Office Snapshots’ Post

Manhyia Palace: A symbol of rich Ashanti culture and heritage #ManhyiaPalace #AshantiCulture Click to read and share your thoughts in the comment section of the article.

The mosaics and architecture of the Palatine Chapel in Palermo are an instagrammable blend of Islamic, Byzantine, and Norman influences. It was commissioned in 1143 AD and accessible only to a select few but through its creation, it reflected the cultural diversity and the importance of religion in the Sicilian kingdom at that time. The art allowed its viewers to form their own personal connections with the images, especially in all its gold splendour. When listening to an audio guide, I was informed that these mosaics were designed to communicate religious stories to the illiterate masses and for me, it was a feel good narrative. However, as I started to write a heartwarming post about how the chapel was a great community communication platform, things didn’t quite add up. You see, the chapel was part of a royal palace, making it unlikely that the average Joe would have had access. And after a little digging, there are records that advise it didn’t open to the general public until roughly the 19th century. The literacy rates would have increased by then and the chapel would have started to be viewed as a work of art, rather than a platform for story telling. As the chapel's mosaics were initially presented to me as a tool for mass communication, companies today often present themselves as champions of sustainability. It was as if the audio guide was completing the historic version of greenwashing - it was supposed to be my SME and I had trusted it. The human in me liked the feel-good factor of a chapel built for the illiterate masses and it was easy for me to stop there. I probably would have, had I not needed to think about it more when writing this post. In both history and sustainability, the truth is often more complex than the surface suggests. The most impactful stories are the ones that stand up to the test - they’ll enrich our understanding and inspire us to move forward together and provide assurance that we are doing the right thing. So lately, what narratives have you looked more closely into? #sustainability #innovation #management #technology #creativity #future #harmony #building #architecture #construction #art #mosaic #inclusion #diversity #culture #history #narrative #misinformation #criticalthinking #responsibility #factcheck #assurance #greenwashing #whitewashing #palatinechapel #islamic #byzantine #norman #palermo #Sicily #Italy #italia

http://uii.io/beh My new series presents a selection of my most recent works, which pose questions related to urbanism and the conceptual space of memory, through examples drawn from my personal life. Trees have lived more, experienced more and seen more than we have. In almost all cultures, they are seen as symbols of life and the world - but they also carry other meanings beyond this universal symbolism. Whether it's a pine tree in a mountain forest or a piece of worked wood, the annual rings and carvings all hold personal, local stories. I explore these in three important places of his life - Székesfehérvár, Budapest and Csíkszereda - when he investigates the life of pine trees. In the matrix of folk and urban folklore, he also looks for the location of wooden things found in these three locations. http://exe.io/beh

San Gimignano, towers and wells... Among the small cities of Tuscany, San Gimignano is one of the most spectacular and photogenic, in the province of Siena. This is mainly due to its many high towers, preserved better than in other medieval towns. Such skyscrapers of the time didn't so much have a defensive purpose, rather denoting the prestige of the families or associations which built them. However, San Gimignano didn't preserve only towers, but its wells too. If the former ideally stood out in a celestial air, the latter materially drew terrestrial water, then and now a no less precious or vital good. Below, from left to right and top to bottom: a panoramic view of the city, with its extant towers; the Square of the Cistern with its towers and well, in the historic centre; the medieval courtyard of the Town Hall, at the entrance to the Civic Museum and Art Gallery; the cloister of St. Augustine's Church and Monastery, dating back to the 15th century. In any case, let's notice an old well in the centre of the square, courtyard or cloister. The name itself of that historic square is inspired by the big well, rather than by the tall towers. Indeed, the “piazza” takes its name from a huge underground cistern, built in 1287 but enlarged in 1346, which supplied water to most of the population. Reliably, a hydraulic skill of the ancient Etruscans and Romans had never been really forgotten. It was resurrected, when the needs of urbanization re-emerged, more than a thousand years later. On the other hand, both a technical and a cultural revival began long before what we commonly call the artistic Renaissance, and even before this established itself in the major cities.

🏰 Exploring the Ancient Beauty of Malta's Silent City - Mdina 🇲🇹 Nestled on the stunning island of Malta, the enchanting city of Mdina, which held the title of its capital city in ancient years prior the construction of Valletta by the Knights of St. John, holds a rich history that spans over 4,000 years. Known as the "Silent City," it's a place where time seems to stand still, and every cobblestone whispers tales of the past. A Glimpse into Mdina's History: 🕰️ Phoenician Origins: Mdina's story begins with the Phoenicians, who founded the city in the 8th century BC. They named it "Maleth," meaning a place of shelter. 🏛️ Roman and Byzantine Eras: It flourished under Roman rule and later the Byzantines. The city's strategic location made it an important center for trade and culture. 🕌 Arab Rule: During the Arab period, it was renamed "Medina," which means "walled city." Its labyrinthine streets and fortress-like walls were constructed during this time. 🏰 Knights of St. John: In the 16th century, the Knights of St. John made Mdina their home. It became a hub of chivalry and grandeur, leaving behind palaces and churches that are still standing today. 🎨 Baroque Splendor: The 17th and 18th centuries brought a Baroque transformation to the city, characterized by ornate architecture and beautiful palazzos. Today, amongst a myriad of other historical heritage, Mdina stands as a living testament to Malta's incredible past. As you wander through its narrow streets and take in the breathtaking views from its bastion walls, you can't help but feel the weight of history. Malta with all its beauty can be your life's backdrop through its forward thinking residency and citizenship by investment programmes, MPRP and MEIN. Connect with us on [email protected] to know more. #mprp #mein #residencybyinvestment #citizenshipbyinvestment #foreigninvestment #Latitude #riftrust #realestate #realestateinvestment

What’s new in culture for 2024? For The Economist’s The World Ahead, I wrote about three striking buildings in Benin, Lagos and Senegal that will bridge pre-colonial traditions and post-colonial modernity. My thanks to Francis Kéré, Lesley Lokko, Seun Oduwole and Will Rea for their insights. You can read the story here👇 https://lnkd.in/euyFnfHy

A Vatican City, a sovereign enclave nestled within the heart of Rome, is a captivating blend of historical significance and unique modern amenities. This independent city-state, known as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, exudes an air of reverence with its awe-inspiring architecture, religious landmarks, and the iconic St. Peter's Basilica that stands as a testament to centuries of artistic and spiritual brilliance. Amidst the grandeur of Vatican City's religious and cultural offerings, there are intriguing surprises that lie within its compact confines. In a departure from the expected, tucked away from the gaze of most visitors, you'll find unexpected modern recreational facilities. The Vatican boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool, providing an oasis of relaxation and exercise amidst its historical aura. Adding to the city's charm, an even more unexpected feature awaits: a bowling alley, a surprising touch of leisure within these hallowed walls. The juxtaposition of sacred tradition and modern amenities creates an intricate tapestry that makes Vatican City a truly unique and multifaceted destination. #visualization #memory

Some great recommendations here.