In 1631, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan lost his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, during the birth of their 14th child. He was devastated and decided to build a magnificent tomb that would embody their perfect love and project the power of the Mughal Empire for all time. The Taj Mahal was the result of this vision, and it is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture that seamlessly blends Persian, Islamic, Indian, and European styles. The Taj Mahal is not only beautiful, but is also a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the thousands of skilled craftsmen and artisans who worked on its construction. By exploring the story of the Taj Mahal, students can learn about history, art, architecture, and culture. They can also be inspired to think about the power of love and the enduring legacy of human creativity.

Are you interested in exploring the ancient Japanese tradition of thatching and experiencing it firsthand? Discover a rare opportunity to stay in a 160-year-old thatched-roof house in the Miyama region, preserved by a community of thatchers who are masters of this 5,000-year-old craft. Read this fascinating article by BBC Travel to learn about the history and significance of thatching in Japan, the connection between thatching and Shinto religion, and the unique lifestyle of rural communities in Miyama.

Discover the world's largest palace complex, built by over a million laborers, and how it symbolizes the center of the universe in Chinese imperial tradition. Explore the strict protocols and social hierarchy of the imperial court that emphasized the emperor's power.

In her book, historian and architect Dolores Hayden delves into the urban communities of Los Angeles to explore the intersections of gender, race, and ethnicity in the practice of public history and public art. By reorienting the writing of urban history to spatial struggles, she offers fresh perspectives on urban preservation that challenge traditional notions of what constitutes a historical site. This thought-provoking work is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of urban communities and the ways in which they shape our understanding of the past. Recommended for urban planners, architects, historians, and anyone interested in the intersections of gender, race, and ethnicity in urban communities, Dolores Hayden's book offers a fresh perspective on the practice of public history and public art. By examining the spatial struggles that shape our understanding of historical sites, she challenges readers to rethink traditional notions of urban preservation and the writing of urban history. This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complex dynamics of urban communities and the ways in which they shape our understanding of the past.

Are you a fan of the Mona Lisa? Have you ever wondered about the mysterious woman in the painting and the location behind her? A recent discovery by Italian art historian Silvano Vinceti may have uncovered the truth about the bridge in the painting. In an article by Smithsonian Magazine, Vinceti argues that the bridge in the painting is the Ponte Romito, located in the Tuscan village of Laterina. His findings have caused a stir among art historians and may even attract future visitors to the small town. Read on to find out more about this fascinating discovery!

What if architects developed deep-time literacy to become true planetary stewards? Cristina Parreño Alonso's Transtectonics explores the cultural and environmental implications of expanded temporal sensibilities in architectural material practice. Her new class, 4.181 (The Deep Time Project), culminated in multimedia projects that bring deep time into contemporary consciousness. From imagining a future where plastic is integral to the geological structure of the Earth to exploring the adaptive relationship between the human body and its prosthetic additions of language and architecture, these material essays offer provocative perspectives on the impact of our actions today.

Discover the marvel of ancient engineering in China's Hengduan Mountains, where the mysterious stone towers of Pengbuxi stand tall, shrouded in questions about their age, purpose, and builders. Trek with a teacher and explore the biodiverse landscape that has been a tribal corridor for ancient migrations dating back to the Stone Age. Unravel the enigma of these dreamlike megaliths that still hold all the power of a kept secret.

Discover the evolution of cities through time and learn how our modern civilization is rooted in the decisions made by our ancestors. In 'The City in History: Its Origins, Its Transformations, and Its Prospects', Lewis Mumford takes readers on a journey through the centuries, exploring the core needs of humanity that led to the formation of cities. From nomadic life to village living to the bustling metropolises of today, Mumford's insights and concepts are essential for modern city planning, design, and management. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in urban planning and the history of civilization. Recommended for urban planning professionals, architects, historians, and anyone interested in the evolution of cities and its impact on modern civilization. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of cities, from their origins to their modern-day transformations. The insights and concepts presented in this book are useful for contemporary city planning, design, and management. Additionally, this book is relevant to those interested in the history of civilization and the core needs of humanity. The book covers a full range of civilizations and their cities, making it a valuable resource for students of history, anthropology, and sociology.

