Title F Feasibility Study Essay Example

Title F Feasibility Study Essay May 12, 2006 8 Penn Center Plaza th 19 Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 Phone: 215-563-5300 Fax: 215-563-1977 Mr. Dick Shellenberger, Chairman Board of Commissioners Lancaster County 50 North Duke Street Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17608-3480 Dear Mr. Shellenberger: In accordance with your request we have completed our market feasibility study associated with the proposed development of a Hotel/Convention Center to be located in Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The entire study and conclusions reached are based upon our present knowledge and information with respect to the status and demand characteristics of the subject project’s competitive lodging and meetings markets. As in all studies of this type, the estimated results are based upon competent and efficient management and presume no significant change in the competitive position of the lodging and meetings industries in the immediate area from that as set forth in this report. They are also based on our evaluation of the present economy of the region and do not take into account or make provision for the effect of any sharp rise or decline in economic conditions not presently foreseeable. We will write a custom essay sample on Title F Feasibility Study specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Title F Feasibility Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Title F Feasibility Study specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer To the extent that wages and other operating expenses may advance over the economic life of the subject project, we expect that prices of rooms and other services will be adjusted, at least to offset such advances. The terms of our engagement are such that we have no obligation to revise this report or the estimated annual operating results to reflect events or conditions which occur subsequent to the date of the completion of our fieldwork. However, we are available to discuss the necessity for the revision in view of changes in the economic or market factors affecting the proposed project. Please do not hesitate to call should you have any comments or questions. Sincerely, PKF Consulting TConsulting was engaged by the Board of Commissioners of Lancaster County (Pennsylvania) to conduct a feasibility study of market demand and operating performance associated with the proposed development of a Hotel/Convention Center to be located in Downtown Lancaster. Assumptions for the proposed development include the following: †¢ The Hotel component of the proposed development will be branded as a fullservice Marriott property and will contain 300 guestrooms, a full-service restaurant, a 9,621 square-foot ballroom, and a 7,541 square-foot fitness facility to include an exercise room, indoor pool, and whirlpool. The Convention Center component of subject project will contain a 47,842 square-foot exhibit hall, 27,551 square feet of prefunction space, a 9,200 squarefoot ballroom, three 764 square-foot boardrooms, and 7,662 square feet of meeting room space. SCOPE OF THE STUDY The scope of our study included the following: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Site analysis. Analysis of economic trends. Analysis of historical, current, and future supply of and demand for hotel rooms and convention center facilities in the respective competitive markets. Development of estimates of utilization levels that might be obtained at the proposed Ho tel/Convention Center facility. Development of statements of estimated annual operating results for both the Hotel and Convention Center components of the proposed project, as well as for the combined operation. I-1 SECTION II EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Section II: Executive Summary SUMMARY Based upon information collected during the fieldwork phase of our study, and subsequent analyses, following is a summary of our findings and conclusions relating to the proposed Hotel/Convention Center to be located in Downtown Lancaster. †¢ The Hotel component of the proposed development will be branded as a fullservice Marriott property and will contain 300 guestrooms, a full-service estaurant, a 9,621 square-foot ballroom, and a 7,541 square-foot fitness facility to include an exercise room, indoor pool, and whirlpool. The Convention Center component of subject project will contain a 47,842 square-foot exhibit hall, 27,551 square feet of prefunction space, a 9,200 squarefoot ballroom, three 764 square-foot boardrooms, and 7,662 square feet of meeting room space. The proposed project site fronts on historic Penn Square in Downtown Lancaster, and contains the former Watt Shand Department Store Building as its centerpiece. The Hotel component is to be developed within the historic Watt Shand Department Store Building and in a new tower to be constructed over the existing building at its southeast corner, while the Convention Center component is to be constructed on a vacant parcel to the south of the Watt Shand Department Store Building. Specifically, the total project site is located to the north of East Vine Street, to the south of East King Street, to the east of South Queen Street, and to the west of Duke Street. †¢ †¢ FINDINGS †¢ †¢ Economic indicators for the subject market area project a positive outlook for economic growth in the region. Feedback from trade/consumer show organizers indicated that the demographic profile of the subject market area, specifically the population and household income levels, would support mid-level shows such as those revolving