Tuscan Architecture involves a brilliant conglomeration of the classical element of the Old World Europe along with the modern architecture. The beauty of this craft has been, no doubt, enhanced by the use of the natural stones like the marble, limestone and travertine. Along with them, the wooden beams are used at times.
In fact, the nature of marble suits the exotic element of the Tuscan architecture quite beautifully. First of all, marble has a rich heritage. This is a stone that has been used in home decoration and art for thousands of years. In fact, the ancient civilization in Greece saw an extensive use of marble. They normally used the Parian and Pentelic marbles that were quarried in the country. In subsequent times, the use of marble spread to the Roman Empire as well. No wonder therefore, the marble has traditionally been associated with the Hellenistic ideas.
If the history of marble suits the Tuscan architecture, its splendor furthers the glory of Tuscan art. This stone is smooth, beautiful and has a natural grace. Naturally, the incorporation of marble in a household is sure to increase the beauty and appeal of it.
The versatility of marble is yet another factor that adds to the usefulness of this natural stone. In fact, the possibility of using marble is simply endless. Thus, marble can be used for flooring, to create the pillars, countertops, colonnades, stair cases and thousands of other architectural structure. Marbles have been also used to make sculptures as well.
So many qualities have given marble its prestigious place in the world of art. Naturally, the Tuscan architecture has embraced this stone with joy. However, the greatest use of the marble in the Tuscan architecture is found in the floor. This is the part of the entire architecture that has given the Tuscan art such a wide range of color and style
Generally, the floors are made of marble. Sometimes, marble is mixed with other elements to give a unique look to the house. Thus, the terrazzo floors are made by mixing the different stones and stucco along with the chips of marble. Sometimes, the different stones, glass and tiles are used to create a brilliant mosaic s well. Also, there are the ceramic floors and terracotta tiles along with the marble that creates the impression of the true Tuscan architecture.
Typical Tuscan art also pay good attention to the walls where the hand painted decorative are placed. Generally, warm colors are used to give the feel of basking. The ceilings too, receive a lot of textures. In the exterior, the Tuscan architecture ensures that you own a garden worth looking.
By: Factory Plaza
Federal architecture is one of the most easily recognizable building styles in the eastern United States. Many of the nation’s most famous buildings are done in this style, as are a large percentage of houses along the Eastern Seaboard. With its emphasis on symmetry and classic decorative features Federal architecture also evokes a variety of similar styles such as Neo-classical and Greek Revival.
Owning a Federal-style home usually means owning a piece of U.S. history. Many homes in this style were built during the post-revolutionary era between the late 1700s and the 1830s, while the nation was shaping its identity. It’s a testament to the architectural soundness and building quality of the time that many of these buildings are still still occupied and in fine condition. Cities with large original Federal-home collections include Annapolis, Maryland, Savannah, Georgia, Castine, Maine, and Salem, Massachusetts. New England port cities, in particular, tend to have the highest percentage of Federal-style homes. Population booms after the revolutionary war helped produce many of the old Federal homes, while long periods of slow development helped extend their lives until they became recognized and protected for their classic appeal.
Federal architecture is characterized by its spacious, rectangular designs, and simplicity. The style calls for symmetry, and homes built in the style are usually identical on either side of the central doorway. Even Federal row houses, common in cities like Philadelphia and Boston, come close to achieving complete symmetry, and sometimes even function with a central doorway for all residences. Unlike many modern-styled homes, Federal homes usually include a full second floor, and sometimes a third story attic. Roofs on federal homes are sometimes shielded by a balustrade, and are often hipped, with slopes on all four sides. Facades and outer walls are generally flat, broken only by porches or pillared entrances, and windows usually have small panes, due to the high cost of making large sheets of glass at the time – windows on these homes are also commonly equipped with shutters.
Patriotism also played a role in the development of Federal architecture. Homes built in this style were among the first to feature the American eagle motif, and helped popularize it throughout the nation. As well, similarities in Federal architecture to Greek and Roman building styles, like the more bold Neo-Classical style, represented a conscious effort by Americans to link their new nation with the great democracies of the past.
Federal architecture was the first of many great building styles developed in the U.S., and it remains one of the most distinct and popular.
By: Joshua Keen
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and was built around the River Spree. Berlin was founded in 1237, but much of the city was destroyed during the Second World War. Recently the city has undergone a massive rebuilding and rejuvenation project and it is now a thriving modern city. Today, Berlin is one of the most visited cities in Europe with approximately 6 million annual visitors.
There are many interesting attractions for visitors to Berlin. It has an interesting mix of old and new. Berlin has some of the most advanced modern architecture in the world today, but also has remnants from times past. Tourists should be sure to visit Checkpoint Charlie which was the checkpoint where foreigners passed from East to West Germany. Remnants of the Berlin Wall that was destroyed in 1989 can be seen at this point. Otherwise visit the Berlin Wall Memorial which will give you a truer feeling of life with the Berlin Wall. The tallest structure in the city is the Fernsehturm Television Tower and it boasts a revolving restaurant at its top. If you want to see some of the bustling life in Berlin, be sure to go through Potsdamer Plaza which is one of the busiest squares in Europe. Here you will find any number of bars, restaurants, shops, cafes and places of entertainment. This plaza is also home to the State Library, National Gallery and Philharmonic Concert Hall. Also go past the Reichstag which is home to the German Parliament.
Museum Island is worth a visit. It is home to five famous museums Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, Neues Museum (which will include the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Pre and Early History) and the Pergamon Museum (which includes the Museum of Islamic Art and the museum of Ancient Near Eastern Art). There are also many other galleries in Berlin where you can view old and modern sculptures and paintings by artists such as van Gogh, Cezanne and Picasso. To get a true feeling of the history of Berlin, it is important to visit the Jewish Museum and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
If you feel that you need a break in this busy city, be sure to stop in at the Tiergarten. This beautiful central park is full of stunning gardens, including the cafe and beer garden. For a bit of a change, you can tour around the city in a tour boat that will take you on many of the lakes and canals of the city.
After the Cold War ended, Berlin saw a boom in the construction of hotels. Today, there are a large number of tourist accommodation options at relatively cheap prices. Hotels are spread around the city, but are concentrated in the western part of the city. Youth hostels are available for members and regular hostels which are similar to youth hostels, but are for everyone are most commonly stayed in by backpackers. Bed and breakfasts are often private and they are a good option for visitors. Another accommodation option is pensions which are similar to small hotels.
By: Gaizka Pujana