Long before crude oil provided a catalyst for architectural development, an ordered religious-social civilization sparked an unprecedented architectural and urban achievement that influenced a large part of our world. Today we continue to travel to these ancient places because of their beauty, light, color, and form. When we return to our homes, we revisit and recall these places in our minds. We also understand the intent of the builders and appreciate the genius of the anonymous artists and craftsmen.

These unprecedented architectural forms belong to a historical architectural matrix that reaches far back into time. The impact is felt in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas via the Spanish conquest. We see the remnant of the Maghreb, The Grek temple, Persia, Central Asia, Africa, Hindu, Ottoman, Alhambra, the Taj Mahal, the Hagia Sophi, Chartres Cathedral, and the Pyramids in our modern cities, vernacular houses, courtyards, screens, blinds, artistic proportions sacred geometries, carved wooden doors, covered ar arcades, pathways, enclosures, atria, and our open public squares and panoramic spaces.