exterior home: 2012

Exterior home

Some are designed to hide from view and are designed to draw attention to the illuminated area and therefore are very simple and functional design. Others have a design style and are designed to provide lighting in one area, but also beautify the home during the day and night. Outdoor decorative lights are capturing the attention and bejewel the panoramic view of your home. All types will increase the aesthetic appeal and financial value of a house.

Home and house plans offer integrated housing schemes

As we all know; home is the most important amenity of mankind and every person has dreams to design a beautiful home for oneself. Home and house plans are accommodations which offer best ecofriendly housing plans which are designed catering to eco friendly norms and live up to the expectations of environment consciousness. These plans are catered to produce effective strategies which may help in designing cost effective housing policies. These plans are developed keeping in mind environment consciousness and create holistic housing schemes so that better structure is created which has complete offerings and value added measures. Home and house plans are incorporated keeping in mind following aspects:

Site plans are designed to show location of home and identify property regulations in a better manner. It is generally an overhead view of construction site and it has reference with regards to boundaries. They should easily understand utility services and location of driveways which may provide topographical data which identifies slope of terrain.
Floor plan is designed in an effective manner which helps in identifying complete house prospects. One can identify parallel lines which scale width of wall length. Various dimensions are drawn between walls to identify room size and appropriate wall lengths. Various plans are generated to indicate rooms and appropriate built in elements which may accommodate plumbing fixtures and cabinets. They generally include specific finishes and appropriate construction methods which may incorporate symbols for significant electrical item usage.
Home and house plans are integrated with elevated structure which ensures there is a plan which incorporates rear and side elevations. These elevations generally have ridge heights, positioning of land structure and roof pitches which incorporate architectural styling structure.

Affordable green house plans are a new age revolution in house building. They generally focus on recycled counter tops and non toxic interior paint which play an indispensable role in building houses. Every sustainable house plan has green design technology and they are designed with green features. One should always choose house plan which offer natural lighting and ventilation which can accommodate environment conscious materials. They should generally have modest size and footprint designs which are an ultimate foundation in designing user friendly and comfortable housing plans.

Affordable green house plans generally depend upon following specifications:

Value engineering definitions: These are plans with simple exterior which can accommodate wall definitions which have corners, bay or protrusions which definitely take advantage of less construction material. These houses generally require less heat and cool energy because they generally require few energy which is at disposal in terms of resources.
Accommodating and hard working virtual capability: Right housing plan can accommodate your budgetary requirements whereas the generally focus upon master suites and living accommodations which can maintain accessibility and housing propaganda in a better or flexible manner.

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Architectural Education in Australia

The Sun Shines on Architectural Education in Australia

Architectural education in Australia is underpinned by a very successful and internationally respected architectural profession. Indeed, over recent years Australian architects have received many major international awards. Glen Murcutt was recipient of the prestigious Alvar Aalto Medal in Finland, Harry Seidler was recipient of the Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and Gregory Burgess was recipient of the Robert Matthew Award from the Commonwealth Association of Architects.

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Large Australian architectural practices continue to wield their influence across the world - Denton Corker Marshall has been short-listed for the Scottish parliament project in Edinburgh, and has offices in Asia and Eastern Europe; other leading practices such as Philip Cox, Mitchell Giugola and Peddle Thorp continue to win major projects; and smaller practices with Australian architects contribute to the leading edge of world architecture - such as Koenig and Eisenberg in California, Bolles-Wilson in Germany, Kerry Hill in Asia.

Architecture within Australia is also vibrant and exciting and has received growing media attention particularly in Europe and North America. The upcoming 2000 Sydney Olympics will see a host of exciting new projects exercising a ‘green' agenda for the 21st century.

All of this derives from a rich and diverse architectural education sector that is also internationally respected. All the fifteen accredited Architecture Schools in Australia are located in Government funded Universities. These schools are accredited by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Boards of Architects in each State under the co-ordination of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia. All courses are also accredited by the Commonwealth Association of Architects and recognised by the RIBA. The Royal Australian Institute of Architects is affiliated with the world body for architecture, the UIA or International Union of Architects. So Australian architectural degrees are recognised in most countries for admission to the profession of architecture.

In all Australian Universities the principal professional degree for architects is the ‘Bachelor of Architecture' (BArch) which is based on a five year full-time academic program. In some schools there is a two degree structure offering a first degree such as ‘Bachelor of Science Architecture' or ‘Bachelor of Environmental Design' after three years, followed by two years to the ‘BArch' degree. These first degrees are not sufficient for admission to registration as an architect, but they are recognised by prospective employers for employment as an ‘Architectural Assistant'. Most Universities offer advanced standing for students arriving from overseas with prior tertiary qualifications such as Polytechnic Diplomas or preliminary architectural studies.

The Australian ‘BArch' degree is of a comparable standard and content to the ‘MArch' degrees now being offered in Singapore and Hong Kong. Australian architecture courses are similar to the British structure and are, in most cases, specifically focused on the subject ‘Architecture', unlike many US courses where there are many variations and options, some derived from non-architecture based first degrees followed by a professional degree. The simple Australian structure leading to the uniform ‘Bachelor of Architecture' is clearly understood and recognised by professional institutes and employers internationally.

The current currency exchange situation in SE Asia has seen the Australian dollar falling in value against the US dollar and British pound thus improving Australia's international competitiveness against both these countries as an education destination. In addition to the traditional catchment of SE Asia, from where thousands of architecture students have gone to Australia over several decades, there is a growing presence in Australia of European, African and North American students who perceive Australia as an attractive and cost effective base for their tertiary study. In general, personal security is excellent across Australia, the weather is beautiful and there are splendid cities, landscapes and natural amenities.

Although uniformly accredited within Australia, the fifteen recognised courses vary widely in their individual structure and educational methodologies. It pays to inquire into the characteristics of each program and the facilities available. Some have an emphasis on scholarship and research; others are ‘avant garde' and have a theoretical emphasis; others have a pragmatic or practical emphasis focused on the education of future practising professionals. If students are interested in immediate employment within the profession upon graduation, then this question needs to be asked in selecting the most suitable course. It is also worth inquiring if studio space is provided by the University or if this has to be rented off-campus in addition to fees. Some Universities provide a studio work space and equipment with 24 hour access. Fees for international students in Australia are of the order of A,000 per year. (US,500, UK£5,150)

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Gallery of Living Room Design with Great Views

Living room design become a focal point in a house, so its a great idea if we have a living room with special views such as on below pictures. I found this amazing collection of great living room design with a great view from deand-unlimited, I hope this gallery will inspire you and give you a great experience in home design. Clear your busy mind and take a wander with us through this parade of stunning living rooms.