around antiques and art. Generally speaking, the local market area would not support high-level (large attendance) shows such as auto or boat shows. Our research revealed that, depending on the source of the information, national trends in the convention center industry can be deemed either positive or negative. It is more relevant to analyze more localized areas when determining trends, particularly since reported national trends tend to overlook secondary or tertiary convention destinations such as Lancaster. However, one trend that appears to be generally consistent is that overall supply growth in the meetings industry has been outpacing overall demand growth in recent years, creating a more fiercely competitive environment. For example, functions that previously would have been held at secondary or †¢ II-1 Section II: Executive Summary tertiary convention destinations are now being accommodated at primary destinations, as the larger facilities in major markets have the ability to host numerous smaller events concurrently. However, there is a renewed interest on the part of many convention groups to consider second-tier cities in their evaluation of destinations, primarily for pricing reasons. Although it is reasonable to expect that third-tier cities will benefit from this trend, the options open to groups at this level are extensive. Similarly, Pennsylvania associations which operate on a rotational basis for site selection now have a venue available in several geographic and city locations, reducing the visit frequency for each location. †¢ †¢ †¢ While the overall Lancaster County hotel market is stable and viable, the market is highly seasonal, price sensitive and tourist-oriented. The growth of commercial demand along the Route 30 bypass is being absorbed by new hotel property additions. The downtown commercial hotel market has shrunk considerably in recent years. This has contributed to the decline of the Hotel Brunswick. Although the Marriott brand is extremely strong in this segment, the availability of Marriott products along Route 30 will limit this advantage. The responses to our surveys resulted in a relatively low projected level of usage as compared to other surveys of this type. This indicates that a substantial marketing effort will be required to both counter negative perceptions and to then create competitive advantages versus other regional convention destinations. For example, the downtown historic attractions could be packaged to provide a reason for conventions and tour and travel groups to both come to downtown and to stay overnight. The price sensitivity of the primary markets available to the project will require the hotel to make rate concessions to generate activity. Our occupancy/utilization projections have taken this into account as to what we believe the best balance point of price and volume would be. Franklin Marshall’s new Lancaster Arts Hotel is expected to accommodate most routine demand generated by the College. Peak-period demand will still be available to the proposed Downtown Hotel. Although not evaluated by us in a professional sense, the parking and access issues related to the site are expected to be problematic and a competitive disadvantage for the complex. Air access to Lancaster and even Harrisburg is such, i. e. frequency, price and type of aircraft, that convention and conference demand will likely emanate †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ II-2 Section II: Executive Summary almost exclusively from Pennsylvania association and corporate groups who can drive to the site. †¢ Our research indicates the following competitive positioning for this project: Strengths Positive, wholesome image of Lancaster County Extensive tourism base for exposure Strong hotel brand and management Historic attractions in Downtown Large public sector incentive agreements limiting risk Tourist attractions in Lancaster County Central location within Pennsylvania Weaknesses Constricted site resulting in parking and traffic issues Downtown location perceived as less desirable Poor air access Limited markets available to the hotel other than self/PDCCVB-generated meetings and shows Demographics not adequate for larger consumer/trade shows Markets available are price sensitive No other acceptable downtown hotel supply available for larger groups, unless Hotel Brunswick is extensively renovated Lancaster’s perceived image is not what many conventioneers are looking for. For the Hotel component of the project, we are of the opinion that there are two separate competitive markets: the overall hotel market in Lancaster County (Hotel Competitive Market 1), a nd the group oriented properties in the subject market (Hotel Competitive Market 2). The properties in the latter group include the following: Best Western Eden Resort Inn Suites, Hotel Brunswick, Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center, and Willow Valley Resort and Conference Center. †¢ The following table illustrates annual performance characteristics for the properties in Hotel Competitive Market 1 from 2003 through 2005. As the data indicates, total occupied rooms have increased at an annual rate of 4. percent during this period, exceeding annual supply growth of 0. 9 percent. Despite the relatively low aggregate market occupancies (ranging from 53. 1 percent in 2003 to 56. 5 percent in 2005), the growth in occupied rooms is a positive indicator as it demonstrates that demand within the local lodging market is increasing. Combined with annual growth in average daily rate (ADR) of 2. 8 percent, the occupancy increases resulted in revenue per II-3 Section II: Executive S ummary available room (RevPAR) growth of 6. 