which one to use, options vary from store bought to home made solutions. Many use products such as ammonia, vinegar, borax, alcohol or Epsom salts to clean glass. An important point to remember is that when using your own solutions never combine an acid and an alkaline, for example vinegar and ammonia, as they neutralise on another. After washing use a dry cotton towel rather than paper towels or newspaper as they tend to disintegrate and leave deposits on your glass. For a great shine a dry blackboard eraser can be used.

To keep frost from accumulating on exterior windows during the winter, add two cups of antifreeze or rubbing alcohol to each gallon of wash water. For deposits of paint, resin or glue wet the surface and then scrape them off using a razor blade scraper. Take care to scrape in one direction only in order to avoid scratching the surface.

Another option, and a fantastic one at that, is the breakthrough technology that has brought us self-cleaning glass. An ultra-thin coating is applied to the glass during the manufacturing process; this coating has two highly beneficial effects on the glass. First organic residue on the glass broken down by the ultraviolet wavelengths in sunlight then when it rains the dirt is washed off. As the coating is hydrophilic when rain hits the glass, it doesn't form droplets and in turn eradicates streaking. Rain water flows down the glass in a sheet and washes the dirt away. If you don’t have time to wait for the rain a simple garden hose will be just as effective. Self-cleaning glass is making the lives of homeowners far easier and is giving home owners absolutely no reason to hesitate to use of glass in the construction of their homes. What could be better than bright, open rooms with excellent outdoor views facilitated by huge sheets of glass, without having to spend your days cleaning them?

Modern day architectural trends have elevated the way we think about the use of glass in our own homes. It is no longer simply a material for windows and the occasional sliding door; it is a design component in its own right.

With each passing day glass becomes a more important element in architecture not only in grand public structures but also in the lives and homes of families across the world. The beauty of glass lies in its simplicity, it enables us to be enveloped by nature while living comfortably in doors.

Many architects, designers and construction companies recommend Pilkington when it comes to glass. Having been in the glass industry for 179 years, Pilkington is recognised as the world's technological leader in glass. Out of all of their innovative products, Pilkington Activ™ - the world's first self-cleaning glass is one of their greatest products and is an ideal material in glass architecture.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Manners

What Green Building Means

2007-11-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

By Ki Gray

There's a lot of talk in real estate about green building lately, but the phrase is still a little vague. Here's a guide to understanding a few key terms, so you can investigate whether or not a potential home is truly eco-friendly.

Insulation and Building:
Many new buildings are being insulated with recycled materials, such as old blue jeans or blown-in fiberglass. Proper insulation now goes a long way toward saving on energy bills later. Walls can be made of steel and concrete, rather than more expensive and volatile treated wood. Many cities have lumber yards and "re-stores" where you can buy recycled or left over building materials that are strong, cheap, and often antique or authentically vintage.

Appliances:
Look for low flow shower heads and low flush or composting toilets. Consider energy saving washers and dryers, or put a line in your yard to hang wet clothes on sunny days Make sure your HVAC unit is sealed and clean, and look for gas stoves and instantaneous, or tankless, water heaters.

Flooring:
Rather than use expensive hardwoods that endanger the land and deplete forests, many real estate builders have found inexpensive and beautiful alternatives in bamboo (which is technically not a wood but a grass, and yet one of the hardest and most easily replenished flooring materials) and cork (also easily replenished). Concrete, too, can be a sturdy and inexpensive alternative, as can old fashioned linoleum, which is actually made from linen and other natural fibers.

Paint and Other Materials:
Many paint manufacturers are looking for green alternatives to oil and latex; one such option is the use of milk-based paints (which upon application smell like milk instead of harsh chemicals, and which don't have any carcinogenic ingredients.) Recycled glass is now being made into kitchen and bath tiles, and countertops are being made with recycled materials that look even more beautiful and unique than mined granite.

Solar Energy:
Solar energy doesn't just mean expensive panels that sit on your roof (though that's one kind, called active solar energy). Considering a solar home can mean investing in thick-paned, glazed windows or in more complicated photovoltaic cells. Though solar tends to be an expensive investment, upfront, the rewards show up every month in your energy bills.