The first picture is a wooden living room from Ando Studio, designed with wood ceiling and floor, this living room is covered with a set of glass wall, Here are the pictures.

wooden living room with wood ceiling and floor

glassed wall living room with a great view

Above picture is another great living room with an amazing view, If you are lucky enough to find yourself submerged in dream views like these, ensure your room design is kept airy and uncomplicated to allow the eye to naturally find the beauty beyond, rather than conflict with it.

natural stone for a great living room

white living room with natural stone fireplace

How to Decorate your Garden with Outdoor Lights

Garden become important to beautify our house, without a good lighting the garden will be a uninterested place at night, but by installing a proportional outdoor lights as an outdoor decoration, you will see a new amazing environment in your home. For outside lighting decorations, you need to measure the yard, among other basic steps, and have a plan of how you want to lay out your outdoor lights before you purchase them.

Outdoor lighting ideas

outdoor lighting for garden

outdoor lighting for walkway

outdoor lighting ideas

There are several places of your garden that needs lighting, front door of the garden, shrubbery, Walkway, Outdoor Tree and the Sculpture. For front door lights, you can attach the lamps to the frame and feed the light down into the groove.

Drape it over a bush or shrub to create a blanket of light. It gives a perfect spaced set of lights that won't tangle. You can purchase sets with the different functions. To add a romantic sense, you can installing a special lighting for the walkway. For your walkway use a universal light stake, which will accommodate any type of light. Thread the cord on one side and then the other side of the stake and pull it tight for a snug fit. Place the stakes in the ground and line the walkway with them.

If you have a several trees in your garden, you can also decorate the trees, Put the lamps on the cord and over the branch, and they simply twist over themselves to keep your lights perfectly placed. And the last attach lights to wire sculpture with sculpture clips. Pop the clip to the wire frame and place your bulb right in the clip.

Contemporary River Cliff Home by Susie Johnson for Best Home Design

Below pictures are several best home design project by Susie Johnson, a high-end residential interiors that Emphasizing proper proportion and scale, as well as effective lighting, while maintaining the overall design style is Susie’s signature approach to personalizing a home to match her client’s personality and lifestyle.

Take a look at this gorgeous contemporary home designed by Susie Johnson Interior Design that has won awards in both the local and state American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) design compeitions in the Contemporary Homes over 3,000 square feet category. This home overlooking a river was designed for an experienced contractor, who wanted a cohesive merger of the interiors and the architecture of the home.

Painting ideas and fireplace for best home design

Simplicity can also be a great ideas, such as on this kitchen, The kitchen’s simplicity with rift-cut white oak cabinetry brings out the contemporary essence of the nickel surface appliances.

kitchen for best home design with simplicity

Understanding Mpls Vpn Architecture

MPLS VPN allows international companies to connect cost-effectively across multiple locations. It is a truly reliable product that extreme users can count on. It is very configurable and responsive in meeting the needs of businesses and offers a wide variety of choices on quality service and class of service. MPLS VPN offers end points-to-end points managed solution. VPN or Virtual Private Networks solution offers the possibility of building a corporate network that delivers excellent performance, reliability and security of a dedicated private network online. AT&T's professional service takes advantage of the latest Multiprotocol Label Switching technology to offer their business partners, employees and customers secure access to corporate network and information from virtually any location.

MPLS VPN is uses advanced IP Internet protocol over an optical network. MPLS VPN offers benefits that includes a performance that counterparts traditional infrastructure switches based on underlying Asynchronous Transfer Mode. Its architecture and latency has enhanced network performance. Moreover, MPLS VPN Quality of Service optimizes available bandwidth by merging data and voice traffic which are crucial to networking. Its service quality assigns exclusive labels for your data. It is able to identify destination and allow for safe data transmission throughout the network. Furthermore, it offers capabilities that give the highest priority and additional bandwidth for time-critical applications, such as streaming programs over applications where rush demands become less of a concern. Some examples would be emails running through virtual paths and ensure that data is completely segregated from other customers; end-to-end quality of service at customer edge through the core; and data security that remains completely private inside the network and never penetrates in the public internet.

Multiprotocol Label Switching is an innovative technology designed for superior performance packet forwarding. This new technology has several uses, both for the service provider and the corporate network, and more widely used today allows for the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN). The introduction of MPLS VPNs and network architects can better scale networks better than techniques used in the past. Administrators and network engineers need fast and effective training on this new technology in order to run effective usage of MPLS VPN on their networks. This goal in mind, MPLS VPN architectures provides a detailed discussion, especially the architecture on MPLS Cisco. It is useful to know more about MPLS and configuration and other network-centered issues which are all significant in MPLS VPN application.

MPLS VPN architecture and its system is better appreciated in its design and implementation guidelines, and in the countless issues resolved by its technology. However, customers need a practical guide to understand the whole planning and implementation of MPLS VPN for the network. Excellent products from reliable and reputable service providers not only ensure solutions but also offer a detailed analysis of the Multiprotocol Label Switching architecture and MPLS VPN innovation. This way customers will understand better its mechanisms and functions that constitute to the architecture.

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Aesthetic Architectural Hardware

We specialize in making sliding door architecture hardware available all around the world. We provide door hardware, sliding door hardware and pocket door hardware and in this field we have curved a niche of our own. Our products are not only unmatched in functionality, but if you have a good look at our sliding door handles and pocket door handles, you will know how artistry is juxtaposed with precision in order to please the eye of the beholder and offer a pleasant sensation whenever your hand come in contact with them. The materials and finishes that we use in our sliding door handles and pocket door handles are of supreme quality. This is not only for the reason that we are obsessed with providing you with the best quality hardware, but also for the fact that these products undergo quite frequently, rough treatment and need maintenance.

Leave the job of taking care of and adorning the door of your place and you will not be regretting about your choice. Our most acclaimed hardware products include, Our range of hardware products includes Sliding Door Hardware, Pocket Door Hardware, Handling or Stair Rail Brackets, Continuous Drawer Pulls, Cabinet Handles, Concealed hinges, Lever Handles, Flush Pulls, Magnetic Door Stops, Mortice Door Locks, Aircon Ventilation Grills, Coat Hooks, Magnetic Products, Shelving Components, Pull Handles, Manfred Frank Concealed Hinges and Ventilation Systems. Each one of them can be trusted in the matter of durability and longevity.
We will design the door hardware according to your wishes. All you need to do is to email us and furnish all the details like your floor plans and door schedule. Mention important details like the style and thickness of the door. We will then prepare and itemized list of architectural door hardware list, so that you can choose from the list. We will also provide pricing details and possible alternatives. Our final move is to attach door latching and door lock hardware tools to your door. The whole operation procedures will be hazardless and it will take a very short duration to install. Read our privacy policies and terms and conditions thoroughly before using any of our products. In case of any defect or problem that may arise within 2 years of purchase, we will replace it after a thorough inspection by our experts.

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Principles of Architecture

Let's understand first what you mean by 'Principles'?

Principles are basic guidelines and rules that inform as well as support the organization by which they sets about fulfilling its mission. Principles may be established at any or all of three levels depending on the organization:
* Enterprise principles
* Information Technology (IT) principles
* Architecture principles

We can define Architectural principles in various ways:

Architectural principles:
* Are statements of preferred practice that reflect a level of consensus among different organizations within an enterprise, such as IT, business units and support groups.