1 percent annually. Although these properties are certainly not alike, they collectively cater to a wide variety of types of groups. Estimated Performance Hotel Competitive Market 1 Available Occupied Occupancy ADR RevPAR Rooms Rooms 2003 2,331,255 1,237,896 53. 1% $57. 49 $30. 53 2004 2,331,255 1,256,546 53. 9% $58. 84 $31. 71 2005 2,374,325 1,341,494 56. 5% $60. 78 $34. 34 CAGR(1) 0. 9% 4. 1% 2. 8% 6. 1% Note: (1) Compound annual growth rate for years 2003-2005 Source: PKF Consulting, Smith Travel Research, Individual Properties Year †¢ The following table illustrates annual performance characteristics for the properties in Hotel Competitive Market 2 from 2003 through 2005. As the data indicates, total occupied rooms have increased at an annual rate of 2. 8 percent during this period. While this annual growth rate is lower than that exhibited by the broader competitive market (Hotel Competitive Market 1), both occupancy and average daily rate levels exhibited by the properties in Hotel Competitive Market 2 were notably higher than those of the broader hotel set. Combined with annual growth in average daily rate (ADR) of 3. 2 percent, the occupancy increases resulted in revenue per available room (RevPAR) growth of 5. 9 percent annually. Estimated Performance Hotel Competitive Market 2 Available Occupied Occupancy ADR RevPAR Rooms Rooms 2003 415,735 237,800 57. 2% $93. 63 $53. 56 2004 415,735 250,688 60. 3% $96. 24 $58. 03 2005 415,735 251,104 60. 4% $99. 44 $60. 06 CAGR(1) 0. 0% 2. 8% 3. 1% 5. 9% Note: (1) Compound annual growth rate for years 2003-2005 Source: PKF Consulting, Smith Travel Research, Individual Properties Year †¢ Our research revealed that there are four future additions to supply in the subject market area, all of which are anticipated to compete with the proposed Hotel in the Competitive Category 1 group. These include: the 63-unit Lancaster Arts Hotel currently under construction a few blocks from the campus of Franklin Marshall College on the corner of North Mulberry Street and Harrisburg Pike that is scheduled to open late Summer 2006; a 60-unit Comfort Inn; a 150-unit Homewood Suites; and a 150-unit Residence Inn. The locations of the latter three additions to supply are scattered along US-30. II-4 Section II: Executive Summary †¢ The following table presents our projections of market demand by market segment through 2014 for Hotel Competitive Market 1. Of note is that we have assumed that the proposed Hotel opens January 1, 2009. Projected Competitive Set Demand by Market Segment Hotel Competitive Market 1 Government, Commercial Tour and Total Group Military, Other Individual Travel 2005 134,100 872,000 268,300 67,100 1,341,500 2006 134,800 924,300 273,700 67,100 1,399,900 2007 135,500 961,300 279,100 67,100 1,443,000 2008 136,200 1,009,300 287,500 67,100 1,500,100 2009 137,500 1,049,700 301,900 67,100 1,556,200 2010 138,200 1,081,200 314,000 67,100 1,600,500 2011 138,200 1,102,800 320,200 67,100 1,628,300 2012 138,200 1,102,800 320,200 67,100 1,628,300 2013 138,200 1,102,800 320,200 67,100 1,628,300 2014 138,200 1,102,800 320,200 67,100 1,628,300 CAGR(1) 0. 5% 4. 0% 3. 0% 0. 0% 3. 3% Note: (1) Compound annual growth rate for years 2005 through 2011 (at which time demand is projected to stabilize) Source: PKF Consulting Year †¢ For the Convention Center component of the project, we are of the opinion that there are two separate competitive markets: regional convention center facilities (Convention Center Competitive Market 1), and hotels with significant meeting space in Southeastern Pennsylvania (Convention Center Competitive Market 2). Following is a description of each of these groups. †¢ Convention Center Competitive Market 1 includes the Pennsylvania Expo Center at Lehigh Valley – Allentown, Blair County Convention Center – Altoona, Bayfront Convention Center – Erie, Hershey Lodge Convention Center – Hershey, and Valley Forge Convention Center – King of Prussia. The above facilities indicated the average performance characteristics detailed in the following table. Average Performance Characteristics Convention Center Competitive Market 1 Trade/Consumer Shows Number of Annual Events 30 Average Attendance per Event 2,800 Total Annual Attendance 84,000 Annual Room Nights Generated 12,600 Source: PKF Consulting, Individual Facilities Category Conventions/ Conferences 25 600 15,000 12,000 Other Events 90 250 22,500 13,500 Total 145 N/A 121,500 38,100 II-5 Section II: Executive Summary †¢ For Convention Center Competitive Market 2, we inventoried facilities and collected data on more than 50 properties, ultimately limiting the analysis to those properties with more than 5,000 square feet of meeting space. We excluded properties in Center City Philadelphia, as downtown Lancaster is not competing with Center City Philadelphia for group functions, and we did not include resort-oriented properties. The hotels in this set were concentrated in Allentown, Cherry Hill, Harrisburg, King of Prussia, Reading, and York. †¢ The above facilities indicated the average performance characteristics detailed in the following table. Average Performance Characteristics Convention Center Competitive Market 2 Trade/Consumer Shows Number of Annual Events 15 Average Attendance per Event 700 Total Annual Attendance 10,500 Annual Room Nights Generated 1,050 Source: PKF Consulting, Individual Facilities Category Conventions/ Conferences 20 300 6,000 5,400 Other Events 250 50 12,500 2,500 Total 285 N/A 29,000 8,950 †¢ PKF conducted survey research of potential demand from both association and corporate meeting planners. Following are summaries of the results of these surveys. †¢ A mail survey was sent to 500 associations in the regional market area – located throughout the mid-Atlantic region. We received completed mail surveys from or conducted phone surveys with 45 association representatives, indicating a response rate of approximately 9. 