Landscaping:
Look for Xeriscaped yards and common areas with plants that require little watering. Consider getting rain barrels (many cities sell them through their water and energy programs) or converting your outdoor water system to "graywater" (which involves using recycled water from dishwashers and washing machines to water your lawn or wash your car). Looks for trees that are native to your area, and plant them so they shield your windows from too much sun during hotter days.

Neighborhood:
While a lot of green building means being aware of what is going into your home, you might also want to check out your neighborhood. Are there recycling programs or community gardens? Public transportation? Bike paths so you can have the option of avoiding traffic? Are there shops and restaurants close to you, to encourage walking? While thinking about these things may seem unimportant now, our global climate and community with thank you later. (Oh, and don't forget the federal tax deductions.)

If you are looking for property in the Austin Texas Real Estate market Ki Gray can help you in your search. A broker with a long background of helping clients in the Austin market. His site Escapeso Austin Texas Real Estate is a source for information about the real estate market and current events in Austin Texas. It also provides a description of the different Austin Condos going up in downtown Austin.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ki_Gray

10 World Wonders Of Modern Architecture

2007-11-14T03:50:00.000-08:00

By Iuri Tarabanov

The end of the XXth century was marked with the architectural boom. Grand erections similar to ancient constructions classified as the wonders of the world began to arise one by one all over the globe. Many of them became the places of tourist pilgrimage even while not being completed. Ten of such projects have already gained the worldwide fame.

Great Egyptian museum in Giza.

Great Egyptian museum in Giza is about the same architectural wonder as the Giza pyramids themselves. As a matter of fact, it is the basis of architectural development of modern civilization. It is a massive row of chambers enfolding the scenery, with triangular roofs like in pyramids. The space of the largest archaeological museum in the world exceeds thousands of square meters.

The Tate Modern art gallery in London.

The Tate Modern art gallery in London is the largest-scale gallery in the world. And now the construction of the second 11-story glass building with 23 thousand square meters of space has been started. It is planned to complete the construction in time for the 2012 Olympics. The use of new areas will allow to solve the problem of over-crowding of the gallery that was visited by 4.9 million people in the year 2006. The cost of the project, designed by Swiss architects, is 215 million pound sterling. The expenses for extension to gallery are expected to be comparable to the main construction bill.

Burj Dubai.

The skyscraper in United Arab Emirates pretends to be the tallest building in the world. There will be the fastest elevators and the “highest” communications. When the construction is completed the final height of Burj Dubai will be more than 700 meters, it will have more than 160 floors. Now the builders work at 484.1 meters height. Interestingly: the weight of concrete used in building construction equals approximately the summarized weight of 100 thousand elephants.

Simon Wiesenthal Museum in Jerusalem.

Simon Wiesenthal Center suggested an idea to create the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem in the year 2002. Famous American architect Frank Gehry developed the model of museum complex. It is situated on the plot of land between “Gan Ha'atzmaut” park and Nahlat Shiva in the West Jerusalem. 120 million dollars were invested in this construction. The museum that is officially called “ Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem” occupies the territory of 14 thousand square meters. It has been built from Hierosolymitan stone with the insertions of titanium allays that is Gehry’s favourite construction material.

The third terminal of the Capital International Airport in Peking.

The country that builds the biggest dam, the longest bridge and the greatest shopping mall just ought to have the most immense construction plot while erecting the largest airport terminal in the hugest airport. The future third terminal will occupy 17 tiers, will stretch for nearly 4 kilometres, will require 35 thousand builders and will be capable of handling 53 million passengers in a year.

Olympic stadium in Peking.

Huge complex will be constructed by the year 2008. Its sizes are impressive: 330 metres lengthwise, 220 metres widthwise, with 62 meters in height, it will hold a 100 thousand persons. Though it is still unclear whether there will be as many lavatories there as for example in the famous Wembley stadium.

Ground Zero Memorial in New York.