* Are long-term simple and direct statements and frame how an organization makes decisions about IT. All these principles are critical to achieving the objectives and goals of a company.

* Help in establishing a context for design decisions so that business criteria can be translated into specifications and language.

Then technology managers can use this information as they plan, design, develop, implement, test, and deploy an information system's IT resources and assets across the enterprise.

* Require to develop a framework which includes appropriate procedures and policies to support the implementation of the principles. Procedures and Polices are used to support the governance's application to architecture for its information and technology components.

Qualities of Principles:

There are five criteria that define a good set of principles:
* Simplicity
* Relevancy
* Consistency of interpretation
* Granularity
* Stability

How Architecture principles are used?

These principles focus on two main areas.

They are used to govern the process of:
* Developing the architecture - Architecture principles are needed to guide the development, maintenance and use of the enterprise architecture.

* Implementing the architecture - This means establishing the tenets and related guidance for designing and developing an IT system.

I hope you will keep all the qualities of Architecture principles in mind.

Home Spa Jacuzzi Design of Sasha Home Sauna

This home spa jacuzzi has amazing interior design, this is the Sasha Home Sauna, Inspired by the highest sense of wellness, spa combines the Sasha home sauna, shower and a Hammam. Designed by the architect Alberto Apostoli Sasha has a modern design and professional services in a compact package that fits a modern home.

Home Spa Jacuzzi Design of Sasha Home Sauna

Home Spa Jacuzzi with wood, glass, steel and resin

For the lighting, found in the sauna, RGB LED lamps are in the bank and select the wall.

This home spa is made of wood, glass, steel and resin, Jacuzzi spa with water all the senses, smell, warmth and music will do. For the lighting, found in the sauna, RGB LED lamps are in the bank and select the wall, while a touchpad can be different programs with color sequences are combined. The shower is surrounded by large areas of glass, and comes with three programs, soothing water to wash away your worries. Finally loaded the Hammam mix coats your body with warm dew, while the touch screen panel can use color to the various programs.

For more details, just see on the picture gallery, or read another related post about spa on below links.

The Principles Of Sustainable Architecture

The concept of sustainable architecture was born at the beginning of the Seventies: following the energy crisis of 1973, in Germany some experts began to study the methods to live in an eco-friendly way and trying to save energy. Energy-saving buildings, as well as many other solutions that are becoming more and more popular, are the result of those first studies, which have been deepened through the decades.

One of the first fields of study of sustainable architecture, which can been defined as the discipline that is aimed at building trying to maintain the balance between the wellbeing of people and the health of surrounding nature, was that of renewable energy sources, alternative to oil, like solar energy. The first examples of green buildings, which appeared in Europe and in the States in the Eighties, highlighted the attempt of searching for new methods to produce and not to disperse energy. With the passing of time this trend and the studies in this field have been deepened, while environmental problems, which are well-known by us all but seem to be impossible to be solved, have become more serious. Terms like external wall insulation, dehumidification, natural light have become part of the vocabulary of architecture and construction, and have begun to be used to describe new types of houses and buildings.

Sustainable architecture includes many sectors, from building materials to designing, from energy sources research to the insulation of buildings. As far as building materials is concerned, sustainable architecture is meant to use high performances, low environmental impact materials, which are not too expensive. This means avoiding to use materials that can be dangerous for our health, like chemical glues and paints, and replacing them with natural materials. Choosing materials for green buildings also means limiting the use of resources, perhaps using recycled or light materials, which can be more easily transported. As far as the designing stage is concerned, sustainable architecture is very focused on environmental impact, and tries not to change the habitat where the building will be built. First of all, architects need to consider the location of the building, which should be able to benefit from solar light and other atmospheric factors. Secondly, green buildings are meant to maintain the natural peculiarities of the place where they will rise, which also implies a focus on landscape projecting. As for energy sources, it is self-evident that green buildings are focused on energy saving. This results in a higher attention on alternative and renewable energy sources (in this sense solar and photovoltaic panels play an important role), but it also means using household appliances that consume less and studying some methods to avoid dispersing energy. In this sense, it is very useful to insulate buildings, using special walls, windows and doors that limit heat loss and the use of air conditioners and heating systems, which enormously contribute to air pollution.

If we all followed all of these and other principles of sustainable architecture, the advantages for the environment, as well as for our health and for our wallet, would be numberless.

Best Bathrom Design for Mid Year of 2012

Below pictures are several best bathroom design for mid year 2012, all the pictures are taken from the most popular image search of google search engine search page with the keyword of best bathroom design. I hope this gallery could inspire you to create your dream bathroom. take a look on this gallery and enjoy !

Best Bathroom Design 1

Best Bathroom Design 2

Best Bathroom Design 3

Best Bathroom Design 4

Best Bathroom Design 5

Home Energy Savings: New House Design and Energy Conservation

Recent spikes in energy expenses for all kinds of energy like gasoline, heating oil, electricity and natural gas are causing several buyers to begin thinking about how they heat their houses and regardless of no matter whether they are able to save cash. In our discussion we will use the term energy to refer to all of the prior forms of fuel which is utilised in our houses. Energy conservation begins using the style and construction of a brand new residence and carries by way of to your every day living habits. Buyers who’ve essentially essentially the most success in terms of decreasing their energy bills have produced energy conservation a way of life, whilst enjoying their new houses in comfort.

Systems Approach to Energy Savings

Our houses are genuinely a complex environment that will need to be managed to create sure that we live comfortably, have sufficient fresh air, although controlling our energy consumption at the identical time.

Fundamentally, a nicely planned home will take into account the quantity of energy intake from energy sources which includes our heating program too as solar heating vs. energy loss from the effects of cold weather, heat loss by way of windows, doors, walls and floors also as heat reduction when we use air conditioning systems in hot climates. Inside the winter we are concerned concerning the price of heating our houses and also the loss of heat towards the outside via leakage of cold air into our houses. The summer brings the reverse when we ought to cool our houses and manage the cooling throughout hot summer days. In both circumstances solar heat plays a component inside the equation too as how well sealed our houses are. Buyers living in colder climates is going to be a whole lot extra concerned about winter heating expenses whilst prospects living in southern locations of the continent might be concerned concerning the price of air conditioning.

Our Residence Energy Checklist

We have assembled a home energy checklist with both the new property buyer / builder in mind also as items to check following you might have moved in. Our objective will be to help you in saving energy, which means income within your pocket all through the style also as soon right after you’ve moved into your new residence. Saving energy could be divided into four areas: Residence Style; Appliance & Lighting Selection, Energy Conservation - A Way of Life. This total systems and life style approach is actually geared to maximizing your energy savings.

