Facts About China Architecture and Chinese Buildings Art

By C Lee 

China's distinctive architecture is an important part of the splendid Chinese civilization. Along with the Western and Muslim architecture, the three styles of understanding the world's most important architectural systems.
In the Stone Age, Chinese ancestors lived by fishing and hunting, and took refuge in trees and caves. In the Neolithic, Chinese ancestors engaged in animal husbandry and agriculture, and settled in the caves of excavation and construction of simple houses with branches and wood, and began his architectural activities.During 3,000 years
feudal society, ancient Chinese architecture formulated gradually its unique system, with considerable progress in urban planning, landscape design, and the art of building houses. In 221 BC, the first emperor of the Qin Empire mobilized the resources of the country for construction on a large scale, including a palace 'Fang, Mausoleum of the Emperor, the Great Wall and Water Conservation Project Dujiangyan. In later dynasties, many construction greatest enduring fame were conducted.
China Wooden frames are unique in the world. They reflect the aesthetic values, and ethical standards of the Chinese people. Chinese architecture has its roots in cultural tradition and has several features. It highlights the absolute imperial power and strict social status. The best examples of this can be found in the palaces and cities prohibited. Chinese architecture also emphasizes global beauty and axial arrangement pattern is widely used in buildings. Chinese style also incorporates elements of nature and emphasizes an elegant beauty, quiet and easy-going. Apart from the Han, the ethnic architecture is also diverse and different.
Chinese architecture can be classified into the imperial palaces, religious temples, ancient gardens, tombs and ordinary group ethnic.

The online website of the China travel agency - China Fact Tours has fruitful information regarding facts about China and China Architecture [http://www.chinafacttours.com/facts/a], as well as a great deal of practical China travel information and travel resources be of help before you plan a trip to China!

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Building Materials For the Traditional Spanish Mission

By Mark Bradley 

The Spanish Mission Style of Architecture served functional and aesthetic purposes when it was first produced in California. "Padres" or priests from Spain came to the coastline of California to build their missions and convert the natives, and the style of the missions was a reflection of the great cultural soup that was being prepared. Native Californians used their skill, priests used their design aesthetic from the old country, and the raw materials of their work would come from the natural products off the coast of California.

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Lego - A History Of These Building Blocks Of Imagination

By Royce Armstrong 

Lego bricks. Creativity. Childhood. They go together like Mickey Mouse and Disney, wizards and Harry Potter. Lego has been a part of childhood for more than three generations. Nearly everyone under 50 has played with these building blocks of imagination. There is no telling how many engineers and scientists were spawned by these plastic building blocks.
Lego is

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Free Sights of Moscow

By Annushka Turanna 

Moscow is believed to be a very expensive city. However, it's amazing to discover how much it can offer for those traveling on a budget. Many of Moscow attractions are free for a visitor and yet they are among must-see

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See Austria's Beauty With Cheap Flights

By Phil Durell 

Austria is a country located in Central Europe. It is a landlocked country because it is bordered by Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west, Slovenia and

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Chicago Architects Design the Tallest Lakefront Condo/Mixed-Use Building in the World

By Spencer Mason 

Shooting up over 3,280 feet into the air, Kingdom Tower will be the world's first kilometer-high skyscraper-and it won't be anywhere near Chicago. The lakefront condo, hotel and office building is part of a massive development planned for the new Waterfront District in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The soaring tower will anchor a large, multi-structure complex called Kingdom City that is expected to cost $20 billion to build. So what does that have to do with Chicago? Two Windy City architects were selected to head-up the project, beating out several other major architecture firms who entered a design competition to create this never-before-attempted structural feat.

The Chicago-based architecture team of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill will travel halfway around the globe for this next job-a massive 5.7 million-square-foot endeavor that will house a Four Seasons Hotel, luxury condominiums, apartment rentals, office space and, why not?-the highest observatory on the planet. Exceeding the height of the current tallest building in the world by over 560 feet, this record-shattering tower is going to be an engineering marvel that puts Smith in first place of the tallest building race-again. He was the lead architect on Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which presently holds the title. He also had a hand in Chicago's own Trump International Hotel & Tower (originally designed to surpass the Sears Tower in height but was ultimately made shorter to protect the lofty status of Chicago's trademark structure).