Ground Zero is the memorial on the site of the former World Trade Center towers destroyed during terrorist attacks on the 11th of September. The huge construction with the slabs on which all the witnesses and sympathizers sign, now yields in size only to Holocaust memorial. The Tower of Freedom will be as tall as 1776 foots - 541 meters.

MAXXI - National Museum for Contemporary Art in Rome.

Zaha Hadid, the only one lady-architect in the world who won the Pritzker Prize, has designed MAXXI – the Roman Centre for Contemporary Art, it is a sophisticated concrete erection that simultaneously impresses with extravagance and monumentality. It is impossible to measure the length of the building since it has an extremely odd shape; it is even compared to spaghetti.

CCTV - the Chinese Television building in Peking.

CCTV - the Chinese Central Television building - is to be completed by the year 2008. This building – the skyscraper – is impressive due to its unusual shape. Chinese television head quarter will have 500.000 square meters of total space and will become one of the 300 skyscrapers that are to be constructed in the down town of Peking. The estimated cost of the project is 600.000.000 euros. Its infrastructure includes restaurants, hotels and theatres.

The Bishopsgate Tower in London.

It is another skyscraper of unusual configuration. Today it is the largest construction in London’s history. Its height is going to be 288 meters – it was originally proposed to be 307, but civil aviation authority prohibited such height. The tower will become one of the tallest buildings in the whole Europe. Recently the project was renamed The Pinnacle. The date of the construction first phase is planned for the beginning of the year 2008. The building will also be ecological – it will be covered with the solar cell panels.

Iuri Tarabanov writes about interesting travel experiences. His Travel Deals site is http://www.travelime.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Iuri_Tarabanov

Front Yards: Matching Landscaping With Architecture

2007-11-13T02:05:00.000-08:00

By Caitlina Fuller

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caitlina_Fuller

Architecture Designs

2007-11-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

By Kristy Annely

Architecture design is a scientific and artistic concept of building structures and understanding various building materials and forms. Generally the architect works in coordination with the internal and external environment of the structure, but when designs go against human tastes and cultural preferences the result is disastrous. An example of this are the drab and indistinguishable cities lined with uniform box structures - such as identical houses, office complexes and high rises.

Design in architectural language means the sum total of plan of building, the elevation, section, figure, proportion, ground, scale, ratio to external unit measure and grids. Even though we regard architecture as an art form, an indispensable principal in architectural design is a keen mathematical and analytical understanding of forms. Without mathematical hypothesis to guide us, we would have skewed designs and patterns.

Beginning with Romanesque architecture, design was defined in strong, simple, massive forms graduating into the ribs and piers of the 11th century and on to the perfect form of 13th-century Gothic architecture. With each century the concepts and designs changed, ranging from Baroque (17th century), Georgian (18th century), Classical and Gothic revival (19th century) to expressions of technology and modernistic art (20th century), giving credence to Victor Hugo's prophecy of doom that ‘the word will kill stone’.

The reason for these strong words was that before the popularity of visual media it was art and architecture that gave expression to our creative sensibilities. The history of a city or country could be gleamed from the structures and buildings. With World War II the ground rules were being regulated by omnipresent media, mobility and economic wealth, making us witness architecture designs ranging from burlesque to grandiose to just plain simple. The environmental degradation of natural resources turned our focus to environmentally-sensitive or sustainable designs even as architects turned towards eco-friendly material. Architecture designs became case-sensitive - appealing to nature as a metaphor for cities, buildings or residential complexes.

Architecture provides detailed information on Architecture, Architecture Designs, Architecture Schools, Landscape Architecture and more. Architecture is affiliated with Residential Architects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely

Home Architecture-Latest Trends In 2007

2007-11-11T04:58:00.000-08:00

By Joel Teo

Just as the famous fashion shows in Paris, New York and Milan bring out the chic part in all of us, when we come to take about home architecture the design frenzy takes over the minds of all those who enjoy having a comfortable and fancy home. So what will the New Year bring in terms of home architecture trends? One thing is for sure: the new visions of home architecture will undoubtedly revolutionize your house and make you the fanciest house-owner on your street.