Designing New Homes and Energy Conservation

Most residence designers and architects are up to date on energy conservation techniques; however they're also geared to meeting their customers needs and priorities for their home designs. Various customers will consider property energy management almost as an soon soon after thought when it is too late to incorporate energy savings concepts into their new home style. As you and your home designer or architect discuss your plans and your objectives for your new property, always emphasize that energy management and house comfort are a very important element of the final style that your are looking for. Designing a new home actually begins with site selection and orientation of your property on the property. Depending on the climate buyers will want to orient their houses on the property to manage the quantity of solar heating that the house is going to be exposed to. A common theme throughout this report would be to orient your property so that the sun can heat the residence naturally inside the winter, despite the fact that minimizing the effects of solar heating inside the course of hot summer days. Adding trees or shrubs to provide shade and taking advantage of natural land formations to provide shelter from prevailing winds is the first step in managing your energy expenses.

Top Architectural Destinations

The list of major world’s attractions certainly includes the greatest buildings of humanity centuries ago. Today I would like to offer you some beautiful architectural destinations which should make your travel more memorable and exciting. In addition, nice photos of top 10 structural landmarks are updated.

The Great Bath and the Roman Bath in the city of Bath

Despite the disappearance of Roman Empire, its structural heritage like aqueducts, triumphal arches, baths and others can be found easily anywhere in its former colonies. One of outstanding structures recommended here is the Roman Baths complex, a historical relic of Bath city, England. As a tourist attraction, everyyear, there are thousands of tourists visiting Pump Room and Roman Baths.

It is a public bathing of the Roman.

Hagia Sophia

Turkey is located in between Asia and Europe, home of the most important historical events and beautiful structural destinations including the Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom).

This is the world largest cathedral built nearly 1000 years ago.

Being a patriarchal basilica and a mosque in the past, Hagia Sophia is now explored as a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Well-known for the unique feature with massive dome, the museum is considered as a structural epitome of the Eastern Roman Empire.

Christ The Redeemer

The most visited place of the South America’s largest country - Brazil may be the statue of Christ the Redeemer. The huge statue with 38 meters in height and 635 tons in weight is mentioned as an icon of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil.

One of the Brazilian’s prides is Jesus Christ’s statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's former capital.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a must-see destination in New York. It has been mentioned as an icon of the U.S since 1886.

Liberty Enlightening The World is commonly known as the Statue of Liberty .

National Mall & Washington Memorial Park

The mall is commonly mentioned with a name: "National Mall & Memorial Parks" because it’s located in both West Potomac park and Constitution Gardens. Moreover, it’s in the area between the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol.

One of the American tourist destinations is "The National Mall", an open-area national park in Washington D.C.

Wat Phra Kaew

Thailand, "The Land of The Free", is voted as one of the most visited countries in the world thanks to beautiful architectural places. Among those, the Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha situated in Bangkok is regarded as a historic center of the country.

The most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand

Persepolis

Persia is the ancient name of Iran, a Middle East country reputed for the historical significance in Persepolis, a ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire during the Achaemenid dynasty.

The citadel of Persepolis is announced to be a World Heritage Site in 1979 by UNESCO.

The Alhambra

A famous destination in Spain, a mightiest country in the past, is The Alhambra. This is a palace and fortress complex of the Moorish kings of Granada in southern Spain.

Literally, the Alhambra means "the red one”.

The Alhambra once served as the shelter of the Muslim rulers and one of Spain's most visited attractions exhibiting famous Islamic architectures. The palace now includes Christian structural relics in the 16th century and later interventions.

St. Peter's Basilica

Known as the smallest state, Vatican City attracts a big number of tourists worldwide. One of its main destinations is the Basilica of Saint Peter holding unique holy feature as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom". St. Peter's Basilica is considered as the greatest building of its age.

St. Peter's was regarded as the papacy and the Counter-reformation.

Vatican Museum

Among the greatest museums in the world, Vatican Museum lies in Viale Vaticano in Rome inside the Vatican City. An immense collection built up by Roman Catholic Church is exhibited here. In 2007, there were nearly 4,310,083 visitors to Vatican Museum.

The museums were established in the 16th century by Pope Julius II.

Importance of Architectural drafting services

With increasing modernization and time, the field of architectural drafting and design is also becoming relevant among the firms. Most of the firms in the market today have realized the importance of these services and have even gained an edge over the other firms. Although engaging in architectural design and drafting services can be a lengthy process but it can prove to be beneficial if outsourced with the help of third parties who work continuously as per the requirements of the firm. Other than time, these outsourcing can help in saving operational costs that can be important for other management purposes. These firms with their state of art technology assist different parties like designers, architecture and even facility managers. Computer aided designs or better known as CAD are virtual designs that are prepared to check the already finished manual designs in a two or three-dimensional view.

The main benefits of these designs are that it allows the technician to have an estimate of the inner measurements, which is never possible in a manual design. The area of employment of CAD drafting is not limited to only designing or architectural industry but it has established its grounds in other relevant fields like electronics, plumbing and mechanicals. It is because of the fact that CAD drafting services pay attention to minute details in every design, these services have gained popularity very easily and at a faster pace compared to other fields. A very good example of this can be the minute and complicated wirings involved in the electrical design of the houses done with CAD services. With the help of these services, the complicated functionalities and details of a project works easily and as a result, you get a properly finished product. With the successful implementation of CAD designs in several projects today, many forms are taking interest in CAD conversion services as well. The process of transforming a manual paper based design into a computer-based design is a technical function and this process is CAD conversion. There are many advantages of this process, as the firm does not need to waste time and operating costs for starting a fresh project. Other than management budget, it also saves the creativity and labour involved in designing process. The best way to search for a third party involved in these designing processes is through internet. Most of the firms provide multiple services in conversion and in designing.

Avail Architectural drafting services

Today’s architect realm is not just limited to drafting and design but also spans to layout, construction and the lighting areas. There are various architectural firms in the market that offer architectural drafting services like architectural drafting, structural drafting, MEP drafting, CAD conversion, sketch up, modeling, and BIM. Along with these services, they also provide visualization services to the clients, which help them to see the image of the structure before construction. Before the induction of CAD, architectural drafting was a hard-nosed job and time-consuming work. However, with the technological advancement, architectural drafting has been improved and become easy. The computer has made the architectural drafting more effective and efficient than before.

Before constructing a building, a plan is implanted on the paper considering all dimensions, geographical directions, and measurements that is called architectural drafting and design. The professional architects and draughtsman draw a blue print presenting all the details of a structure known as draft. Earlier this work used to be done manually with the assistance of the tools like scales, triangle, pencil, and many more. Now, the CAD drafting has made the job easier, it lays computer-generated designs, which are easy to study. The advanced tech tools assist engineers and architects to overview in 3D format, which was not possible through paper drafting. CAD designs are more precise, detailed, and effective. Architectural drafting and design includes code analysis, elevator plans, exterior details, floor plans & roof plan, section details & plan details, site plan & details, window & door details, stair plans, sections & details, and many more. Architectural drafting services providers hire professional like architects, civil engineers, 3D modelers, and visual artists who convert the building’s draft into a live structure. Structural drafting is a procedure of converting building design sketches encompassing calculations and structure into a graphic detailed drawing. In other words, it is a way of developing precise structural drawings of building according to the certain specifications. Structural drafting gives every dimensional specification about the structure to the engineers, architects, and builders and what type of material will be used in the certain parts of the structure. The structure drafting includes dimensioning, structural design, comprehensive description of drawing symbols and drawings of concrete and steel structures. The Structural drafting is designing of structures such as height, function, foundation, floor, and wall of a building. The advanced CAD software such as AutoCAD, StruCADD, and Revit have made drafters job easy than before. This software helps them to make a detailed sketch on computers with more specification than any other hand made drawing. These tools help to create geometric model that not only evaluate the effects but finds out drawback of designs.