MIT alumni-founded startup Hosta a.i. has developed a platform that uses artificial intelligence to create precise property assessments by analyzing images. The platform produces detailed floor plans, 3D models, and bills of materials, as well as evaluates the conditions of materials to assess damage and identify risks. Hosta a.i. is currently working with insurers, contractors, and mortgage lenders to give everyone fast and accurate information about their built surroundings. The founders say there are possibilities to help speed the transition to more energy-efficient buildings and create an understanding of how heat moves through a room.

Revolutionize the way architects create visualizations and VR experiences with state-of-the-art 3D rendering technology developed for gaming engines, now freely available! David Weir-McCall of Epic Games highlights the scope and power of real-time 3D, where high-fidelity data can be easily imported and transformed into immersive cityscapes in real-time.

Are you interested in shaping the built environment of cities and towns to improve the quality of life for their inhabitants? Do you want to create beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces that promote health, equity, and social interaction? If so, then urban design may be the perfect field of study for you. Urban design is an interdisciplinary field that combines architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, engineering, and social sciences to create well-designed and well-managed urban spaces. Urban designers are involved in every aspect of city design, from street layouts to building facades, public spaces, and transportation systems. They work to make cities more livable, attractive, and sustainable. Some of the most interesting and meaningful aspects of urban design include creating green spaces, promoting public transportation, and fostering community engagement. For example, the High Line in New York City is a prime example of how urban designers can transform an abandoned railway into a vibrant public park that provides both recreational space and a connection between different neighborhoods. Urban design is also a field that is constantly evolving, with new research, innovations, and academic discourse emerging all the time. Recent developments include smart city technology, which uses data and technology to improve city infrastructure and services, as well as innovative urban planning strategies that promote sustainability and resilience. At the undergraduate level, students can expect to take courses in subjects such as urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering. These courses will provide a solid foundation in the principles and practices of urban design, and may include studio classes where students can work on real-world projects. There are many potential areas of further specialization in urban design, including transportation planning, housing, public space design, and community development. For example, you might specialize in designing public transportation systems like the BRT system in Bogota, Colombia, or in creating mixed-use developments like Battery Park City in New York City. Urban design is a field with a wide range of potential career paths, including urban planner, landscape architect, city designer, transportation planner, and housing developer. Some of the key industries for prospective future employment include government agencies, non-profit organizations, real estate development companies, and architecture and engineering firms. Notable employers in this field include firms like Gensler, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), and the City of Copenhagen. To succeed in urban design, it is helpful to have strong design skills, an interest in public policy and urban issues, and the ability to think creatively and collaboratively. You should also have strong communication skills, as urban design often involves working with a variety of stakeholders and communicating complex design ideas to the public.

Minimalism is a philosophy that has roots and branches in many places. It's a reaction to the increasingly busy and loud world around us, and it can take many forms, from architecture to music. Minimalism means owning few possessions, living in largely empty space, and even eating minimalist food. It's not just about decluttering, but knowing what to keep. Minimalist buildings are simple and full of light and space. Minimalist music features repetition, simple patterns, and phase shifting, and can be profoundly moving and deeply emotional. Learning about minimalism can help students identify what truly matters to them and help them declutter their lives, both physically and mentally. It can also inspire them to create their own minimalist art, music, or architecture.

Accessibility is a critical component of urban planning and architecture. It is about designing cities and buildings in a way that enables everyone, regardless of their physical or mental ability, to fully participate in society. In recent years, accessibility has become increasingly important, with a growing recognition of the need to build inclusive communities. According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people, or 15% of the world's population, experience some form of disability. In the United States, 1 in 4 adults have a disability. This underscores the importance of designing cities that are accessible to all. Urban planners and architects are leading the way in this effort. By incorporating accessibility into their designs, they are transforming cities into spaces that are more inclusive and equitable. For example, the High Line in New York City, a park built on a former elevated railway, is fully accessible, providing an accessible route through the city that was previously lacking. Some specific concepts that are important to consider in accessibility include universal design, wayfinding, and the built environment. Universal design is the practice of designing products and spaces that can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities. Wayfinding is the practice of creating visual cues that help people navigate through a space. The built environment refers to the physical elements that make up a space, including buildings, streets, and sidewalks. Academics are also contributing to the field of accessibility. One such academic is Edward Steinfeld, who is the founder and director of the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA) at the University at Buffalo. Steinfeld has been a pioneer in the field of universal design, and has contributed to the development of guidelines for accessible design. Accessibility is an important topic that affects everyone, and there is no shortage of ways to explore it further. By delving deeper into this field, you can gain a better understanding of the challenges that people with disabilities face, and contribute to creating a more inclusive society.