Home architecture for 2007 announces to be really extraordinary, a mélange of classy, good taste furniture design, applied to neutral and soft wall colors. The keyword for the future home architecture is, without doubt, posh. And the most important feature that you should take into account when planning your home architecture is the aspect of socializing. Top designers in home architecture stipulate that by May 2007, most home architecture enthusiasts will be out shopping for those new pieces to make their homes gorgeous.

The new trends in home architecture are designed for the sophisticated customers, those who understand that being unique will make a difference. Accordingly, home architecture specialists expect owners to cut down on patterns and improvise in order to make their homes appealing and comfortable. Whether we’re talking of the wire cables sustained floating bed or the sleek stainless steel kitchen appliances, home architecture is bound to come with that polished touch we’ve all been dreaming about. Home architecture has to be ecologically sensitive, this way up-to-date with the community problem-solving issues, so try using natural materials for furniture and appliances.

Moreover, the futuristic ideas for home architecture include relevant solution for interior space expansion. Large spaces are the new fashion and designers have come up with knock-out suggestions on how to make your home look bigger than it is. For instance, you could think of having an open space kitchen, with an urbane shade, organized around a thick red mahogany island. This way, while cooking, you can easily socialize with the guests in the living room, without having to shout to make you heard. Home architecture trends for next year introduce a call to arms for chill-out times and spending quality time with family and friends.

The unspoken rules of 2007 home architecture request a neutral color palette to contrast with the colorful furniture items and high-tech devices. You could paint your bedroom or living room in a pale green hue or calm beige, but make sure that your bed or your couch is a strong personality color, or else you will lose the original note required by home architecture specialists. Light bathing, plenty of flowers to cheer up the place and cozy furniture to go with the futuristic technology are just a few hints at how you have your house up to the new home architecture standards, but what it really matters is that you embellish your home with originality.

Joel Teo writes on various financial topics including Investment Properties in Las Vegas. Learn more about Investment Properties in Las Vegas in our Real Estate Investment Resource Site today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Teo

Landscape Architecture

2007-11-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

By Kristy Annely

Landscape architecture is the design of outdoor space using the compositional elements of vegetation, landform, water and structures such as walls, seating, lighting, steps etc. The U.S.A. is a large country with varied geographical resources presenting opportunities to landscape architects to improvise with and accommodate these resources. Even though there is minimal threat to natural habitats the growing urbanization and moving population is encouraging construction and designing of neighborhood parks or playgrounds. These are relatively small but of intensive use for education, health and recreation purposes.

The first American professional landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead Sr. was responsible for construction of the new Central Park (NY) in 1857. The project was resumed after the Civil War along with new ones in Brooklyn, N.Y.; New Britain, Connecticut; San Francisco, California; Chicago, Illinois and across America. With the success of these ventures and the growing popularity of constructed park cemeteries, the landscape gardener was beginning to be referred to as a landscape architect. Schools and colleges across the country pitched in, offering professional degrees in landscape architecture to budding landscape architects. Landscape architecture is now recognized by the International Labor Organization and is represented by the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA).

The landscape architect is not a lonely figure. They have the backing of professional associations and a wide spectrum of projects ranging from roads, reservoirs, river reclamation, forests, housing development projects, industrial estates, rapid urbanization and other projects. If one is thinking of becoming a landscape architect, one needs to have a creative flair and appreciation for nature in all its forms. Along with this is needed an analytical mind to design, manage, preserve and rehabilitate cities into functional and aesthetically pleasing entities. Whether working for a firm or being self-employed, the increasing demand for designed outdoor spaces is turning landscape architecture into a challenging profession.

Architecture provides detailed information on Architecture, Architecture Designs, Architecture Schools, Landscape Architecture and more. Architecture is affiliated with Residential Architects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely

Laminated Glass in Modern Architecture

2007-11-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

By Christopher Devadoss

The usage of glass is inevitable in changing construction trend and modern architecture. The style and elegance of glass are most evident in the design of skyscrapers and modern buildings. The orderly arranged glass walls and steel structures are the characteristics of high tech architecture.