The Diversity of Architecture Ideas

Architecture can take on various meanings, depending on the context. For example, it can refer to a building design, a carefully designed object such as chair and even a systematic style of idea arrangement. Thus, from the varying concept of architecture springs forth various architecture ideas. The field of architecture is creative and limitless- subject to interpretation and changing perception. To understand the ideas, it may be helpful to identify the origin of this term and to keep an open mind in exploration.

The famous American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright described architecture as "life; or at least it is life itself taking form and therefore it is the truest record of life." Therefore, it is vital for us to first recognize architecture ideas as a form of expression worthy of respect. When examined, we will discover that it is closely linked to the crucial aspects of history, culture, art, religion and design.

More often than not, ideas are derived from these aspects. They play an important role because our identities are formed from a combination of these factors.

The emergence of modern structural design has created a stir because it redefined buildings, sculptures and designs overall. The use of oddly opposite materials in buildings and the creation of unorthodox structures left some puzzled while others hailed the change. It is increasingly difficult to satisfy the vast architectural appetite of many. While an object or building may seem pleasing to the eye for one, it repels another. The subjective view on architecture ideas should serve to enrich it, rather than dispel the emergence of another great revolution.

It is fair to say that structural design is a field worth exploring and understanding because it gives us so much of what we see today.

From buildings to furniture design and even idea organization, a beautiful architecture is made out of criticisms and risks taken by architects. It is vital to acknowledge contribution made by architects in the effort to propel this field to greater heights.

About Cloud Computing Architecture

The term ‘Cloud computing’ is used for anything involving the delivery of hosted services on the web or the internet. The cloud symbol that represents the internet in diagrams and flowcharts has inspired the name of cloud computing. Cloud computing system involves a considerable shift of workload as the user’s software and hardware requirements decrease. The computer of the user should simply be able to run the interface software of the cloud computing company and the rest is taken care of by the cloud’s network. Cloud Computing Architecture is the system’s structure comprising of the cloud and on-premise resources, services, software components, and middleware; their properties that are visible externally; their geo-location; and their mutual relationships.

Cloud Computing Architecture is divided into two sectors- the front end & the back end. Both the sections are connected through a network, which is usually the Internet. The computer or the computer network of the client, and the application that is needed for accessing the cloud computing system comprise the front end. It is not necessary that the user interface used by every cloud computing system be the same. Some systems can have unique applications for providing network access to the clients, while others like email programs use the available web browsers.

The system’s back end consists of the computers, data storage systems and servers that make up the computing services’ cloud. The system is administered by a central server. It monitors the traffic and the clients’ demands ensuring smooth flow of the system. The server follows some pre-set rules known as protocols, and uses middleware that is a special software that facilitates the communication between the networked computers. Cloud computing companies with several clients face a heavy demand for storage space. A cloud computing system should have a minimum of double the storage devices that it needs to store the information of its clients. The reason for it is that the system might break down occasionally. To save the data from becoming inaccessible in such a situation, the system must keep a backup of all the information of the clients. Making backup copies of the data is known as redundancy and these copies are stored on other devices.

The right Cloud Computing Architecture can set up an efficient cloud computing system that has limitless applications. The benefit the system offers to the users is that it reduces the client’s hardware and software costs. The client can access more computer applications and that too, anytime and from anywhere. The user also saves on the required administrative effort and IT support costs.

Wooden Architecture Wooden Vases

There is an exquisite assortment of wooden vases. Each vase is handcrafted and made from high quality mango wood or bamboo. Each of these magnificent floral vases measure less than 20 in height and is ideal for displaying on a furniture piece or stand. Wooden vases are a great way to compliment any decorative scene as they lend a natural look to any backdrop. Separately sold floral arrangements can be placed in all of the wooden vases, adding the perfect decorative touch. Some of the table vases come in two color choices.

Wooden vessels have been common since 1635. The wooden bowl, found in excavations done in Maryland, appeared as the most common all-purpose vessel. Wood is a favorite natural product for making accessories. Production of new hand-turned wooden vases continues today. The value of wooden vases depends on appraisal factors including scarcity and quality, damage, and identification of the maker.

Wooden vases are open containers, used for holding flowers or for decoration. Wood can be given artistic shapes to create different types of vases. Wooden vases are not only perfect for home dcor but can also be a good gift item. Some of the very fine pieces of hand made or carved vases can even be considered for corporate gifts. However, till now, wooden vases are the favorite medium for decorating garden fresh and even dried flowers. In fact, meticulously carved wooden vases make great gift items as well as unique decorative flower vase.

Wooden vases are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles. They can also be custom-designed to meet specific requirements. Wooden vases are usually available in smooth polished finish or rugged natural finish. However, flower glass vases with antique finishes are also not very difficult to find out. Wooden vases not only are made of many types of woods but they are also available in different colors such as beige, brown, ocher, and other shades of wood. They may some time be available in other colors and often painted as well. Wooden bud Vases, are the most popular form of wooden vases since time immemorial are the hand carved vases made of wood. These vases are as fine as the skill of their crafter. Sometimes when only a strand of flower is required to decorate a lone table or the corner of a small room, wooden bud vases become the perfect thing to go for. The modern bud vases also include some other features like a wooden clock attached to two pieces of bud vases in a stylish manner. The wooden tall wedding vases are perfect for dried arrangements and fresh flowers. Special wooden bowls are made that are used as vases and are preferred as a table centerpiece for placing dried flowers for decorating. Wooden wall vases are also made as a fine piece of wall decor. Sometimes they are made large like wooden planters and can be used for decorating real or artificial flowers or greenery on stairway, hallway and even in living rooms.

Architectural Design

The Architectural Garrison Design
An attractive house that includes a number of special features is a modern presentation for the traditional Garrison. A distinguishing feature is the overhanging second story. This construction technique includes a number of advantages. First the separate corner post on each floor make it possible to use shorter, stronger posts. Secondly The short straight lines provide economy in framing materials. Last but not least extra space is added at the second level by the overhang at very little extra cost. The steep pitch roof adds attic space. Narrow siding maintains the traditional styling.

The Salt Box Design
An interesting and easily recognizable Colonial is the Salt Box, it is a direct offshoot of the basic colonial half house, resulting in a long roofline sloping gently from ridge to eaves. Many of today's beautiful homes have borrowed from this distinctive style, developed by master builders of early American times.

The Salt Bo. House gets its name from the shape of coffee, tea, cracker, and salt boxes found in Colonial stores. The side elevations of these containers had the same general shape as this fascinating architectural style. Variations of this style are used to enhance many new homes.