Due to its astonishing verticality, Kingdom Tower's blueprints call for an especially sophisticated elevator system that includes 59 cars (some that are double-decker). It will also have escalators that go 10 meters per second (around 20 mph). The structural engineering of the tower is incredibly important because its upper sections will endure very strong wind speeds. This led to an aerodynamic design with three petal-like wings that taper as they go up. The result is a sleek, needle-esque form that Smith and Gill say is inspired by the shoots of young desert plants coming up through the ground with fronds that have not yet separated. (Think of a new palm shoot before it opens out.) The base of the tower has an organic feel with large, skylight-filled overhangs and a wavy horizontal contour.

 As is popular in any building design these days, Kingdom Tower's structure incorporates high-efficiency and energy-saving features. It will also have shaded outdoor verandas and a special cantilevered sky terrace off the 157th floor, reserved as an exterior amenity space for the penthouse level.
While it is sure to be the center of attention, Kingdom Tower is only a part of the big picture for Kingdom City. Smith + Gill have also been commissioned to draw up plans for a utopian community in the Waterfront District that boasts a pedestrian-friendly shopping, entertainment, residential and hotel quarter with landscaped outdoor areas and scenic lakefront condos, commercial buildings and other amenities. Certainly an impressive undertaking-but nothing two pros from Chicago can't handle.

Spencer Mason writes about topics for real estate in Chicago.

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Building the "Great Wall of Mexico"

By Joseph Devine 

The increasing problems with illegal immigration into the United States have prompted a controversial plan: building a "Great Wall of Mexico." This wall would theoretically deter thousands of would-be immigrants, either from Mexico or immigrating by way of Mexico, from entering the United States. CNN estimates that there are about 20 million illegal immigrants residing in the U.S. However, is a giant fence really going to help solve this problem?

First of all, we have to determine why illegal immigration is such a detriment to society. If we are currently functioning with as many as 20 million aliens present in our country, why stop illegal immigration now? Some people argue that non-naturalized citizens compete with legal residents for jobs. In the current state of the economy, this can definitely be a big deal. Second, a large amount of tax dollars goes towards immigrants, either as health care or border patrol against immigration. After these, there are a number of other complaints such as increased crime, spread of disease, and possible terrorism, among others.

Currently in effect are multiple cameras and sensors along the Texas-Mexico border. Citizens can actually create accounts to participate in the Border Watch, monitoring the cameras online at their own computers. However, the program has been called unsuccessful and a waste of money. This is unsurprising considering that there is only one camera per about every 70 miles of the border.
With the problems of sneaking into the United States still rampant, legislators have looked to other methods to keep border-crossers out. In the Secure Fence Act, passed in September of 2006, the United States Congress voted to build a fence along the border with Mexico. The fence was proposed to be a double-layer, 700 mile-long monstrosity built in several sections from California to Texas. This wall was supposed to be finished by the end of 2008, but it has not yet been completed as of July 2009.

Perhaps the completion of the wall has stalled due to the high amount of opposition to building the fence. Mexican President Felipe Calderon has compared the U.S.-Mexico fence to the Berlin Wall. Chief among the American opposition is the city of Brownsville. The government has proposed to purchase private lands-some held in the same family for generations-in order to build the fence.

As for those concerned for the environment, the Great Wall of Mexico would cut through the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The land is home to 17 endangered or threatened species of organisms, as well as the only piece of American soil where some species can be seen.
Taking all this into account, there are definite pros and cons of building the Great Wall of Mexico. Illegal immigration is a hot topic, and we have yet to see how the fence will culminate in American history.

If you or someone you know needs more information on becoming a naturalized citizen, a good source of immigration lawyers can be found here.