Architectural glass is used as glazing material for the facet of the building, windows and in internal partitions. These glasses are of safety type of toughened, reinforced and laminated glasses to resist environmental stresses like hurricanes, bomb blasts, fire arms, high winds and impact of other objects.

The laminated safety glass plays an important role in protecting these impacts of natural and man made disasters. This laminated glass is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered and offers resistance to the penetration of objects. It is produced by bonding two or more layers of toughened glass together with a plastic layer inside so that it ensures high impact resistance. It protects people outside or inside the building from consequential damage following an explosion

If the laminated glass had not been invented, most of the modern architecture would not exist. Getting more daylight into buildings has several advantages. Research indicate that increased day light helps the people more productive at work and also aid in physical and psychological recovery in hospitals by allowing daylight into buildings. This new technology of coatings gives high performance, low reflectivity and high transmission of light. This can be achieved by using laminated glass.

In tall buildings the two layers of laminated glass facilitates solar control and natural ventilation. It can also significantly reduce noise from the street as well as control solar energy transmittance. Most significantly, these laminated glasses can reduce up to 98% of UV radiation. Fading away of fabrics, such as curtains, carpeting and furnishings that are exposed to sunlight entering buildings through the windows, are mainly due to the Ultra-violet energy from the sun.

Glass strengthening systems Inc; is the pioneer in this industry and they have more than twenty five years of experience in this field and have distributors in all over the world. They manufacture a micro-thin transparent polycarbonate laminate which turns regular glass into barriers that can resist the force of small firearms, bombs, high impact projectiles, and severe weather such as hurricanes. They are having world wide customers who are very much satisfied with the products and demanding more of the products for their safety and security.

We, GNG associates, are of the authorized distributor for Glass strengthening systems, Inc. We wish for the safety and betterment of the lives of the people residing over India. We are proud to be the distributor of GSS products which have worldwide reputation.

For more product reviews please visit our site http://www.gngassociates.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Devadoss

Modern Architecture

2007-11-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

By Kristy Annely

Modern architecture is a style found in the buildings that have simple form without any ornamental structures to them. This style of architecture first came up around 1900. By 1940, modern architecture was identified as an international style and became the dominant way to build for many decades in the 20th century. Modern architects apply scientific and analytical methods to design.

Many historians relate the origins of this style of architecture to the social and political revolution of the time, though others see modern architecture as primarily driven by technological and engineering developments. The availability of new materials such as iron, steel, concrete, and glass brought about new building techniques as part of the industrial revolution. Some regard modern architecture as a reaction against ancient building style. Above all, it is widely accepted as a matter of taste.

For the international style, the most commonly used materials are glass for the facade, steel for exterior support, and concrete for the floors and interior supports. The floor plans are functional and logical. But, many people are not fond of the modern style. They find its stark, uncompromisingly rectangular geometrical designs quite inhumane. They think this universal style is sterile, elitist, and lacks meaning.

Modern architecture challenged traditional ideas about the types of structures suitable for architectural design. Only important civic buildings, aristocratic palaces, churches, and public institutions had long been the mainstay of architectural practices. But, modernist designers argued that architects should design everything that was necessary for society, even the most humble buildings.

Architects began to plan low-cost housing, railroad stations, factories, warehouses, and commercial spaces. In the first half of the 20th century, modern architects produced furniture, textiles, and wallpaper - as well as designing houses - to create a totally designed domestic environment. The aesthetics used by modern architects celebrated function in all forms of design, from household furnishings to massive ocean liners and new flying machines.

Modern architecture originated in the United States and Europe and spread across the rest of the world. The characteristic features that made modern architecture possible were buildings, stylistic movements, technology, and modern materials.