The long low roofline at the rear of the house came about by the addition of "lean-to" structures being attached to add more living space. As further developments evolved, the low slanting roof was helpful in combating the bitter winds common to New England winters.

The southern Colonial Design

One of the most gracious of all the Colonials is the traditional Southern Colonial. The style, which reflects the warmth, quaintness, and hospitality of the old south, is shown throughout the Southern Colonial. This modern design borrows many of the fine details of the Southern Colonial to express a mood of elegance and traditional charm. The outstanding architectural features are the front colonnade and the giant portico. The extended portico sheltered the front entrance from the weather and kept direct sunlight from glaring into the first and second story rooms. These homes were usually massive, with upper and lower balconies, three story chimney for bedroom fireplaces, ornate woodwork and iron trim, and a roof over the driveway to protect persons using the side entrance. Many of these features of the Southern Colonial may be adapted to the aesthetic qualities of modern homes.

It is evident that the influences of the past, both in beauty and function, have had a profound effect on modern home designs. On the other hand, many new materials, appliances and modes of living have caused the architect to "think out" ways to plan homes for all styles of modern living. The modern American home is a combination of many of these factors.

Modern Structures

The style of houses, that is generally called modern, is the result of years of architectural planning, design and evolution. Many are will planned while others lack imagination or design balance. Some inexpensive homes are functionally satisfactory for a family, yet for economical measure, the exterior styling may have to be quite conservative in the use of a variety of materials. The ability of the architect and the needs ofr finances of the family are two factors which generally dictate the modern styles being planned.

The term modern or contemporary does not denote any one particular architectural style. Most modern homes borrow some distinctive features from more traditional structures. Others appear almost independent of past designs, and it makes little difference in our society just what constitutes modern styling. The most important job for the architect is to design a home that satisfies the customer, one that he or she may live in with pride and joy. In today's society, individual tastes vary to the extent that many people desire a house that is distinctly different from other houses. The owner may have a great satisfaction that his house represents his style of living and individuality. He may enjoy the warmth of natural wood, or solid structural design of a brick home.

The rapid development of new construction materials and methods of fabrication has made it possible to design homes that require a minimum of maintenance, for example some make use of extensive glass, or place the emphasis on exposed structural members.

The Ranch Design

One Prominent modern architectural home style is the ranch home. This is basically a lone, low, one story house that grew out of the "ranchers" homes of the southwestern part of the country. The plain ranch design generally has a low pitched roof with gables and overhanging eaves. It is normally built on a concrete slab with no basement. However, over the years ranch homes have taken on many newer features. They usually have a one or two car attached garage. Basements are often added, and many have gone to an L shape to add interest and break up the straight line effect. Skylights and cathedral ceilings, provide variations.

New design concepts and additions to the basic ranch style have probably added more to the development of contemporary of futuristic homes than any other major factors. The ranch has taken new twists, turns, angles and curves to the enchantment of the architect of today and tomorrow.

Stunning Aesthetics: Architecture?s Unique Roofing Wonders

Various types of generic roofs dominate the world. The eyes are tired from seeing the same type of roof every day, whether it is on TV, the neighborhood, or the Internet. There seems nothing can break the monotony of black patches other than the green roofs though green roofs are also becoming common as the call for green revolution is increasing as years pass.

The world has seen different kinds of roofs, from mere dried grass to the grandest metal gothic styles. While others are comfortable using normal roofing NH residents have, those who have eyes for aesthetic value prefer to stand out and have a unique style of their own. Some, on the other hand, utilize their unique sensibilities to create a buzz like the Sainsbury in Plymouth, UK.

Sainsbury is the mother company of a supermarket with the same name.

With a relatively massive share of 16.3% in the supermarket sector of UK, Sainsbury is considered the third largest supermarket chain in the country. The unique design of the store’s roofing was inspired by the presence of the Navy in Plymouth. The architects of the store incorporated a nautical theme into the overall style of the building. The end product was eleven huge canopies resembling boat sails that line up at the store’s foyer.

Subsequently, the next roofing NH residents dream of would be the reality for most kids’ dream: an easy access playground. A Danish group of architects turned the most neglected part of a house into a playground fantasy most kids dream about today.

The idea stems from the fact that the district of Nørrebro is crowded and narrow. The creative team made it possible to transform a structure’s roof to a remarkable rooftop playground and park.

The giant roof terrace resembles a green roof with its massive grass sprawl. It also includes a spacious playpen with shock-absorbent surface for kids, radiant for its bright orange color. It boasts of a grassy hill with curved steps and a suspension bridge. This one-of-a-kind roofing provides a safe and spacious playground for kids as well as a peaceful relaxation hideaway for adults.

Lastly, while there are contemporary roof models, there also exists an ancient type of roofing that is unique in its own way. Tongkonan, the ancient ancestral house of the Torajan people in Indonesia, stands high on wooden piles with a roof of split-bamboo in a sweeping curved arc. The first Tongkonan has four poles and roof made of fine Indian cloth. Also known as Rumah-adat, experts on roofing New Hampshire residents trust can attest that these houses display walls that have detailed wood carvings in red, black, and yellow.

Architecture Of Africa

Early architecture

Probably the most famous class of structures in all Africa, the pyramids of Egypt remain one of the world's greatest early architectural achievements, if limited in practical scope and originating from a purely funerary context. Egyptian architectural traditions also saw the rise of vast temple complexes and buildings.

Little is known of ancient architecture south and west of the Sahara. Harder to date are the monoliths around the Cross River, which has geometric or human designs. The vast number of Senegambian stone circles also evidence an emerging architecture.

Egypt

Main article: Egyptian architecture

Egypt's achievements in architecture were varied from temples, enclosed cities, canals, and dams.

Nubia

Main article: Nubian architecture

The city of Kerma

Nubian Architecture is one of the most ancient in the world. The earliest style of Nubian Architecture include the speos, structures carved out of solid rock, an A-Group(3700-3250 B.C.E.) achievement. Egyptians made extensive use of the process at Speos Artemidos and Abu Simbel. A-Group eventually led to C-Group. C-Group began with lite supple materials, animal skins, and wattle and daub. Later larger more structures of mudbricks became the norm. C-Group culture was related to Kerma. Kerma was settled around 2400 B.C. It was a walled city containing religious building, large circular dwelling, a palace, and well laid out roads. On the East side of the city, funnery temple and chapel were laid out. It supported a population of 2,000. One of its most endearing structure was the Deffufa, a mudbrick temple ceremonies were performed on top. Between 1500-1085 B.C., Egyptian conquest and domination of Nubia was achieved.

Nubian pyramids at Meroe

This conquest brought about the Napatan Phase of Nubian history, the birth of the Kingdom of Kush. Kush was immensely influenced by Egypt and eventually conquered Egypt. During this phase, we see the building of numerous pyramids and temples. Gebel Barkal in the town of Napata was a very significant site. Kushite pharaohs received legitimacy. Thirteen temples have been excavated and two palaces in Napata. Napata has yet to be fully excavated. Nubian pyramids were constructed on three major sites El Kurru, Nuri, and Meroe. Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt. Sudan contains 223 pyramids. They were smaller than Egyptian Pyramids. Nubian pyramids were for Kings and Queens. The general construction of Nubian pyramids consisted of steep walls, a chapel facing East, stairway facing East, and a chamber access via the stairway. The Meroe site has the most Nubian pyramids and is considered the largest archaeolological site in the world. Around AD 350 the area was invaded by the Ethiopian kingdom of Aksum and the kingdom collapsed.

