The Project

EGI has created a series of architectural photographic libraries on CD-ROM. This project has been arranged and organized as an effort to examine cultural, historic, and contemporary styles of Western architecture, it's impact, and contributions to the world. EGI presents digital imaging, on CD-ROM, of selected regions throughout Western Europe . . . of the past and present. Our essential purpose is to provide specialized educational and enrichment opportunities for school children, students of architecture, as well as the general public who may be interested in history, travel and/or world civilization.

The Purpose

Since buildings are the best daily visible reminders that we as a society have of our past and present architectural heritage, these digital images represent a historical awareness of edifices and other structures from selected urban and rural regions of Europe that have made a significant impact on the direction of history. This photographic documentation of internationally-recognized buildings, designed by world renown and not-so-well known Architects, will not only tell us something about the architectural taste and style over the centuries; but more importantly shall become a reminder of the aspirations, successes and failures of life within a particular culture, region or country throughout Western Civilization.

Moreover, the CD-ROM can potentially become a resource for students of architecture, classical art, archeology, civilization, and general history as a supplement to their class lectures and/or reading assignments; and as a source of digital images for use in term papers, projects, and presentations. This exhibit can be potentially useful to all who have an interest in architecture, and historical explorations; as well as the recovery, interpretation and preservation of the past.

The Goal

The specific aim of this project is to establish the framework of a knowledge-based approach to architectural history. In part, this can be accomplished by helping students replace stereotypic views of various cultures with a broader and more fact-based understanding of it's rich architectural heritage and it's contributions to the fabric of Western Society. Armed with this framework, the contemporary student can make more informed decisions; consequently, allowing him/her to effectively understand the social, economic, religious, political and environmental make-up of Western civilization.