Architecture provides detailed information on Architecture, Architecture Designs, Architecture Schools, Landscape Architecture and more. Architecture is affiliated with Residential Architects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely

Feng Shui Architecture

2007-11-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

By William Brister

Feng Shui is a Chinese philosophy focusing on the relationship between humans and the environment. It is a natural earth science which reveals how people are affected by their immediate surroundings. Since everything is connected, certain geographical, architectural and planetary conditions have the power to either improve or worsen our well-being.

Feng-Shui is based on the laws of nature and provides us theories that explain why certain things happen in our lives. These theories stem from logical conclusions about natural cause and effects that have endured through time The Chinese philosophy dictates that everything is made of chi, or energy which is further broken up into the five basic elements of metal, fire, water, wood and earth. Each of these physical elements has energies that have frequencies with a unique wavelength which react with each other in different ways, either positive or negative. Humans are affected by cosmic and earth energies and feng shui is a way for us to harness this power and use it for our good.

Based on the Taoist philosophies of nature which include the Yin-Yang Theory, Five Element Theory and the Yi-Jing Trigrams, feng shui helps us determine which frequencies work positively with our own personal energy as well as the energies of our family members and co-workers. By using this knowledge we can create an environment of comfort that allows us to live efficiently and progressively. Everything can be designed keeping the principles of feng shui in mind - feng shui decorations, feng shui bedrooms, fengshui living rooms etc.

However, the phenomenon of Feng-Shui as passed down from the generations is complex to understand in its entirety and mastered by only a privileged few.

Today, feng shui is a multi-disciplinary study encompassing architecture, urban planning, geography, astrology, electromagnetism, landscape design, environmental psychology and much more.

Using the ancient science and philosophy of feng shui we can design, build, remodel, and decorate our homes successfully so that they will become environments that support our lives and our well-being. In today’s fiercely competitive world, architects have thus succumbed to the needs and demands of the clients and started incorporating principles of feng shui to harmonize with the spiritual forces that inhabit it, and their application in architecture through planning principles, services, building elements and materials. The architect well versed in feng shui can also use its benefits to match structures and land, forecast development related concerns such as cost overruns, quality issues, worker injuries and trade disputes.

William Brister - http://www.architecturaldesign.tv - All about Architecture

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Brister

Sustainable Green Architecture

2007-11-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

By William Brister

Sustainable architecture is designing buildings keeping in mind environmental goals and sustainable development. The terms green architecture or green buildings are often used interchangeably with sustainable architecture to promote this definition further. In a broader sense and taking into account the pressing economic and political issues, sustainable architecture seeks to reduce the negative environmental impact of the buildings by increasing efficiency and moderation in the utilization of building materials, energy and development space. Similarly, green architecture denotes economical, energy-saving, environmentally-friendly, sustainable development and explores the relationship between architecture and ecology.

In a case strongly promoting sustainable architecture, some experts have laid down certain basic elements that will help us to contribute to this matter further.

Small spaces
Large houses generally use a tremendous amount of energy to heat and cool. They also consume far more building materials which may have their own environmental consequences. In a move to do away with such wastefulness, small houses are now being preferred allowing one to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary depletion of natural resources.

Solar Energy
Nothing can be more comfortable for body and mind than living in a good solar-heated house. If designed ecologically, good passive solar energy provides just enough sunlight into the rooms to be absorbed by the surrounding thermal mass which acts as a heat battery and gives the warmth back into the room when the sun goes down. Crushed volcanic rock and straw bales make for good thermal mass insulation and designs in a green house

Renewable Energy
Among the several ways to conserve fossil fuel and produce electricity are using the natural powers of the sun, wind, or water.

Conserving water
The use of low water capacity toilets, flow restrictors at shower heads and faucet aerators are now being used as a part of sustainable architecture. More radical water conservation approaches include diverting gray water from bathing, clothes washing and bathroom sinks to watering plants; catching rain water from roofs and paved areas for domestic use. Landscaping with drought tolerant plants can also save water.

