Travel
“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are." - Samuel Johnson
When I go to a new place, I focus on how the buildings and artifacts reflect local use of materials. The way that artisans shape available materials is evidence of their relationship to other cultures, as well as their attitude towards technology. It is interesting to see how this changes with space and time. I am especially fascinated by technical developments in the Middle Ages, since they seem to implicate Asian roots of the Renaissance.
Spain
All through Spain, you can still feel the impact of centuries of Mediterranean history. Traces are left from a series of ruling cultures - Celtic, Roman, Visigothic, Early Christian, Islamic. The images below are from trips to Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque city with intact medieval town), Madrid, Murcia (south), Cordoba and Granada (Andalusia). Next on the wish list: Santiago de Compostela.
France and Germany
In Paris, the Musee national du Moyen Age (formerly Musee Cluny du Paris) houses a collection of medieval art, tapestry, ecclesiastical sculpture, and more. During a trip to Germany, I went to Wittenberg, the town of Lucas Cranach and Martin Luther. Other stops were Halle and Dessau, where the original Bauhaus school is.
England
London would be a great source for images of gothic architecture, but I've only taken pictures in Oxford and Manchester. In Oxford's Museum of the History of Science, you can see lab equipment from scientists such as Marconi, Einstein, and even Lewis Carroll. Another beautiful site is the 11th century Corfe castle in Dorset.
New York
The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park contains the Metropolitan Museum of Art's medieval Europe collection. The building is composed of elements imported directly from French monasteries. You get a true sense of the original context as you walk through 13th century arches and courtyards.
Other
Beijing, Iceland, and the American Southwest.