Joseph Devine

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Canadian Model Train Collectors - Building a World in Miniature

By Brad A Miller 

Model railway enthusiasts indulge themselves in one of the most popular hobbies in the world, and Canadian model trains in particular have carved themselves a substantial slice of the pie in terms of overall popularity. The history of the railroad network in Canada speaks volumes for the daunting challenges faced and met by the railroad pioneers, who developed the railway system, and who designed and built the incredible locomotives and rolling stock specialized to establish the incredible infrastructure that still spans the nation today.
For each and every Canadian model train, is a tribute to its pioneers; the machines that they created and brought to life. Those metal giants, that huffed and puffed their way across Canada, billowing smoke and radiating power and majesty.
The serious model train hobbyist is a highly skilled specialist who not only builds locomotives and rolling stock from bronze or die-cast kits of bogies, chassis' and motors. They take their passion for modeling into all aspects of the railroad world, building dioramas that come to life in displaying Canadian railroading in all their glory in a true to life model working environment.
Some enthusiasts buy their locomotives and rolling stock straight out of the model stores already fully built and ready to run. For them the delight is in building the track layouts, and the dioramas they create are truly awesome. A Canadian model steam engine, working earnestly away, pulling its load, billowing model smoke, and utilizing thundering sound effects (steam engine, level crossing, cattle truck sounds, etc.) in a realistic layout is something extraordinarily special to behold.
Canadian train enthusiasts have banded together and have created some incredible websites that display some superb photos of their members' layouts. There are forums and newsrooms too, all dedicated to preaching the word and spreading the gospel of Canadian model trains in action, to the rest of the modeling world.
Many Canadian model train clubs support their members' endeavors to construct fantastic dioramas in a knock down form that can be transported all over Canada where they assemble them in venues across the nation for fellow hobbyists to see, take wonder in, and enjoy. For these people there is no financial reward, merely a covering of the costs they incur in travelling and overnight expenses. For these guys and gals, the real reward is the delight that they see in the eyes of those who come to see and celebrate their exhibitions.
Some of the needed modeling to create the lifelike layouts is almost beyond belief. They are more than labors of love; they are labors of passion and commitment. There is no greater thrill than watching a Canadian trains crossing the Rocky Mountains, weaving its way in and out of tunnels, and all of the scenery built faithfully by hand!
Even for those who have not developed the modeling skill, but who buy much of their scenery from a model store, they still have that desire and passion to assemble a truly impressive background that brings their Canadian model trains to life.
Once truly bitten with the Canadian railroad bug, you will never look back. You will enter a whole new world in miniature; a world that celebrates all that is great about the Canadian model train.

Brad Miller, is a model train enthusiast, and enjoys others to get started in this amazing hobby. For more information, Click Here, Canadian Model Trains, Tells everything you need to know about starting a very exciting new hobby. Get this Free 11 Part Mini-Course at: http://www.modeltrain-guide.com

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Why India Should Invest in New Green Technologies in Their Buildings

By Indu Kant Mishra 

"Climate change and water scarcity threaten India's economy, one of the fastest growing in the world."
I researched recently that the country has 16 percent of the world's population, but only four percent of its water resources - how can we make this sustainable?"

"In India, buildings are responsible for 4.9% of total GHG, If per capita water availability is any indication, 'water stress' is just beginning to show in India. Beside energy the second most critical issue concerning the building sector, governments, consumers and environmentalists today is possibly water. Infact, water use in buildings accounts for almost 20 per cent of the total water use, which is significant. Hence the Indian construction industry needs to consider where and how they can protect the vibrant Indian economy. In particular, do we need to consider new green technologies?

Buildings in India are prone to many health problems such as:-
•Molds,
•Extreme hot condition
•Waste of energy

The impact is often high electricity bills and occupant's complaining of health problems due to internal environmental quality. "
Children, elderly people, and people with breathing problems, allergies, and lung diseases are particularly susceptible to disease-causing biological agents in the indoor air.

Buildings in India are prone to many problems. Research provides the following interesting such as:-
•The World Health Organisation estimates that up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be subject to excessive complaints related to indoor air quality.
•Air conditioning systems in commercial buildings consume about 60-65\% of the total energy as compared to various other end uses.

