No, no, no, no, no, no, no...

In Milan yesterday, finding my way back to the station using the surface finishes of buildings as my references. Italians were the masters at imitating stone, so really not sure if this is a terrible example of the natural stone 'Ceppo di Grè' or badly worn 19c concrete in imitation of it.

Do UK trains have sockets for charging bikes? This is on an Italian train.

This high-performance, low-tech building was developed over 100 years ago. Neglected until recently because it's the technology to solve much of the climate issues we face with current construction. Because here it's also the #renewables. Renewable material.

I had no idea

An enjoyable time working on frescoes (of various methods) recently. The repairs were to blend in as closely as possible to the original, whilst remaining identifiable.

Shining a light along a wall is the best way to find all the problems you’d rather not know about.

Working on frescoes is fun.

If you really want damp, wood rot and a raft of other issues, please use the cheapest of the cheap plastic gutters etc. Ensure that the joints are slightly loose also.

The American mind can’t comprehend…

Think carefully before specifying self coloured external renders. They look great the day they’re applied, but become awfully tardy looking awfully quickly

Gotta love a cyberman in a church

I’m reading something about Roman hypocausts. An oven in Italian is called a ‘Forno’ I’ve just learned that in Latin, the hypocaust fire attendant was known as: A Fornacator

Two things here: 1) "Factory painted" is meaningless if you can still see (and FEEL) the grain through the paint. 2) Meranti is not suitable for outdoor use in the UK, or other damp climates. The Victorians knew this. BTW, it does not absorb chemical preservation treatments.

New paid doctoral position with the Ptolemaeus Arabus et Latinus project in Munich, for students researching Arabic or Latin texts related to Ptolemy's astronomical or astrological material; dissertation can be in English or German, apply by March 31st. ptolemaeus.badw.de/start #HistSTM #MedievalSky

I was just asked what this brick bond is called, but I'm not sure. It's from East Anglia, and is commonly seen used for garden walls. Suggestions?

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Here's one getting delivered in the 1880s. They were often partially flat packed, with the metal panels attached to the wooden frames. https://https://t.co/wHSAwAc3o6

Someone just asked me how can so much of the Victorian ashlar have such perfectly flat surfaces. Well, some were expertly hand cut and others were mechanically ground/polished https://twitter.com/DarrenMcLean_uk/status/1191824325155917824

Once upon a time, tradesmen used handcarts. On flat ground, they were probably a really useful thing! They were made to carry ladders, tools, groceries, gardening tools etc

Pointed (wire) nails - in general - are a relatively modern thing, becoming common c1900. They often split wood where flat ended nails often don't. This little video demonstrates it well. https://youtu.be/27W5VTcXJNA?si=CCxBgew9gaXkc4s_

Eco-construction boot camp in Algeria. This looks like an opportunity to get your hands dirty. www.linkedin.com/posts/awana-...

These medieval wall paintings in the Franciscan church, Salzburg , show how late medieval masons worked to build our churches

I’m reading something about Roman hypocausts. An oven in Italian is called a ‘Forno’ I’ve just learned that in Latin, the hypocaust fire attendant was known as: A Fornacator

Gotta love a cyberman in a church

When you live with an engineer. And she wants to make a new lampshade

Think carefully before specifying self coloured external renders. They look great the day they’re applied, but become awfully tardy looking awfully quickly

The Truman D. Picard Scholarship supports Native American students majoring in Forestry, Fire and Natural Resources. Glenn, a Hoopa Valley Tribal member, is pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Forest Management, advancing healthy forests and Tribal stewardship. app.ezfiledrop.com/546117/picar...

It’s the 7th of January and Tesco have Easter eggs for sale. Can’t we just be allowed to look forward to things every now and then?

When you live with an engineer. And she wants to make a new lampshade

Did anyone snap the Foster/Holcim Essential Homes prototype at the Venice Biennale 2023? If so might I be able to use your photo for an article? I'm not getting replies to my request for permission.

Have to laugh at the McDonalds ad on the front cover of the metro this morning in London. Obviously the redacted menu 😆

On the 15th, I am doing a FREE ONLINE TALK about the Victorian coroner’s court in LEICESTER. Come one, come all! www.tickettailor.com/events/leice...

Does anyone know what the name of this is? It’s an antique lamp and integrated bookshelf. There are two shelves on it and it swivels

The type of dystopian concrete Hellscape that looks great in the designers tender documents.

A 16th century architect’s proposal for a building for a facade finish, and a similar finish in 19th century cast stone . The melting candle look

Modern cast concrete

My first trip to Avignon wasn’t a disappointment

Historic shopfronts. At night. L'Isle sur-la-Sorge, France

Wearing a WWII gas mask (presumably due to sewer gases) while working in Avignon shortly after the war.

The shops of Mentone

Mentone as seen from the Mediterranean

Good I loveeee trompe l'oeil so much

If you’re in an old town, walk around at nighttime.

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Is there nothing an old Saab can’t do?

Long macaroni is a New Years Tradition in north west Italy. We made it as carbonara which isn’t correct but the fridge was a bit bare

Mentone as seen from the Mediterranean

The shops of Mentone