The architecture and urbanism of the Greeks and Romans were very different from those of the Egyptians or Persians in that civic life gained importance. During the time of the ancients, religious matters were the preserve of the ruling order alone; by the time of the Greeks, religious mystery had skipped the confines of the temple-palace compounds and was the subject of the people or polis. Greek civic life was sustained by new, open spaces called the agora which were surrounded by public buildings, stores and temples. The agora embodied the new found respect for social justice received through open debate rather than imperial mandate. Though divine wisdom still presided over human affairs, the living rituals of ancient civilizations had become inscribed in space, in the paths that wound towards the acropolis for example. Each place had its own nature, set within a world refracted through myth, thus temples were sited atop mountains all the better to touch the heavens.

The Romans conquered the Greek cities in Italy around three hundred years before Christ and much of the Western world after that. The Roman problem of rulership involved the unity of disparity — from Spanish to Greek, Macedonian to Carthaginian — Roman rule had extended itself across the breadth of the known world and the myriad pacified cultures forming this ecumene presented a new challenge for justice. One way to look at the unity of Roman architecture is through a new-found realisation of theory derived from practice, and embodied spatially. Civically we find this happening in the Roman forum (sibling of the Greek agora), where public participation is increasingly removed from the concrete performance of rituals and represented in the decor of the architecture. Thus we finally see the beginnings of the contemporary public square in the Forum Iulium, begun by Julius Caesar, where the buildings present themselves through their facades as representations within the space. As the Romans chose representations of sanctity over actual sacred spaces to participate in society, so the communicative nature of space was opened to human manipulation. None of which would have been possible without the advances of Roman engineering and construction or the newly found marble quarries which were the spoils of war; inventions like the arch and concrete gave a whole new form to Roman architecture, fluidly enclosing space in taut domes and colonnades, clothing the grounds for imperial rulership and civic order.

This was also a response to the changing social climate which demanded new buildings of increasing complexity — the coliseum, the residential block, bigger hospitals and academies. General civil construction such as roads and bridges began to be built.

Pre-Columbian architecture south of the current United States territory mainly consists of Mesoamerican architecture and Incan architecture. Inside US territory, the Mississippians and the Pueblo created substantial public architecture. Impermanent buildings, which were often architecturally unique from region to region, continue to influence American architecture today. In his summary, “The World of Textiles”, North Carolina State’s Tushar Ghosh provides one example: the Denver International Airport’s roof is a fabric structure that was influenced by and/or resembles the tipis of local cultures. In writing about Evergreen State College, Lloyd Vaughn lists an example of very different native architecture that also influenced contemporary building: the Native American Studies program is housed in a modern-day longhouse derived from pre-Columbian Pacific Northwest architecture.

Mesoamerican architecture is the set of architectural traditions produced by pre-Columbian cultures and civilizations of Mesoamerica, traditions which are best known in the form of public, ceremonial and urban monumental buildings and structures. The distinctive features of Mesoamerican architecture encompass a number of different regional and historical styles, which however are significantly interrelated. These styles developed throughout the different phases of Mesoamerican history as a result of the intensive cultural exchange between the different cultures of the Mesoamerican culture area through thousands of years. Mesoamerican architecture is mostly noted for its pyramids which are the largest such structures outside of Ancient Egypt.

Incan architecture consists of the major construction achievements developed by the Incas. The Incas developed an extensive road system spanning most of the western length of the continent. Inca rope bridges could be considered the world’s first suspension bridges. Because the Incas used no wheels (It would have been impractical for the terrain) or horses, they built their roads and bridges for foot and pack-llama traffic.

Much of present day architecture at the former Inca capital Cuzco shows both Incan and Spanish influences. The famous lost city Machu Picchu is the best surviving example of Incan architecture. Another significant site is Ollantaytambo. The Inca were sophisticated stone cutters whose masonry used no mortar.