0 percent. †¢ 19 of the 45 respondents indicated a willingness to utilize the proposed facility in Downtown Lancaster. †¢ The following table summarizes projected annual usage data based on the results of the survey. II-6 Section II: Executive Summary Projected Annual Usage Data Associations Category Number of Annual Events Average Attendance per Event Total Annual Attendance Annual Room Nights Generated Average Length of Events (Days) Average Convention Center Revenue per Attendee per Event (Excluding Hotel) Source: PKF Consulting Total 18. 5 206 3,811 2,054 3 $50. 00 †¢ As the previous table indicates, the responding associations indicated a total of slightly more than 2,000 room-nights of demand for 18. 5 events. We are of the opinion that this number could conservatively be tripled in quantity, to account for nonrespondents, invigorated marketing efforts and potential operator (Interstate)-induced referrals. This would result in more than 6,000 occupied room-nights attributable to associations, or approximately 6. 0 occupancy points based on an annual available room inventory of 109,500 (300 guestrooms X 365 days annually). The primary reason for our projected increase is there were associations who indicated varying potential levels of usage of the subject Convention Center that either did not respond or indicated varying levels of room-nights required without quantifying that amount. Furthermore, our survey queried a finite number of associations, while through future marketing efforts, the Pennsylvania Dutch Country CVB could reach out to a broader population of associations. When asked to rate the level of importance of various factors in selecting a meeting venue, critical factors included air traffic accessibility, free (or low cost) parking, and availability of restaurant/nightlife options. As with many convention center facilities in downtown locations, availability and cost of parking is a significant factor with event coordinators and their constituents, and Downtown Lancaster must be proactive in addressing this issue so that it does not become a competitive disadvantage when marketing the proposed facility to potential demand sources. †¢ †¢ A mail survey was sent to 308 corporate meeting planners in the regional market area – primarily concentrated in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We received completed mail surveys from or conducted phone surveys with 35 corporate meeting planners, indicating a response rate of approximately 11. 4 percent. II-7 Section II: Executive Summary †¢ 10 of the 35 respondents indicated a willingness to utilize the proposed facility in Downtown Lancaster. †¢ The following table summarizes projected annual usage data based on the results of the survey. Projected Annual Usage Data Corporate Meeting Planners Category Number of Annual Events Average Attendance per Event Total Annual Attendance Annual Room-Nights Generated Average Length of Events (Days) Average Convention Center Revenue per Attendee per Event (Excluding Hotel) Source: PKF Consulting Total 18 289 5,195 2,365 2. 5 $60. 00 †¢ As the previous table indicates, the responding corporate planners indicated a total of more than 2,300 room-nights of demand for 18 events. We are of the opinion that this number could conservatively be tripled in quantity. This would result in more than 6,900 occupied room-nights attributable to corporate meeting planners, or approximately 6. 0 occupancy points based on an annual available room inventory of 109,500 (300 guestrooms X 365 days annually). The primary reason for our projected increase is there were corporate meeting planners who indicated varying levels of potential usage of the subject Convention Center that either did not respond or indicated varying levels of room nights required without quantifying that amount. When asked to rate the level of importance of various factors in selecting a meeting venue, critical factors included location in a major market, air traffic accessibility, and availability of restaurant/nightlife options. †¢ †¢ We estimate that the subject 300-unit Hotel should be able to achieve a stabilized occupancy level of 53. 0 percent. Overall market penetration (percentage of fair share) in the stabilized year (the fourth year of operation) is estimated to be 89 percent. Approximately 5 percent of total demand for the subject hotel is estimated to originate from the commercial individual segment, 27 percent from the tour and travel segment, 65 percent from the group segment, and 3 percent from the government, military, and other segment. We further project that the subject Hotel should be able to achieve an average daily room rate of $105. 0 (in 2006-value dollars) in a representative year of operation. A representative year of operation is a year in which the subj ect property is II-8 Section II: Executive Summary projected to have reached a stabilized level of performance. Our projections of occupancy and average daily rate assume that the subject Hotel will have to discount rates heavily, particularly during non-peak demand periods, in order to achieve the projected level of demand. As such, the annual average daily rate level may be well above or below the average rate level at any point in time during the course of the year. †¢ The following table presents our utilization projections for the subject Convention Center. Projected Performance Characteristics Proposed Convention Center Category Number of Annual Events Average Attendance per Event Total Annual Attendance Annual Room Nights Generated Average Revenue per Attendee per Event (Excluding Travel) $7. 