NOTES ON CULTURE

Radomir Kobryn-Coletti

The Cartouche: A History of the Motif from Ancient Times to Now

A cartouche is an architectural and artistic design motif, usually recognized as an enclosed shape with ornamented sides or scrolls. From...

Radomir Kobryn-Coletti

Bucranium: A Symbol of Ancient Sacrifice in Classical Architecture

Origin of Bucranium Bucranium, derived from the Latin words bos (ox or cow) and cranium (skull), refers to the bovine skulls found...

Radomir Kobryn-Coletti

Quoins: A Guide to Classical Architecture's Corner Details

Definition of Quoins: Quoins, from the French word "coin," meaning corner, are the blocks that form the corners of a building's walls,...

Radomir Kobryn-Coletti

How the Trompe L'oeil can Save Architecture

The phrase Trompe L'oeil derives from French, literally meaning "trick of the eye" and is used in architecture as an optical illusion to...

Radomir Kobryn-Coletti

Vistas of the World's Fairs

"The true function of architecture is to shelter and enhance man's life on earth and to fulfil his belief in the nobility of his...

Radomir Kobryn-Coletti

Experiments with AI Architecture

Right now as of early 2023, AI is all the talk of the town, from Twitter and Linkedin an ever growing flurry of excited posts about...

Radomir Kobryn-Coletti

MODERN ARCHITECTURE, UNPOPULAR AND UNDEMOCRATIC

It may come as no surprise to many of us, but when the public actually gets asked, overwhelmingly the majority say they DO NOT like...

Radomir Kobryn-Coletti

THE UGLINESS OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE

Why are modern buildings so ugly? This is a question all too often posed by the public. These hideous and depressing creations of the...

Radomir Kobryn-Coletti

POMPEIAN REVIVAL

One of my favourite styles both architecturally and through interior design is Pompeian. Maison Pompéienne is a great example of this,...

Radomir Kobryn-Coletti

GARIBALDI CASTLE

There is so much to detest about modern day architecture. Private "McMansions", public glass/concrete boxes and the death of...