The ancient Nabataean city of Petra
Petra is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites and tourist attractions in the world, full of forsaken tombs and rock-hewn temples. But, for some 600 years, it was completely forgotten and erased from Western knowledge. It wasn’t until a curious Swiss explorer disguised himself as a Bedouin in order to be taken a secret […]
One of the best-preserved Egyptian temples – Dendera, the sanctuary of goddess Hathor, Mistress of Life
The Dendera Temple complex is devoted to the goddess Hathor and located 60 miles south of Luxor, Egypt. Not only it is one of the best-preserved temples of its period, it is also the most elaborately decorated and the grandest. Until lately it has been one of the most accessible temples to visit and fully […]
Traditional Moroccan riads, tranquil homes of beauty
Moroccan riads represent the elegance of desert architecture and reflect Islamic cosmology. A riad is a traditional Moroccan family house, characterized by the central garden courtyard. The founder of Marrakesh, Youssef ibn Tachfine, was highly influenced by Andalusian art and culture, where the riad model was first adopted. In the Quran, the heavenly garden paradise of […]
Ricardo Bofill’s Cement Factory – Now a Unique Home
Ricardo Bofill’s reconstructed Cement Factory is a poetic place that challenges conventional concepts of housing. It is a remarkable building for at least two reasons; it is both a masterful architectural solution for transforming an old cement factory into a beautiful residence, and an inspiring work studio. As Bofill himself highlights, his factory is a place […]
1950s lamps – Luminescent modernist sculptures
The diversity in artistic styles of 1950s lamps are a reflection of the wave of innovative designers that made their mark in this era of optimism and new technology. All around the world, the 1950s were characterized by renovation and jubilant inventions, following the basic principles of mass production, utility, and the idea that form […]
Kitchen design in the 1960s – how a period of pop and free love changed the kitchen into a place of fun and social gatherings
The role of the kitchen has reflected societal and cultural changes throughout history. This trend can easily be seen in kitchen design of one of the most creative periods of modern history. The era of the 1960s was a crazy, eclectic time. Many different styles, influences, and novelties emerged in art and architecture design. On […]
Villa Savoye – Le Corbusier’s not quite habitable yet praised modernist masterpiece
Besides being considered one of the jewels of modern architecture, Villa Savoye is a landmark development of International Style. It is widely recognised as the best example Le Corbusier’s “Five Points of a New Architecture”, a manifesto that strongly influenced Modernist architectural design. But it is less known that this masterpiece did not achieve its […]
Snow globes: a popular collector’s item
Whether they are a reminder of your childhood fantasies or you see them as an epitome of kitsch, snow globes can be found in great variety in shops around the world. And even though today’s toys have developed into numerous styles, shapes, and forms, it seems that something as simple as a water-filled globe with […]