My university has a relatively large number of libraries. The oldest ones were obviously designed to have closed stacks. In other words, a patron would submit a request for a particular book to the staff who would, in turn, retrieve it from the stacks and deliver it to the patron. The newest library with that design opened circa the 1930s. Then, at some point, library architecture philosophy changed and campus libraries built in the 1970s and later were obviously designed to have open stacks. The older libraries have been converted to open use. Library science and architecture types, I ask you: When did this change, which appears on my experience to be a nearly universal characteristic of library design, occur? And why?
posted by LastOfHisKind on Jan 20, 2012 - 19 answers

What urbanist/transit/maps/architecture/local history-related attractions should I hit up in London? [more inside]
posted by andrewesque on Dec 11, 2011 - 20 answers

Family legend states that my grandparents had their 1950's, smalltown Ohio house built from (adapted) blueprints they obtained by writing in to a television show. Is this possible? If so, which tv show, and is there any way I can get a copy of the blueprints? [more inside]
posted by unknowncommand on Oct 4, 2011 - 4 answers

What are the hidden gems in India that I might not know about, but should do everything I can to see? [more inside]
posted by jefficator on Jun 1, 2011 - 14 answers

I'm trying to find an article about the excavation of the remains of a medieval noblewoman who was voluntarily sealed in a room in an abbey. The link was in a UK archaeological publication. It was posted to the blue some time in the last year or so.
posted by Graygorey on May 13, 2011 - 3 answers

Where are all the camp meeting grounds in the United States? Is there a comprehensive directory anywhere? [more inside]
posted by Miko on Jun 22, 2010 - 9 answers

What are some restrictions in infrastructure and logistics that have greatly effected human history? A friend of mine was telling me about the history of Cyprus, and he launched into an intriguing explanation of the practical differences between a galley and a modern sailing ship. "The world at that time had to be designed around parking galleys. There are many cities and towns in Europe that used to just be galley parking lots. Cyprus changed hands a lot because it was a great parking lot." I want to have more ways to organize and make sense of history like this. Can you guys help me? If you have books about this to recommend (I've already read the Jared Diamond work btw) that would be amazing.
posted by voronoi on Apr 16, 2010 - 15 answers

Help me find this cartoon: Disappointed medieval guys standing in front of a half-built gothic building, reading a scroll that says: "Beginning tomorrow, the Renaissance will be mandatory." Ring any bells? [more inside]
posted by Ms. Informed on Dec 3, 2009 - 9 answers

I'm looking for significant, interesting, or unusual churches (for architectural, cultural and/or religious reasons) from around the world. More thoughts inside. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief on Jul 6, 2009 - 48 answers

What Caribbean islands have the best-preserved historical sites and architecture? [more inside]
posted by thinkingwoman on Jun 30, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm writing an undergraduate paper (not to be published) on whether or not Santiago Calatrava's Quadracci Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum is just a reworking of architectural history, or if it's a completely new take on architectural design, kinetics, and art. Help? [more inside]
posted by cmchap on Apr 26, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm from Chicagoland. Me and my Canadian gal are soon moving from Toronto to the City of Big Shoulders so she can go to grad school there, and she's been asking me all kinds of questions about the character of the city. Though I consider myself a Chicagoan, I am embarrassingly tongue-tied. Please give me your insights on the character and atmosphere of the jewel of the Midwest! [more inside]
posted by Lieber Frau on May 27, 2007 - 23 answers

How to architecturally preserve elements of my grandparents circa 1875 farmhouse and 1940's era barn without hiring an architect. [more inside]
posted by bach on Aug 23, 2006 - 12 answers

Could you suggest good visionary (realized or unrealized) architecture and urbanism books ? I'd be interested in well illustrated books. I can afford a 50 to 150 dollars book on that topic. I'd like to find things like that.
posted by vincentm on Jul 21, 2006 - 18 answers

What US neighborhoods are best known for interesting examples of Craftsman homes? I know about the various bay area neighborhoods - the Maybecks of the Berkeley hills, Westwood Park in SF, etc.; I'm familiar with Pasadena and its Bungalow Heaven, as well as Santa Barbara's many restored bungalows - and I'm familiar with similar neighborhoods here in Sacramento, where I live now. What I'm mainly looking for are out of the way, underrated or less-known neighborhoods with interesting historical and architectural character, specifically expressed in homes built in the Craftsman aesthetic - from the conservative late Victorian through the Prairie and Mission revival. [more inside]
posted by luriete on Jun 7, 2006 - 21 answers

Were there rules or guidelines dictating the construction or details of churches during the 12th century? More specifically, how can someone find information on Vatican instructed church architecture or design in the 12th century?
posted by MightyNez on Jan 15, 2006 - 4 answers

Say you wanted to render a virtual environment ... [more inside]
posted by crunchland on Apr 4, 2005 - 13 answers

I'm going to be visiting Glasgow, Scotland, and I wonder if anyone has a walking-tour guide or guide company that they like and would recommend. I'm interested in finding out about Scottish history, Glasgow architecture, etc. Google gives me tons of results and it's hard to choose one, so I'm hoping someone has recommendations they'd like to share. Thanks!
posted by beaverd on Apr 4, 2005 - 6 answers