Sustainable buildings can provide:
•Improved learning by students
• greater productivity in workers
• Faster healing by patients.
• Have Higher Market Value

Both residential and commercial buildings retain a high resale value if they include sustainable design components. The value to prospective buyers comes from knowing their utility and maintenance costs will be lower in green buildings that outperform non-green buildings. Occupancy levels are consistently higher, and vacancy rates lower, in sustainable office buildings.

Understandably, it is these measurable benefits, rather than a general sense of well-being, energy conservation resulting in saving money and improved internal environmental quality for better living and good for the environment these can be achieved by implementing green technology in our buildings. India still to capitalize the benefits of green technology as other countries are already using it in their buildings for instance USA, Australia.

On the financial side, going green will save everyone tons of money. The price of electricity will keep going up as oil supplies shrink. As a hedge against rising electric bills it would be wise to invest in green technology today. Plus an additional benefit will be cleaner air. There are still coal plants around and despite the advancements in technology they remain a pollution factor today. Green technology in the form of solar power could result in a tremendous reduction in the need for coal power plants

Energy saving lightbulbs are a great example of green technology that can be installed in every house in the world, easily. The aim of green technology is to make peoples' lives better without compromising on quality of life.


Examples of green technology subject areas

Energy
Perhaps the most urgent issue for green technology, this includes the development of alternative fuels, new means of generating energy and energy efficiency.
Green building
Green building encompasses everything from the choice of building materials to where a building is located.
Environmentally preferred purchasing
This government innovation involves the search for products whose contents and methods of production have the smallest possible impact on the environment, and mandates that these be the preferred products for government purchasing.
Green chemistry
The invention, design and application of chemical products and processes to reduce or to eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.

Time has come to gain from the immense possibilities of Green technologies which will ultimately provide solutions to the entire problem we discussed above.
Sustainable buildings operate from seven simple principles

Sustainable building will:
1.Harvest all their own water and energy needs on site.
2.Be adapted specifically to site and climate and evolve as conditions change.
3.Operate pollution-free and generate no wastes that aren't useful for some other process in the building or immediate environment.
4.Promote the health and well-being of all inhabitants, as a healthy ecosystem does.
5.Be comprised of integrated systems that maximise efficiency and comfort.
6.Improve the health and diversity of the local ecosystem rather than degrade it.
7.Be beautiful and inspire us to dream.

Benefits of Green Building
Environmental benefits
•Reduce the impacts of natural resource consumption
Economic benefits
•Improve the bottom line
Health and safety benefits
•Enhance occupants comfort and health
Community benefits
•Minimize strain on local infrastructures and improve quality of life
We talked about water scarcity which is not only a concern for India but for entire world. So what are we doing for that? The answer is we can certainly look for ways to save water and make optimum utilization of what we have right now. The reason why there is hype for green technology is it's always emphasizes on creating resources and minimum wastage of energy.

If we can reduce the water consumption in the building construction then it can definitely be used in other activities and it should be collective effort.

India has always played a significant role in the global arena. Whether it's growing economy, world's largest democracy and seriousness about environment. Then it is imperative that world should also recognise India's effort for sustainable living. India needs to consolidate its stand on promoting green technologies. And for that government can provide financial assistance to people or organisations to encourage and create awareness about green technologies. India is already doing its bit to save water and other environment friendly measures. Ministry of environment is also seeking assistance from Indian corporate sector to come up with innovative ideas to save the environment. I think we are on the right track and we just need to create more awareness about the biggest threat the world is facing now which is global warming. As we say there is never a wrong time for the right thing so we can certainly give back something to our mother earth.

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Buying Land in Bali: The Essentials

 By Stacey Herbert

It might surprise you to learn that foreigners have a distinct advantage when it comes to buying in Bali, compared to the rights of locals. Yes, it surprised us too, but it's true. In spite of the numerous complications that can come up when trying to buy a villa in Bali, there are several ways in which investors from foreign parts can purchase the rights to build on the island of Indonesia - with relative safety.