Using local and natural materials
Nature has been benevolent enough to provide us with several materials to build with, no matter what region you live in. If you use local materials for construction, processing and transporting hassles are minimized thereby also keeping environmental and economic costs low. From both, an aesthetic and health point of view, building with natural materials also helps sustainable development. Natural materials would include stone, glass, lime or mud plasters, adobe or rammed earth, bricks, tiles, untreated wood, cork, paper, reeds, bamboo, canes and grasses as well as all natural fibers. Including plants in your living space can greatly enhance the natural ambiance. Plants not only look nice, but they also release oxygen into the air, and some of them can actually filter some pollutants out of the air.

Saving our forests
While wood is most definitely a renewable source of energy we have gone beyond sustainable harvesting and ruined our eco-systems through deforestation. Wood must be used as little as possible and mainly for decorations. Cull dead trees for structural supports. Use masonry, straw bales; paper crepe, cob, adobe, rocks, bags of volcanic rock, etc., instead of wood. Homes can be made with certified sustainable harvested trees. This means that the forests where the trees are cut down from are carefully monitored to ensure that the health and character of the forest is maintained. Only certain trees are culled periodically, leaving the remaining trees to grow and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

Durability
One of the important elements of sustainable architecture is durability. If a building doesn't stand the test of time, it would be a waste of energy, from all perspective, human, resource and economic.

William Brister - http://www.architecturaldesign.tv - All about architecture

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Brister

Environmentally Friendly Architecture Design

2007-09-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

By James Heimler

There once was a day where one someone was speaking about the word green, it was obvious they were referring to a color formed by mixing yellow and blue. That assumption is no longer true; with our society leaning toward a healthier environment and ways we can help save the earth, the term green now takes on a whole new meaning. One way to support an environmentally conscious lifestyle is with green architecture.

'Green Architecture' is a form of environmentally sensitive design and construction. Energy-saving, sustainable development and natural materials are all hallmarks of this form of construction. Green Architecture is also sensitive to the impact of the construction on the environment in the years and decades after the construction is complete. It explores a relationship between architecture and ecology.

One of the key points to green architecture is to create synchrony with the surrounding environment. Everything about a green building should easily transition from the natural landscape, including the building materials. The best material to use for green construction is materials that have been recycled or come from easily restored resources.

Advantages of Green Architecture:

1. Optimizes the use of resources, especially energy and water. At the design and construction stage, it incorporates resource recycling during construction, and later when the building is being used.

2. It causes minimal impact on the environment during the entire building life cycle of siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance and removal.

3. Where possible, the natural topography is used to optimize energy usage.

4. It leads to reduced operating costs by optimizing resource usage. Green Architecture focuses on recycling resources - especially water. Wherever possible, it focuses on using building materials from the building site itself. Well-insulated doors, windows and walls reduce energy usage and loss.

5. Green Architecture promotes improved health of the occupants of the building, due to better natural air circulation and use of natural light.

6. Provides onsite facilities for recycling, thereby minimizing waste being sent to landfills.

Materials Commonly Used in Green Architecture

1. Recycled materials such as wood, tiles and bricks that are available at the building site or in/near the surrounding area.

2. Where new materials are used, the focus is on material that can be rapidly replenished, such as bamboo, which can be harvested for commercial use in just 6 years.

3. Insulation made from low volatile organic compounds that use materials such as recycled denim as opposed to fiberglass insulation - which has long-term adverse effects. Insulation may be treated with boric acid to retard insect damage. Organic or milk-based paints also afford protection.

4. Solar energy is an abundant resource that is used through passive solar, active solar and photovoltaic techniques.

5. Packed gravel in parking lots and driveways instead of concrete reduces rainwater run-off and replenishes ground water resources.

Many countries have developed their own standards of Green Architecture for energy-efficient and sustainable building. Given below are some common standards:

1. Code for Sustainable Homes - United Kingdom
2. EnerGuide for New Houses - Canada
3. House Energy Rating - Australia
4. Green Globes - USA, Canada and UK

Practitioners of Green Architecture and sustainable development seek to achieve ecological and aesthetic harmony between structures and their surrounding natural environments.

James Heimler, Architect Los Angeles California, owns one of the leading firms in green architecture and environmental sustainable design practices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Heimler