In Ancient Egypt and other early societies, people believed in the omnipotence of Gods, with many aspects of daily life were carried out with respect to the idea of the divine or supernatural and the way it was manifest in the mortal cycles of generations, years, seasons, days and nights. Harvests for example were seen as the benevolence of fertility deities. Thus, the founding and ordering of the city and her most important buildings (the palace or temple) were often executed by priests or even the ruler himself and the construction was accompanied by rituals intended to enter human activity into continued divine benediction. Ancient architecture is characterised by this tension between the divine and mortal world. Cities would mark a contained sacred space over the wilderness of nature outside, and the temple or palace continued this order by acting as a house for the Gods. The architect, be he priest or king, was not the sole important figure; he was merely part of a continuing tradition

Neolithic architecture is the architecture of the Neolithic period. In Southwest Asia, Neolithic cultures appear soon after 10000 BC, initially in the Levant (Pre-Pottery Neolithic A and Pre-Pottery Neolithic B) and from there spread eastwards and westwards There are early Neolithic cultures in Southeast Anatolia, Syria and Iraq by 8000 BC, and food-producing societies first appear in southeast Europe by 7000 BC, and Central Europe by c. 5500 BC (of which the earliest cultural complexes include the Starčevo-Koros (Cris), Linearbandkeramic, and Vinča). With very small exceptions (a few copper hatchets and spear heads in the Great Lakes region), the people of the Americas and the Pacific remained at the Neolithic level of technology up until the time of European contact.

The neolithic peoples in the Levant, Anatolia, Syria, northern Mesopotamia and Central Asia were great builders, utilising mud-brick to construct houses and villages. At Çatalhöyük, houses were plastered and painted with elaborate scenes of humans and animals. The Mediterranean neolithic cultures of Malta worshiped in megalithic temples. In Europe, long houses built from wattle and daub were constructed. Elaborate tombs for the dead were also built. These tombs are particularly numerous in Ireland, where there are many thousand still in existence. Neolithic people in the British Isles built long barrows and chamber tombs for their dead and causewayed camps, henges flint mines and cursus monuments.

The great 19th century architect of skyscrapers, Louis Sullivan, promoted an overriding precept to architectural design: “Form follows function”.

While the notion that structural and aesthetic considerations should be entirely subject to functionality was met with both popularity and skepticism, it had the effect of introducing the concept of “function” in place of Vitruvius’ “utility”. “Function” came to be seen as encompassing all criteria of the use, perception and enjoyment of a building, not only practical but also aesthetic, psychological and cultural.

Sydney Opera House, Australia designed by Utzon.Nunzia Rondanini stated, “Through its aesthetic dimension architecture goes beyond the functional aspects that it has in common with other human sciences. Through its own particular way of expressing values, architecture can stimulate and influence social life without presuming that, in and of itself, it will promote social development.’

To restrict the meaning of (architectural) formalism to art for art’s sake is not only reactionary; it can also be a purposeless quest for perfection or originality which degrades form into a mere instrumentality”.

Among the philosophies that have influenced modern architects and their approach to building design are rationalism, empiricism, structuralism, poststructuralism, and phenomenology.

In the late 20th century a new concept was added to those included in the compass of both structure and function, the consideration of sustainability. To satisfy the contemporary ethos a building should be constructed in a manner which is environmentally friendly in terms of the production of its materials, its impact upon the natural and built environment of its surrounding area and the demands that it makes upon non-sustainable power sources for heating, cooling, water and waste management and lighting.

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The Great Buildings Collection

The town is also surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in England. There are more hotels and guest houses than you can imagine, catering to all tastes and budget ranges.

A favorite pastime of many tourists is to visit Shepherd Neame – the oldest brewery in Britain. This brewery has been producing top quality beer for more than 850 years.

Farming World is another tourist favorite near Faversham. There is an excellent display of birds of prey . There are 2 interactive flying displays every day except Mondays. Then you can see many of the resident hawks, owls, vulture and falcons in action.

A couple of other attractions in the town center are Chart gunpowder mills, the museum, Royal cinema and the shrine of St Jude. Faversham Abbey and Davington Priory should be on the ‘have-to-visit’ list of every visitor to the area. The tourist information center also located very centrally, and you are able to get maps of the town and surrounding countryside there.

At Pawley farm, just outside Faversham, you’re able to visit a real, functional cider farm. The cider is matured in oak casks for periods of between 18 months and 2 years. There are organized tours for groups so you can view life on a farm from the comfort of a vehicle.

You can also go on a trip down the Thames with one of the sailing barges offering such a tour. This is an unforgettable experience

The Faversham museum has been totally refurbished during 2002. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who lived in this town during the centuries. You will certainly not get bored by Faversham – Kent. You will be enchanted and charmed to such a degree that your next visit might be sooner than you anticipated.

Incidentally N Street, Georgetown is also one of the most picturesque and most well preserved areas in town. The street is lined with beautiful 18th century homes most of which are built in the Georgian architectural style while some of the later constructions exemplify the more stylish Federal style which later became a signature of American architectural prowess.

