Youssef Isaac’s Post

Plans to “restore” Giza’s pyramid of Menkaure by recladding its facade with granite blocks have stirred up a monumental debate. The available evidence, including original stones remaining at the base of the pyramid, indicates that the original “design intent” included polished Aswan granite cladding, more splendid than the extant, rusticated limestone that formed the structure’s core (both visible in the photo). But should the pyramid be reclad? The question is a redux of the dilemma constantly facing preservationists. How sure are you of your assumptions regarding original design intent and appearance? And how far do you go in reversing the effects of time? Unfortunately, ancient landmarks don’t come with original drawings or specifications. If you’re inclined toward a reclad of the pyramids, then consider the “Leaning Tower” of Pisa. Presumably, the original design intent was a perfectly vertical structure. But straightening the tower (if possible), out of respect for the original intent, would negate its fame and attraction for tourists, making it the Tower of Pisa—just another campanile. Perhaps the wisest course of action was stabilization of the tower (conducted between 1993 and 2001) preventing it from becoming the Lost Tower of Pisa. Grappling with the complex issues of preservation, stabilization, and restoration of historic buildings—especially when the evidence is incomplete—requires expert judgment. Fortunately, the buildings we restore may be renowned works of architecture, but they are not as far gone as the Leaning Tower or the Pyramids of Giza. #pyramids #restoration #monuments #preservation

Plans to “restore” Giza’s pyramid of Menkaure by recladding its facade with granite blocks have stirred up a monumental debate. The available evidence, including original stones remaining at the base of the pyramid, indicates that the original “design intent” included polished Aswan granite cladding, more splendid than the extant, rusticated limestone that formed the structure’s core (both visible in the photo). But should the pyramid be reclad? The question is a redux of the dilemma constantly facing preservationists. How sure are you of your assumptions regarding original design intent and appearance? And how far do you go in reversing the effects of time? Unfortunately, ancient landmarks don’t come with original drawings or specifications. If you’re inclined toward a reclad of the pyramids, then consider the “Leaning Tower” of Pisa. Presumably, the original design intent was a perfectly vertical structure. But straightening the tower (if possible), out of respect for the original intent, would negate its fame and attraction for tourists, making it the Tower of Pisa—just another campanile. Perhaps the wisest course of action was stabilization of the tower (conducted between 1993 and 2001) preventing it from becoming the Lost Tower of Pisa. Grappling with the complex issues of preservation, stabilization, and restoration of historic buildings—especially when the evidence is incomplete—requires expert judgment. Fortunately, the buildings we restore may be renowned works of architecture, but they are not as far gone as the Leaning Tower or the Pyramids of Giza. #pyramids #restoration #monuments #preservation

The Pantheon in Rome is known as one of the most iconic churches in the world. To this day, it holds the record of the world's largest dome suspended without reinforcement. The dome weighs 4,535 tonnes and the concrete used to build it was made from a mix of volcanic ash, lime, water and mixed with aggregate, often chunks of rocks. The dome is made out of 5 rows of 28 coffers that decrease the closer it gets to the oculus, which is a hole in the middle of the dome.  Scientists discovered that lighter materials were mixed into the cement, the higher the dome got. At its thickest point, the aggregate is travertine, then terracotta tiles, then at the very top, tufa and pumice, both porous light stones. This allows the building to sustain all the pressure. No one knows who built the Pantheon, or how precisely the dome was created.  Some people theorize that incredibly complex scaffolding was used, other theories suggest that the entire building was filled with sand from Ostia.  However it was built and whoever came up with the brilliant architecture, it sure is a wonderful example of how concrete can be used effectively! #Ohorongo #OhorongoCement #BuildingFutures #IndustrializingNamibia #proudlynamibian #togetherwearestronger #cement #quality #NamibianCement #cementindustrynews

Take an afternoon break with us, and explore patterns from the Kharraqan towers. Beginners are welcome, you don't need to have attended previous sessions to enjoy this next one. The Kharraqan Towers, a pair of mausoleum-structures dating to the early 11th century, are one of the most notable examples of “bare brick” style architecture from the Seljuk period in Iran. The two octagonal brick towers, with their rounded buttresses, double-dome structures, internal wall-paintings, and striking external calligraphic inscriptions, are most remarkable for the extensive use of elaborate geometric ornament in their external brickwork. Both towers were significantly damaged in an earthquake in 2002, but we are fortunate to have a variety of visual and photographic references recording the condition of the monuments before the earthquake and recent attempts at restoration. Working from these records, in each session we will explore one of the numerous patterns – placed within horizontal panels or framed vertically within arches – on these extraordinary monuments. Gradually moving from simplicity to complexity, we will study the underlying structures of geometric compositions constructed from whole and cut unglazed bricks, considering how the movement of the sun would create an interplay of light and shadow. https://lnkd.in/exN2S8Gp

🏛️ The Art of Marble: Crafting Roman Columns 🗿 Watch skilled artisans bring ancient Rome to life! This video takes you behind the scenes of marble craftsmanship. 👨🎨 What you'll see: • Selecting the perfect marble block • Traditional tools meet modern tech • Precision carving techniques • The mesmerizing polishing process Did you know? Roman columns aren't just structural - they're a statement of artistry and engineering! From raw stone to timeless beauty, witness the creation of these iconic architectural elements. Note: I apologize if I inadvertently shared copyrighted content without proper attribution. Please DM me for Credit or removal. #Marble #Columns #Roman #Architecture #Craftsmanship #CivilEngineering #Sitework