Natural disasters like the Kobe earthquake of 1995 can devastate even highly engineered cities, making disaster resilience a crucial field of study. MIT's Miho Mazereeuw, an expert in disaster resilience and founder of the Urban Risk Lab, focuses on community-level efforts and designs to prepare for the future and reduce the impact of disasters.

Architecture is more than just designing buildings, it's about creating spaces that inspire, evoke emotion and are functional. It's a field that blends creativity, innovation and technical skills to create structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Architects are responsible for designing everything from homes to skyscrapers, and their work can be seen all around us. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the towering Burj Khalifa in Dubai, architects have left their mark on the world. In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in sustainable architecture, with many architects incorporating environmentally friendly design principles into their work. This has led to some incredible innovations, such as buildings that generate their own energy, and structures that are made entirely from recycled materials. Studying architecture at undergraduate level will give you a strong foundation in the principles of design, construction and engineering. You will learn how to use a range of software programs to create 2D and 3D designs, as well as how to read and interpret architectural plans. As you progress through your studies, you will have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as urban planning, sustainable design or historic preservation. You may even have the chance to study abroad, gaining valuable experience and exposure to different architectural styles and techniques. Upon graduation, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue a range of careers in the architecture industry. You could work for a large architecture firm, designing structures for clients around the world. Alternatively, you could work in the public sector, designing public spaces such as parks or government buildings. Some of the most notable employers in the industry include Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, and Gensler. These firms are known for their innovative designs and commitment to sustainable architecture. To succeed in the field of architecture, you will need to be creative, detail-oriented and have strong technical skills. You should also have a passion for design and a desire to create structures that are not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable. In summary, studying architecture at undergraduate level is an exciting and rewarding experience that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a range of careers in the architecture industry. Whether you want to design skyscrapers or public spaces, this field of study offers endless opportunities for creativity and innovation.

Architecture is a fundamental part of our everyday lives, from the buildings we live in, to the parks we play in, and the streets we walk on. The way we design and construct our communities has a significant impact on our social, economic, and environmental well-being. Let's explore the fascinating topic of how architecture shapes our lives. One of the key concepts in this field is the idea of placemaking. Placemaking is the process of designing public spaces that promote community interaction, creativity, and social cohesion. One of the pioneers of this approach is Jan Gehl, a Danish architect and urban designer, who has developed a human-centered approach to city planning that prioritizes the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users. Another key concept is the notion of sustainable design. Sustainable design is an approach to architecture that considers the environmental impact of buildings and their materials. One example of this is the Bullitt Center, a commercial building in Seattle that is designed to be net-zero energy and carbon-neutral. Architecture also plays a critical role in shaping social and economic inequality. The design of public spaces can either promote or discourage social interaction, and can either facilitate or impede access to economic opportunities. For example, the High Line in New York City is a public park built on an elevated rail line that was converted into a green space. The park has helped to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood and has become a hub of community activity. Designing communities is an essential and exciting field of study that can inspire us to think critically about the places we live and work, and to envision a more equitable and sustainable future.