According to historical sources Georgetown was founded 1632 when a British fur trader discovered an Indian village known as Tohonga here and decided to set up a trading post. The town was formally recognized as part of the British Empire in 1751 and was incorporated in to the Province of Maryland. Being located in an important trading region of the Potomac River, Georgetown quickly morphed in to a port town with vessels laden with tobacco arriving here regularly. Subsequent to these warehouses, wharves and trading houses came up in Georgetown and a small but vibrant business community had come to live in the area.

Among the attraction to be seen at Georgetown is the C&O Canal which has particular relevance to the town’s shipping heritage. Though the historic Cheapsake and Ohio canal is no longer in use it is a popular recreational area, where visitors can explore the trails along the canal or take ride in a mule drawn boat. Another important historic attraction is the Old Stone House which is the only building in Georgetown that predates the American Revolution. Located on the historic M Street it was in 1765 and is open for public viewing.

Georgetown is located within easy access of many Washington D.C. hotels as it is well connected by the public transportation network. Washington D.C. hotels offer excellent accommodation options as well as access to a plethora of attraction ensuring that your holiday would be a memorable one.

Sydney Harbour is said to be one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see, and they are not wrong. Reaching over an area of 240 km of shoreline it features large areas of parklands, reserves and gardens and the harbor on a sunny day is a dazzling blue sprinkled with colourful sailing boats, cruise boats and ferries.

At the harbor you’ll find Sydney Opera House, as famous as the Empire State Building and The Leaning Tower of Pisa, and, even though not yet 40 years old, the most famous symbol of Australia. Extending out into the harbour with its uniquely shaped ship sails roof it was designed by the Danish architect Jorn Utzon, and its contrast with Harbour Bridge is a stunningly beautiful sight to see. The Opera House was included in the National Heritage List in 2005, and inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2007.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge was proposed as far back as 1815 to make access between the northern and southern shore easier, although it wasn’t actually built until 1932. Designed by Sir Ralph Freeman it is another of Australia’s most recognized landmarks and the world’s largest steel arch bridge, reaching 134m above the harbor at its highest point. Called affectionately by the locals as the ‘Coathanger’, when it was first constructed the two eastern lanes were tram tracks, since then they have been converted into eight traffic lanes and two rail lines. The view from the bridge is breathtaking and BridgeClimb was started in 1998 where anyone who wants can join in climbing the monument, by day, twilight or night.

Sydney has over 130 skyscrapers, including Sydney Tower, The MLC Centre, Deutsche Bank Place, Chifley Tower, Aurora Place, Governor Phillip Tower and the AMP Centre. Sydney Tower is the tallest structure standing at 309m with one of the highest observation towers in the Southern Hemisphere. The tower sits upon Centrepoint, an office and shopping centre development, and, a major tourist attraction in the city, it can be seen from a number of vantage points throughout town and neighboring suburbs.

The MLC Centre reaches a height of 228m and has 67 floors. Way ahead of its time in its design, it was the first building in the Sydney CBD to provide a large open space in the centre of the city for the entertainment of tenants, shoppers and visitors. Harry Seidler was responsible for its design, along with some other Australian well-known buildings.

St Mary’s Cathedral is located in the heart of the city and represents the spiritual origins of the Catholic Church in Australia. Artists have donated wonderful gifts in stone and glass since it was first built and what has evolved is a unique place to find solace and prayer within the city. One of Sydney’s most treasured historic buildings it’s constructed in local sandstone and is a fine example of the gothic-style evocative of the great medieval cathedrals of Europe.

Designed by the 19th century architect, William Wilkinson Wardell, it was completed 100 years after he died and is the largest church in Australia. Its location on College Street means it is surrounded by the high rise development of the CBD, however its impressive structure and twin spires ensure it is a landmark that can be seen from every direction.

Sydney arranges various walks for the general public that takes in some of the cities most contemporary buildings. These architecture walks are a mix of architectural styles and designs and often follow a certain theme – they are a great way to see the city from a different perspective and are an enjoyable event whatever your interest.

Every year there’s an Architecture Festival which celebrates the city’s buildings and attempts to get the public interested in, and appreciate, their local environment. It features architectural tours of the city, activities at the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House, talks, exhibitions and children’s activities; and attracts around 6,000 people from all walks of life.

Check out Sydney hotels online and experience the city’s natural beauty and magnificent harbour area. Stay at a hotel close by and you’ll be within walking distance of worldwide known Australian icons including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanical Gardens.