Buying a Villa in Bali: The Basics
It's a sad but true fact that anyone who is not a citizen of Bali cannot personally own any property in Bali. On the other hand, foreign investors don't have to give up on the idea of owning within Bali, they just have to be a bit more creative about how they do it.
Firstly they will need to go into partnership with a Balinese native and resident, who will then pose as the nominee freeholder. These types of connections are relatively easy to make, but we cannot emphasis enough that acting with caution when selecting this individual will save you a lot of time, pain and money in the long run. Alternatively, you will need to form a foreign investment company, and it is this investment company that will hold the deeds to the land rather than any individual.
For the most part many individuals who decide to buy land in Bali, take the route of using and Indonesian native as their nominees freeholder. As we discussed earlier this does require great amount of trust and faith, but this arrangement tend to works out successfully for those who make the time to actually invest in those relationships as well as just buying land in Bali.

There are companies whose sole business is arranging these kind of business partnerships, but there is a common trail of thought that for those looking to make a better return on their investment in the long run, that you often better off setting up a PMA company, whose function is to act of your behalf

Using a Foreign Investment (PMA) Company to buy land in Bali
Foreign investment companies don't technically own the land they 're investing in. In actuality, it's the license they have which gives them the right to use the nominated piece of land for a predetermined amount of years, in a certain way. A ball park figure for this time is often 25 years, though occasionally it can be for longer or even shorter, however after this time the company will need to purchase a further license if this which to retain ownership of the land or building.
For some these red tape restrictions are very off putting, as they don't see this as actually owning and buying land in Bali, rather leasing it with a series of complicated hoops to jump through. But the reality is this is the closest that you will get to either owing land or buying a villa in Bali as a foreign investor.
If you do decide to renew your license, this is a fairly easy process which requires you to put together the correct paperwork as requested with the required fee. Getting this license renewed is usually a given unless you have been found to be using the building for reasons other than was set out within the original license agreement. For e.g if your license was to build a villa for personal usage, you would have a problem if mid-way through the licensed term you decided the villa was to be used a rental and income baring property. So make sure you have decided on the long term usage of the land or villa before applying for this license.
Tourism in Bali is once again on the increase, each year the number of people choosing to spend their precious holiday time, in this beautiful island is steadily increasing. This means that development is increasing at an alarming rate, and existing properties are snapped up very quickly alongside available land. So if you are serious about buying land in Bali or building a villa in Bali, the sooner you start the process the better!

Stacey Herbert
Marketing and content manager @ Vilondo
You can also find me rocking the Blog at http://www.vilondo.com/blog/

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French Windows and Doors - Converting Concrete Buildings Into Ideal Homes

By Singh Sanjeev Kumar 

French doors and windows are almost a rage with people desiring to have stylish mansions and designer interior decor. Also known as the patio doors, they deliver an exquisite style statement and decor to the house. These doors and windows have huge panels (floor to ceiling in most of the cases), which are fitted with glass or any other see through material for that matter, giving a proper view of the outdoor sight. Their enormous size enables the onlookers sitting inside the house to enjoy the scenery without going outside.
If you have been feeling congested in you house and longing for proper ventilation in the same area, than the French windows are a very good option for you. They are best for the purpose of ventilation as they are directly connected to the outdoor decks, balconies or patios and are enormous in size. There are usually two / three or four window panels / slashes (depending on the size of the balcony) attached to hinges or sliders. In order to open the window / door one would need to slide them, that is why they are also known as sliding windows / doors. Compared to the regular windows that open either in the front or back, sliding windows do not require any free space in the front or back as they simply slide over the width.

Owing to their dimensions, the French doors give an enhanced feeling of openness, structure and beauty to the onlookers. Though, the concept of installing the patio doors is really catching up, but the origin of these favourable doors / windows dates back to the Renaissance Period. In 17th century, France witnessed a new breed of designer with modern thoughts for the art and architecture, who mastered the art if installing French patio doors and windows. But, they are not just constricted to France now. They have traveled boundaries and made a place in people's heart, all across the globe.

If you are also planning to reinstall your house with French windows or doors, you need to consider some facts before you go ahead with the idea. It is suggested to take some prior decisions before installing the sliding doors, so that they look attractive in your home and not just a mere pile on.