UNESCO Heritage: The Pont du Gard. - Built: 40-60 AD by the Romans as part of an aqueduct system to transport water to Nîmes. The aqueduct's gentle slope of just 0.04% ensured efficient water flow. - Materials: The bridge was built using dry masonry (without mortar), meaning the stones were cut and placed so precisely that they fit tightly without the need for binding material. - Height: 48.8 meters (160 feet), making it the tallest Roman aqueduct bridge still in existence. - Length: The total length of the Pont du Gard is 275 meters (902 feet) with three tiers of arches. - Design: The arched structure provides strength and stability, distributing weight evenly. #PontduGard #RomanEngineering #UNESCO #Heritage #AncientArchitecture #Aqueduct #HistoricalLandmark #ArchitecturalMarvel #FrenchHistory #StructuralEngineering

Have you ever wondered how the stunning marble we use in our projects is formed? At SoCal Stone Fabricators, we believe in sharing the beauty and science behind the materials we work with. Let's dive into the fascinating process of marble formation! Beginnings as Limestone: Marble starts as limestone, a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcite. Over millions of years, layers of marine organisms accumulate and compact on the ocean floor, forming limestone beds. Metamorphism: When tectonic plates shift, limestone is subjected to immense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust. This process, known as metamorphism, causes the calcite in the limestone to recrystallize, creating the characteristic interlocking calcite crystals of marble. Mineral Inclusions: During this transformation, various minerals can become included in the marble, giving it unique veining patterns and colors. For example, iron oxides can result in red or pink streaks, while graphite can produce grey or black veins. Extraction: Once formed, marble deposits are quarried from the Earth. Large blocks are cut from the quarry, then transported and processed into slabs and tiles ready for fabrication. Craftsmanship: At SoCal Stone Fabricators, we take these beautiful slabs and transform them into stunning countertops, vanities, and other architectural elements. Our skilled artisans ensure that each piece is cut and finished to perfection, preserving the natural beauty of the stone. #StoneFabrication #Marble #Geology #NaturalBeauty #SoCalStoneFabricators #Craftsmanship #EarthScience #InteriorDesign #SustainableMaterials

Jharokhas: Looking through time and space Jharokhas are one of the most exquisite elements of Indian architecture. They are intricately carved and meticulously designed. They not adorn the aesthetics of a building but also help in cross ventilation and protecting from harsh sunlight and dust. Jharokhas not only provided privacy but were also used by the archers and spies as the posts because of their elevation and form. Modern architecture is also adopting these design elements due to lack of space and increasing temperatures. Going back to our roots could help deal with a lot of modern problems. Jharokhas are one such example. Read more here https://lnkd.in/gQrTUjJN #maati #maatishala #maatikatha #archeology #history #historyofarchitecture #architecture #culture #culturalheritage

A-Z: Entasis | ˈen(t)əsəs | noun | From the Greek word meaning “to stretch” or “to strain,” entasis refers to an optical illusion in the use of columns. It involves slight swelling in columns to trick the eye, because perfectly straight columns appear to narrow as they move upward. Ironically, columns with these convex curves appear straight while perfectly straight columns appear concave. Example: Entasis is used throughout the Parthenon, but the fact that this optical illusion goes largely unnoticed is a testament to its success. The columns appear straight to the human eye, but they swell in the middle to give the impression of being straight. Likewise, the stylobate or base on which the columns rest curves in a convex manner to appear being straight. If the stylobate were perfectly flat, it would appear to bend at the ends. Therefore, the architects of the Parthenon employed optical illusions calculated with mathematical precision to trick the eye. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gV9fGym8 Image: Frederic Edwin Church, The Parthenon, 1871. Oil on canvas. 44 1/2 x 72 5/8 in (113 x 184.5 cm). #art #glossary #FredericEdwinChurch #parthenon #athens #acropolis #greece #greek #architecture #classicalarchitecture #column #columns #entasis #optics #opticalillusion #opticalillusions

The minarets are split into three parts. At the bottom is the tomb, holding up the minaret's body topped with white marble domes. They reach up to 100 feet (about 30 meters) tall. On the building's corners, you'll find four fancy minarets. They're adorned with intricate designs made of different colored stones. Each minaret is also divided into three sections. The base holds a tomb, and they stand 100 feet tall with 55 steps leading up. Jahangir's resting place sits in the middle of these four minarets, which don't have domes. There's a saying that if you stand on one of these minarets and look at the Badshahi Mosque, you'll only see three minarets, and the same is true the other way around. Up there, the breeze feels chilly, and you get a great view of the Ravi River and the surrounding area. The minarets of the Jahangir’s Tomb are tilted outwards a bit as a safety precaution. If there's an earthquake, they're more likely to fall away from the main building. #Mughalarchitecture #jahangirtomb #culturalheritage #akbarisarai #Shahdaracomplex #minaret #minarets #Asifjahtomb #Akbar #UNESCOWorldHeritage #TDCP #WCLA #AKCSP #Fresco #historicalarchitecture #HistoricArt