Are you someone who loves to design and create beautiful spaces? Do you have an eye for detail and a passion for making spaces functional as well as aesthetically pleasing? If so, a career in Interior Architecture might be the perfect fit for you! Interior Architecture is the art and science of designing and renovating interior spaces for both residential and commercial purposes. It involves creating functional and appealing spaces that meet the needs of the people who will use them. Interior Architects work with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and budget, and then create designs that meet those requirements. One of the most appealing aspects of this career is the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from designing homes and apartments to hotels, restaurants, and public spaces. Interior Architects get to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. For example, they might design a hotel lobby that is welcoming and comfortable, while also accommodating the needs of guests who are checking in or waiting for transportation. Typical duties of an Interior Architect include developing design concepts, creating detailed plans and drawings, selecting materials and finishes, coordinating with contractors and other professionals, and overseeing the construction process to ensure that the design is implemented correctly. There are also many areas of specialization within the field, such as sustainable design, healthcare design, and hospitality design. To become an Interior Architect, you typically need a Bachelor's degree in Interior Architecture or a related field, such as Architecture or Industrial Design. Some popular undergraduate programs include the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design, the Bachelor of Interior Architecture at the University of Oregon, and the Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Helpful personal attributes for this career include creativity, attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. Interior Architects must be able to manage multiple projects at once, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with clients and other professionals. The job prospects for Interior Architects are excellent, with strong demand expected to continue in the coming years. Some notable employers in the field include Gensler, HOK, Perkins+Will, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. There are also many opportunities to work as a freelance designer or start your own design firm. In conclusion, a career in Interior Architecture offers a unique blend of creativity, problem-solving, and practicality. If you have a passion for design and a desire to create beautiful and functional spaces, this might be the perfect career for you!

Are you interested in creating sustainable and eco-friendly buildings that are both functional and beautiful? Look no further than the exciting field of Green Architecture! Green Architecture is a field of study that focuses on designing and constructing buildings that are environmentally responsible and energy-efficient. This field incorporates a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, architecture, and environmental science, to create buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sustainable. One example of Green Architecture in action is the Bullitt Center in Seattle, Washington. This building is entirely self-sufficient, generating all of its own energy through solar panels and rainwater collection systems. It's also made entirely from recycled materials, making it one of the most sustainable buildings in the world. Green Architecture is a constantly evolving field, with new research and innovations being made all the time. One notable academic figure in this field is Dr. Ken Yeang, who is known for his innovative designs that incorporate living plants into building facades to create natural insulation. At the undergraduate level, students can expect to take courses in sustainable design, green building materials, and renewable energy systems. Potential areas of further specialization include sustainable urban planning, green building certification, and sustainable construction management. Graduates of Green Architecture programs can expect to find a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as architecture, engineering, and urban planning. Key industries for prospective future employment include sustainable construction firms, government agencies focused on environmental policy, and green energy companies. Some notable employers in this field include the United States Green Building Council, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the architecture firm HOK. To succeed in Green Architecture, students should have a passion for sustainability and environmentalism, as well as strong skills in math, science, and design. If you're interested in creating a more sustainable future through innovative and eco-friendly building design, Green Architecture may be the perfect field of study for you!

Have you ever dreamed of creating the next iconic skyscraper or transforming an entire neighborhood? If so, a career in Real Estate Development might be the perfect fit for you! Real Estate Development is a fascinating and diverse field that involves the creation, renovation, and management of various properties, including commercial, residential, and industrial spaces. It is a dynamic industry that requires creativity, strategic thinking, and a passion for architecture and design. As a Real Estate Developer, you will have the opportunity to work on exciting projects that shape the way people live, work, and play. You could be involved in everything from acquiring land, securing financing, and designing the building, to marketing and leasing the property. One of the most appealing aspects of Real Estate Development is the potential for specialization. You could focus on a particular type of property, such as hotels or shopping centers, or specialize in a specific phase of the development process, such as project management or urban planning. To become a Real Estate Developer, you typically need a Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as Architecture, Engineering, or Business Administration. Many universities offer specialized programs in Real Estate Development, such as the Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development at the University of Southern California or the Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning at Florida State University. In addition to formal education, there are several helpful personal attributes that can make you a successful Real Estate Developer. These include strong communication and negotiation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to think creatively and strategically. The job prospects for Real Estate Developers are promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 7% growth rate in employment from 2018 to 2028. There are many notable and attractive potential employers in both the public and private sectors around the world, including companies like Brookfield Properties, Blackstone Group, and Vornado Realty Trust. So, if you have a passion for architecture and design, a talent for strategic thinking, and a desire to shape the future of our built environment, a career in Real Estate Development might just be the perfect fit for you!

Why did the cost of urban housing skyrocket? Is it just NIMBYism or is there something deeper at play? Explore the historical and ideological roots of the housing crisis through the lens of historian Jacob Anbinder's dissertation in progress, 'Cities of Amber: Antigrowth Politics and the Making of Modern Liberalism, 1950-2008.'