Aksumite

Main article: Aksumite architecture

The ruin of the temple at Yeha, Tigray region, Ethiopia.

The best known building of the period in the region is the ruined or eight century BC multi-story tower at Yeha in Ethiopia, believed to have been the capital of D'mt. Ashlar masonry was especially dominant during this period, owing to South Arabian influence where the style was extremely common for monumental structures.

Aksumite Architecture flourished in the region from the 4th century BC onward, persisting even after the transition of the Aksumite dynasty to the Zagwe in the 12th century, as attested by the numerous Aksumite influences in and around the medieval churches of Lalibela. Stelae (hawilts) and later entire churches were carved out of single blocks of rock, emulated later at Lalibela and throughout Tigray. Other monumental structures include massive underground tombs often located beneath stelae. The stelae is the single largest monolithic structure ever erected (or attempted to be erected). Other well-known structures employing the use of monoliths include tombs such as the "Tomb of the False Door" and the tombs of Kaleb and Gebre Mesqel in Axum.

Most structures, however, like palaces, villas, commoner's houses, and other churches and monasteries, were built of alternating layers of stone and wood. The protruding wooden support beams in these structures have been named "monkey heads" and are a staple of Aksumite architecture and a mark of Aksumite influence in later structures. Some examples of this style had whitewashed exteriors and/or interiors, such as the medieval 12th century monastery of Yemrehanna Krestos near Lalibela, built during the Zagwe dynasty in Aksumite style. Contemporary houses were one-room stone structures or two-storey square houses or roundhouses of sandstone with basalt foundations. Villas were generally two to four stories tall and built on sprawling rectangular plans (cf. Dungur ruins). A good example of still-standing Aksumite architecture is the monastery of Debre Damo from the 6th century.

Maghreban Architecture

Thousands of tombs were left by Berbers that were pre-Christian in origin and whose architecture was unique to north-west Africa. The most famous was Tomb of the Christian Woman in Western Algeria. This structure contains column domed and spiraling pathways that lead to a single chamber.

Nok

Nok artifacts have been dated as far back as 790 B.C.E , located at the Jos Plateau in Nigeria, between the Niger and Benue river. From the excavation of Nok settlement in Samun Dikiya, there was the tendency to build on peaks. Nok settlements have not been extensively excavated.

Tichitt Walata (Ancient Ghana)

Tichitt Walata is the oldest surviving archaeological settlements in West Africa and the oldest all stone base settlement south of the Sahara. It was built by the Soninke people and is thought to be the precursor of the Ghana empire. It was being settled around 2000 B.C. One finds well laid out streets and fortified compounds all made out of skilled stone masonry. In all, there were 500 settlements.

Medieval Architecture

North Africa

Architecture in Fes, Morocco

The Islamic conquest of North Africa saw Islamic architecture develop in the region, including such famous structures as the Cairo Citadel.

Around 1000 A.D., cob (tabya) first appears in the Maghreb and al-Andalus.

West Africa

The Great Mosque of Djenn in Mali, first built in the 13th century and reconstructed in 19061909, is the largest clay building in the world.

Islamic merchants played a vital role in the Western Sahel region since the Kingdom of Ghana.

Kanem-Bornu's capital city Birni N'Gazargamu, may have had a population of 200,000. It had four mosque which could hold up to 12,000 worshippers. It was surrounded by a 25 foot wall and more than 1 mile in circumference. Many large streets extended from the esplanade and connected to 660 roads. The main building and structure were built with red brick. Other buildings were built with straw and adobe.

Six important Hausa city states existed Kano, Katsina, Daura, Gobir, Zazzau, and Biram. Kano was the most important. The city was surrounded by a wall of reinforced ramparts of stone and bricks. Kano contained a citadel near which the royal class resided. Individual residence was separated by "earthen" wall. The higher the status of the resident the more elaborate the wall. The entranceway was mazelike to seclude women. Inside near the entrance were the abode of unmarried women. Further down were slave quarters.

The city of Kano

At Kumbi Saleh, locals lived in domed-shaped dwellings in the king's section of the city, surrounded by a great enclosure. Traders lived in stone houses in a section which possessed 12 beautiful mosques (as described by al-bakri), one centered on Friday prayer.

Timbuktu

The king is said to have owned several mansions, one of which was sixty-six feet long, forty-two feet wide, contained seven rooms, was two stories high, and had a staircase; with the walls and chambers filled with sculpture and painting. Sahelian architecture initially grew from the two cities of Djenn and Timbuktu. The Sankore Mosque in Timbuktu, constructed from mud on timber, was similar in style to the Great Mosque of Djenn. The rise of kingdoms in the West African coastal region produced architecture which drew on indigenous traditions, utilizing wood. The famed Benin City, destroyed by the Punitive Expedition, was a large complex of homes in coursed mud, with hipped roofs of shingles or palm leaves. The Palace had a sequence of ceremonial rooms, and was decorated with brass plaques. The Guinness Book of World Records describes the Walls of Benin City as the world's second largest man-made structure after China's Great Wall, in terms of length, and the series of earthen ramparts as the most extensive earthwork in the world, which was semi-destroyed by the British in 1897.

Drawing of Benin City made by an English officer, 1897

Ashanti architecture is perhaps best known from the reconstruction at Kumasi. Its key features are courtyard-based buildings, and walls with striking reliefs in mud plaster brightly painted. An example of a shrine can be seen at Bawjwiasi in Ghana. Four rectangular rooms, constructed from wattle and daub, lie around a courtyard. Animal designs mark the walls, and palm leaves cut to tiered shape provide the roof. The Yoruba surrounded their settlements with massive mud walls. Their buildings had a similar plan to the Ashanti shrines, but with verandahs around the court. The walls were of puddled mud and palm oil. The most famous of Yoruba fortifications and the largest wall edifice in Africa is Sungbo's Eredo. It is made up of sprawling mud walls and the valleys that surrounded the town of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun state. Sungbo's Eredo is the largest pre-colonial monument in Africa, larger than the Great Pyramid or Great Zimbabwe.

East Africa

In western Uganda one finds numerous earthworks near the Katonga River. These earthworks have been affiliated with the Empire of Kitara. The most famous Bigo Bya Mugenyi is about four square miles with the Katonga River on one side. The earthwork ditch was dug out by lifting cutting through solid bedrock and earth, about 200,000 cubic meters. It was about 12 feet high. It is not certain whether the function was for defense or pastoral use. Very little is known about the Ugandan earthworks.

