Neuschwanstein: Dream Castle of Mad King Ludwig II  by Rosanne Pellicane, ASID King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as The Dream King, The Mad King and The Swan King, lived a life that seemed to be full of mystery and intrigue. His excessive romanticism led to the construction of his most lavish and fanciful castle, Neuschwanstein. Built to resemble ¡§old German knights¡¦ castles,¡¨ Neuschwanstein continues to fulfill our own fantasies of medieval grandeur. >> Read the full article...		12/1/2004
		The Bauhaus: Manifesto and Manufacturing  by Jean François Bélisle The most important European school of design and architecture in the 20th century was founded in Weimar by Walter Gropius in 1919. He gave his vision of the regeneration of humankind the programmatic title of the “ Bauhaus”. Like the medieval cathedral stonemasons’ lodges, the school was intended to unite all the artisanal crafts under one roof. The most important European school of design and architecture in the 20th century was founded in Weimar by Walter Gropius in 1919. He gave his vision of the regeneration of humankind the programmatic title of the “ Bauhaus”. Like the medieval cathedral stonemasons’ lodges, the school was intended to unite all the artisanal crafts under one roof. The most important European school of design and architecture in the 20th century was founded in Weimar by Walter Gropius in 1919. He gave his vision of the regeneration of humankind the programmatic title of the “ Bauhaus”. Like the medieval cathedral stonemasons’ lodges, the school was intended to unite all the artisanal crafts under one roof. The most important European school of design and architecture in the 20th century was founded in Weimar by Walter Gropius in 1919. He gave his vision of the regeneration of humankind the programmatic title of the “ Bauhaus”. Like the medieval cathedral stonemasons’ lodges, the school was intended to unite all the artisanal crafts under one roof.  >> Read the full article...		10/1/2004
		Morocco: Ancient Tapestry Of Culture, Trade & Art  by Rosanne Pellicane, ASID The geographic lay of the land has made Morocco a natural crossroads for multiple cultures. While passing through, each wave of new invaders has left behind a unique set of characteristics, weaving their eccentricities into the eternal fabric of the country.  >> Read the full article...		8/1/2004
		CARTHAGE  by Lorenzo Buonanno The Phoenicians established Carthage around 800 B.C. on the edge of a region in North Africa that is now Tunisia. Starting in the 3rd century B.C. the Roman Empire over the course of 100 years defeated Carthage in the Punic Wars. >> Read the full article...		8/1/2004
		Provence: A Natural Paradise Etched By The Wind  by Rosanne Pellicane History and nature have left their indelible mark on this unique portion of geography known as Provence. Wild, romantic and untamed, its landscape was painted majestically by nature in its most primitive style. In Provence, furniture reflected a certain simplicity and sophistication very much like the terrain that distinguished the region. Plain pieces, well proportioned and made of clear woods such as pine with a scrubbed or oiled finish, are commonly found. >> Read the full article...		7/1/2004
		Pompeii: Footprint Of Neo Classical Splendor  by Rosanne Pellicane The ruins of Pompeii have provided a unique combination of fine art and architecture of the two prevailing super-powers of ancient times, Rome and Greece. The Grand Tour was the social obligation that began in the 17th century to send young British noblemen and gentlemen abroad to complete their education. England and France simultaneously embraced the Neo Classical movement and applied the basic principles with equal fervor. >> Read the full article...		6/1/2004
		Umbria: The Green Heart Of Italy  by Adele Kenny Apart from breathtaking panoramas, places of historical and religious interest, museums, and theaters, Umbria is known for its music and art festivals. Just before the beginning of Lent, Carnival celebrations in the region include parades complete with chariots and masks—an impressive sight along the streets of the medieval towns. >> Read the full article...		6/1/2004
		The Lure Of Island Décor  by Rosanne Pellicane French, Dutch, Spanish, and English explorers sought the natural resources of the islands and exploited African labor to develop their riches and line the coffers they returned to their native lands. This cauldron of cultures produced a legacy as colorful as the tropical landscape. Unorthodox combinations of styles and cultures delighted the eye and encouraged innovative designs that would have met with scorn back home. >> Read the full article...		5/1/2004
		Crystal Palaces Architectural Statements of Beauty  by Rosanne Pellicane Garden conservatories can be traced back as far as ancient Rome. Perhaps they bear witness to the human condition that has perpetually sought the comfort and solace of nature. The desire to preserve the beauty of nature despite environmental conditions poured the foundation for original greenhouse designs. The greenhouses built by ancient Romans paralleled the traditional cold frame, a squat structure partially buried beneath the earth for the sole purpose of preserving fragile plants against the ravages of changing seasons.  >> Read the full article...		4/1/2004
		Roman Houses and Their Gardens  by John R. Clarke Thanks to the eruption of Vesuvius on the 24th of August, A.D. 79, we moderns can open a time capsule that shows how the ancient Romans lived in their houses and gardens. Towns like Pompeii (population 8,000) and Herculaneum, buried under tons of volcanic debris--as well as the villas of the rich and famous that dotted the beautiful Bay of Naples--have been yielding up their secrets since excavations began in 1731.  >> Read the full article...		4/1/2004
		The Peacock Room Harmony In Blue And Gold  by Rosanne Pellicane, ASID The Leylands bought a larger home in London at 49 Prince’s Gate upon Rossetti’s advice and hired architect Norman Shaw to oversee the renovation. Shaw, in turn, engaged the services of Thomas Jeckyll as interior architect to decorate the dining room. Leyland needed a special room to display his museum-quality blue and white porcelain collection. The dining room measured twenty-three feet by thirty-five feet with a fourteen-foot ceiling. Whistler’s painting, “La Princesse du pays de la porcelaine,” or “The Princess from the Land of Porcelain,” was to occupy the place of honor over the mantle.  >> Read the full article...		3/1/2004
		Romanticism: When Form Follows Fantasy  by Rosanne Pellicane, ASID Officially, Romanticism entered the record books as a driving force in the mid-18th century. Twisting and turning, its influence gradually gathered steam over the next 100 years or so until Romanticism became totally subsumed within the excesses of Victoriana. Proposed dates may indicate Romanticism’s place on the official time line but in the crystallization of every era’s personal imagery, from Cleopatra to Star Wars, there are associations with Romanticism. >> Read the full article...		2/1/2004