• Choose the colour of the sliding widow panel wisely. Make sure that the colour of your choice should match with the paint of the balcony, door and also the interior of the room.
• If you have enough space, than go for the floor to ceiling size that would also add to the spaciousness of your home. On the other hand, if space is limited, than go for a bit smaller one with broader panels and less glass, as it would add that glamour quotient of the patio style and still look as an extension of the regular window.
• Initially there were only wooden panels, but with emerging technologies, the market is now providing choice of wooden / aluminum or UPVC panels. As these are outdoor windows and often face atrocities of the whether, hence it is suggested to go for the UPVC material that needs less maintenance. But if your house has got an antique look then a wooden frame would be more appropriate. Make sure that you polish the external sides of the wooden frames at regular intervals, to prevent it from damage.

Space is a constraint with everyone today. Gone are the days when people used to stay in big mansions and follow extravagant lifestyle. Big houses are gone but the extravagant lifestyle can still be followed, only if we make some changes in our existing homes. By installing French windows and doors, we can add that glamour and style to our home and enjoy the advantages of ample ventilation with clean air and sunshine.

Fenesta is the window expert of India specializing in the design, manufacture, installation and service of French windows systems. Fenesta brings Sliding Doors is made up of two (or more) sashes that slide horizontally, to the left or right, on tracks.

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The Amazing Burj Khalifa Tower of Dubai

By Cedric P Loiselle 

If you plan to visit Dubai make sure to add the attractions in Burj Khalifa Tower to your list of things you must see. Standing at over 828 metres, this remarkable example of high tech architecture is the tallest building in the world. It is a world-class destination considered the masterpiece of downtown Dubai.
Records mention Dubai as far back as 1095. The first settlement named Dubai town dates back to 1799. Today, Dubai has developed into a world-class business hub. The economy was originally based on the oil industry, but with the emirate's new business model major revenues are now derived from real estate, tourism and financial services.

Recently, Dubai has attracted world recognition through various large construction developments and sporting events. However, this extra attention has highlighted human rights and labour issues faced by the largely Asian workforce.

The Tower
The Burj Khalifa Tower is located in the heart of Dubai. It is surrounded by luxury, five star hotels, fabulous shopping destinations and a wide variety of entertainment options. The tower houses Burj Khalifa residences, private residences, corporate offices, hotel guestrooms and suits, a four story fitness club, fine dining restaurants and an observation deck.

The Park
The design of the park was inspired by the unique Burj Khalifa triple-lobed shape. It spreads out over eleven hectares featuring luscious greenery and spectacular water displays. The landscape includes three distinct areas which serve the three main uses of the tower: hotels, residences and office spaces.
The three areas are linked by the pedestrian walkways and the tower. Visitors are welcomed with astonishing stone paving patterns at each entry. The main entrance is encircled by a palm court, fantastic water features, open green spaces and a luscious forest grove above.

The Observation Deck
The Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai has aroused more curiosity and intrigue than any other building in modern history. From the observation deck you can see for yourself what it feels like to be at the top of the world.
Your visit begins at the reception area. From here you are guided through an amazing presentation chronicling the exotic history of Dubai and the fascinating story behind the Burj Khalifa aboard a 65 metre moving walkway, called a travelator. The travelator pauses briefly to give you a close-up view of the amazing height of Burj Khalifa.

A super high speed elevator takes you the rest of the way to the top. As the elevator doors open you are greeted with floor to ceiling glass walls that offer a breath-taking, unobstructed view of the city, the surrounding desert and the ocean.

For more information about Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai and attractions in Burj Khalifa Tower, visit our website guide2dubai.com.