The capital (kibuga) of Buganda constantly changed from hill to hill, with each change of Kabaka. In the late 19th century, a permanent Kibuga of Buganda was established at Mengo Hill. The capital was divided into quarters corresponding to provinces. Each chief built a dwelling corresponding to provinces. Each chief built a dwelling for wife, slaves, dependents, and visitors. The city was a mile and half wide. Large plots of land were available for planting bananas and fruits. Roads were wide and well maintained.

Engaruka is a ruined settlement on the slopes of Mount Ngorongoro in northern Tanzania. Seven stone terraced villages along the mountainside comprised the settlement. A complex structure of stone channel irrigation was used to dike, dam, and level surrounding river waters. The stone channels run along the mountainside and base. Some of these channels were several kilometers long channelling and feeding individual plots of land. The irrigation channels fed a total area of 5000 acres.

Nubia (Christian and Islamic)

The Christianization of Nubia began in the 6 century A.D. Its most representative architecture are churches. They are based on Byzantium Basilica's. The structures are relatively small and made of mud bricks. Vernacular architecture of the Christian period is scarce. Architecture of Soba is the only one that has been excavated. The structures are of sun dried bricks, same as present day Sudan, except for an arch. During the Fatimide phase of Islam, about the eleventh century Nubia converted to islam and became arabized. Its most import mosque was the mosque of Derr.

Swahili States

Farther south, increased trade (namely with Arab merchants) and the development of ports saw the birth of Swahili architecture. Developed from an outgrowth of indigenous Bantu settlements, one of the earliest examples is the Palace of Husuni Kubwa lying west of Kilwa, built about 1245. As with many other early Swahili buildings, coral was the main construction material, and even the roof was constructed by attaching coral to timbers. Contrastingly, the palace at Kilwa was a two-story tower, in a walled enclosure. Other notable structures from the period include the pillar tombs as Malindi and Mnarani in Kenya, and elsewhere, originally built from coral but later from stone. Later examples include Zanzibar's Stone Town, with its famous carved doors, and the Great Mosque of Kilwa.

Aksumite

Bete Medhane Alem, Lalibela, the largest monolithic church in the world.

Throughout the medieval period, Aksumite architecture and influences and its monolithic tradition persisted, with its influence strongest in the early medieval (Late Aksumite) and Zagwe periods (when the churches of Lalibela were carved). Throughout the medieval period, and especially during the 10th-12th centuries, churches were hewn out of rock throughout Ethiopia, especially during the northernmost region of Tigray, which was the heart of the Aksumite Empire. However, rock-hewn churches have been found as far south as Adadi Maryam (15th c.), about 100 km south of Addis Abeba. The most famous example of Ethiopian rock-hewn architecture are the 11 monolithic churches of Lalibela, carved out of the red volcanic tuff found around the town. Though later medieval hagiographies attribute all 11 structures to the eponymous king Lalibela (the town was called Roha and Adefa before his reign), new evidence indicates that they may have been built separately over a period of a few centuries, with only a few of the more recent churches having been built under his reign. Archaeologist and Ethiopisant David Phillipson postulates, for instance, that Bete Gebriel-Rufa'el was actually built in the very early medieval period, some time between 600 and 800 A.D., originally as a fortress but was later turned into a church.

Central Africa

The capital of the Kingdom of Kongo

Mbanza Congo was the capital of the Kingdom of Kongo with a population of 30,000 plus. It sat on a cliff with river below and forested valley. The King's dwelling was describe as a mile and half enclosure with walled pathways, courtyard, gardens, decorated huts, and palisades. One early explorer described it in terms of a Cretan labyrinth.

The capital of the Kuba Kingdom was surrounded by a 40 inch high fence. Inside the fence were roads, a walled royal palace, urban buildings. The palace was rectangular and in the center of the city.

The Luba tended to cluster in small villages, with rectangular houses facing a single street. Kilolo, patrilineal chieftains, headed local village government, under the protection of the king. Cultural life centered around the kitenta, the royal compound, which later came to be a permanent capital. The kitenta drew artists, poets, musicians and craftsmen, spurred by royal and court patronage

The Lunda Empire (western) established its capital 100 kilometers from Kassai in open woodland, between two rivers 15 kilometers apart. It was surrounded by fortified earthen ramparts. and dry moats about 30 plus kilometers. The Mwato Yamvo's compound musumba was surrounded with large fortification of double layered live trees or wood ramparts. The musumba had multiple courtyards with designated functions, straight roads, and public squares. Its immense hygenic and cleanly value has been noted by European observers.

Lunda dwellings displaying the Square and the Cone On Ground type of African Vernacular Architecture

The Eastern Lunda dwelling of the Kacembe(king) was describe as containing fenced roads, a mile long. The enclosed walls were made of grass, 12 to 13 span in height. The enclosed roads lead to a rectangular hut openned on the west side. In the center was a wooden base with a statue on top about 3 span.

Burundi never had a fix capital. The closest thing was a royal hill, when the king moved, the location became the capital called the insago. The compound itself was enclosed inside a high fence. The compount had two entrance. One was for herders and herds. The other was to the royal palace. This palace was surrounded by a fence. The royal palace had three royal courtyard. Each serve a particular function one for herders, a sanctuary, kitchen and granary.

Nyanza was a royal capital of Rwanda. The king's residence the Ibwami was built on a hill. The surrounding hills were occupied by permanent or temporary dwellings. These dwellings were round huts surrounded by big yards and high hedge to separate compounds. The Rugo the royal compound was made of circular reed fence around thatched houses. The houses were carpeted with mats and had a clay hearth in the center for the king, his wife, and entourage. The royal house was close to 200-100 yards. It looked like a huge maze of connected huts and granaries. It had one entrance that lead to a large public square called the karubanda.

The Marave people built bridges called Uraro due to changing river depth. These bridges were made out of bamboo. Bamboos were placed parallel to each other and tied together by bark(maruze). One end of the bridge would be tied to an existing tree. The bridge would curve downward 80 spans when entering. A bamboo on top would serve as a balustrade.

Southern Africa

In Southern Africa one finds ancient and widespread traditions of building in stone. Two broad categories of these tradition have been noted: 1. Zimbabwean style 2. Transvaal Free State style. North of the Zambezi one finds very little stone ruins.

Mapungubwe is considered the most socially complex society in southern Africa. The first southern African culture to display economic differentiation. The elite was separated on a mountain settlement, made of sandstone. It was the precursor to Great Zimbabwe. Large tracks of dirt was carried to the top of the hill. At the bottom of the hill was a natural amphipheater and at the top elite graveyard. There was only two pathway to the top, one was a narrow steep cleft along the side of the hill which observers at the top had a clear view.

The conical tower inside the Great Enclosure in Great Zimbabwe, a medieval city built by a prosperous culture

Great Zimbabwe is the largest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa. Great Zimbabwe was constructed and expanded for more than 300 years in a local style that eschewed rectilinearity for flowing curves. Neither the first nor the last of some 300 similar complexes located on the Zimbabwean plateau, Great Zimbabwe is set apart by the terrific scale of its structure. Its most formidable edifice, commonly refer