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Japanese Water Gardens - Tips For Building a Japanese Water Garden

By Michele Miller 

When you think of a Koi pond, what comes to mind? For many, it is a serene Japanese water garden full of large Koi fish swimming lazily through the water. If this is your idea of the perfect pond, keep reading. Below you will find tips and tricks to building a Japanese water garden, and making the Koi pond of your dreams.
Silence is Golden

One of the most important elements to a Japanese water garden is the noise level. You want your pond and surrounding areas to be as quiet and tranquil as possible. Building your pond away from noisy neighbors, busy streets, and playing children is usually a good idea. If you don't have the acreage to create such a space, you can use natural elements such as plants and boulders to create an intimate space that blocks out the noisy surroundings.

Choose the right Decorations
Japanese water gardens are known for their decorative elements. Spend some time searching for pictures of these gardens, so that you can have a better idea of what you want for your own space. There are many pond supply stores that specialize in Japanese water garden design, so you should have no trouble finding items to fit your theme. Items like bamboo, dwarf pines, stone lanterns, boulders, stepping stones, etc., will all help create the feeling of being in Japan.

High stone walls, bamboo screens, and weathered wood are all great building elements. You can use them to design walkways, bridges, and seating areas.

Getting Started
Once you have a good idea of what you want in your Japanese water garden, it's time to create a plan of action. You will want to begin by sketching out the general layout for your pond. If you plan to raise Koi, there are certain elements that must be present in order to sustain your fish. Many of the elements, such as waterfalls and drainage can be designed to fit the Japanese water garden theme.

Designing a small island in the middle of the pond in which to house a lantern is a classic Japanese water garden design trick that has a lot of impact. A shelter of some sort is also common place, and provides homeowners with a sanctuary in which to enjoy their garden. Lastly, you will want to decide where you want to plan bushes and other plants. Chances are, this will continue to grow and evolve over the life of your pond, but it is important to decide early on what you want it to "eventually" look like.

Michele Miller is the author and publisher of two Ebook Guides about Pond Building And Caring For Fish, available at http://www.easy-koi-ponds.com You can sign up for her free course by email and receive lots of tips and advice about building your backyard koi fish pond.

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America's Neoclassical Building Tradition

By G Koitz 

Neoclassical and Greek Revival architecture are two of America's most recognized building forms. Though not in wide use today, these styles, characterized by columns, tall facades, and simple white exteriors, can be easily found on many of the nation's historic landmarks and government buildings, including The White House. Students of architecture can expect these forms to endure for centuries longer, thanks to their integral role in the American social fabric.

While essentially a school of its own, Greek Revival is style within the Neoclassical tradition, which began in the mid-18th century. Neoclassicism originated in Europe as a reaction against naturalistic Rococo architecture, and as a progression beyond Late-Baroque building styles. In its purest form, the movement was one that simply revisited and paid tribute to the forms of Classical Greece, while applying itself to modern architecture. This widespread interest in Greece coincided with a wave of archeology in the Mediterranean region, which produced many stunning examples of Greek art and engineering. The finds were so numerous and consistently amazing that they shifted the way historians interpreted Greek and Roman civilization - many now saw Greece as the defining influence of western culture, instead of Rome, as was previously thought. The result was a re-energized interest in Greek art and architecture, fueled in part by the many new building and design examples unearthed at the time in Greece. The Greek Revival is often seen as the last phase of the Neoclassical movement.
Besides its unique political and cultural heritage, Greek Revival architecture is also distinct for its use of front gables, and occasionally employing hipped roofs.

Greek Revival architecture quickly became popular in America, and by the early 19th century was being applied to many public institutions across the nation. The interest was largely a result of America's fledgling national identity as a world-power democracy in the tradition of Greece. This image of America was promoted heavily by wealthy home builders and political leaders alike, particularly following the war of 1812, which cast America's previous mentor nation, England, in an unfavorable light. Along the Eastern Seaboard and throughout the South, Greek Revival architecture became synonymous with high-end estates and plantations. High-profile examples of Greek Revival architecture from this period include Philadelphia's Second Bank of the United States, and the Jefferson Memorial and United States Capitol in Washington, DC.

Meanwhile, the Neoclassical movement continued to have a less political influence art and architecture - many American commercial and public buildings from the early 19th century are said to originate in the broader neoclassical tradition, while homes built at this time were commonly attributed to the more focussed Greek Revival school.

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