50 Total Revenue per Event $15,000 Total Revenue $375,000 Source: PKF Consulting, Individual Facilities Trade/Consumer Shows 25 2,000 50,000 5,000 Conventions/ Conferences 40 250 10,000 6,000 $50. 00 $12,500 $500,000 Other Events 80 50 4,000 2,000 $55. 00 $2,750 $220,000 Total 145 N/A 64,000 13,000 N/A N/A $1,095,000 II-9 Section II: Executive Summary †¢ The following statement provides the estimated results for a representative operating year for the proposed Hotel. As stated previously, our stabilized year projection assumes an annual occupancy rate of 53. 0 percent at an average daily rate of $105. 00 (in current value dollars). II-10 Section II: Executive Summary †¢ The following statement provides the estimated results for a representative operating year for the proposed Convention Center. As stated previously, our stabilized year projection assumes 145 annual events. II-11 Section II: Executive Summary †¢ The following statement provides the estimated results for a representative operating year for the consolidated operations of the proposed Hotel and Convention Center. II-12 Section II: Executive Summary CONCLUSIONS †¢ The Lancaster County economy is growing, diversified and should continue on this path for the foreseeable future. The vast majority of this growth is outside the downtown area. †¢ The projected annual operating deficit of the combined entities is $1,281,000 (2006 value dollars) in a representative year. Although losses are expected with most facilities of this type and these deficits are offset to some extent by attendee spending within the community, there is great controversy as to the degree to which this offset occurs. In the case of Lancaster, much of the spending would occur outside of the City, where the bulk of the shopping, hotels and restaurants are located. Since travel would be required to accomplish this, the spending by attendees and delegates would likely be less than in a normal urban situation. Our surveys indicate that a relatively limited amount of demand will be readily attracted to this facility without extensive marketing efforts and concessions on price. To the extent this is not successful, and depending on how these marketing efforts are funded, the downside economic risk is substantial. Based on our demand research for the Convention Center, it appears that the probable number of attendees per event will be lower than that exhibited by the facilities in Convention Center Competitive Market 1 and will be closer to the exhibited attendance by the facilities in Convention Center Competitive Market 2. While the average number of attendees per event is projected to be lower, we anticipate that the proposed Convention Center will be able to capture the average number of annual events that the facilities in Convention Center Competitive Market 1 demonstrated. The hotel component of this project will face two basic challenges in filling the â€Å"dark† days when no events are being held at the Convention Center: (1) the lack of a strong downtown commercial demand base; and (2) its lack of appeal to the area’s dominant leisure market due to its downtown location and comparatively high room rate structure. The lack of parking, even with the proposed garage, and traffic-flow logistics, appear to be significant and should be expected to affect overall marketability for larger events. Although we are not thoroughly familiar with the background of this project, and we have not performed an economic impact analysis, our findings lead us to conclude that the potential economic benefits are not likely to be sufficient to justify the risks involved, including the potential need to raise the hotel tax to fund operating deficits after several years should the reserves become depleted. We therefore recommend that, prior to proceeding further with this project, the parties involved consider exploring a downsizing of the project or an alternate use for the site. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ II-13 SECTION III SITE REVIEW Section III: Site Review OVERVIEW OF THE AREA The City of Lancaster is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and is included in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Lancaster is located approximately 30 miles south of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s capital city (Harrisburg), 60 miles west of Philadelphia (PA) and 55 miles north of Baltimore (MD). SITE LOCATION The proposed project site fronts on historic Penn Square in Downtown Lancaster, and contains the former Watt Shand Department Store Building as its centerpiece. The Hotel component is to be developed within the historic Watt Shand Department Store Building and in a new tower to be constructed over the existing building at its southeast corner, while the Convention Center component is to be constructed on a vacant parcel to the south of the Watt Shand Department Store Building. Specifically, the total project site is located to the north of East Vine Street, to the south of East King Street, to the east of South Queen Street, and to the west of Duke Street. The site is in the heart of downtown Lancaster within walking distance of several historic attractions. The number of restaurants and entertainment venues is quite limited, but could be expected to grow should the project be developed. The map on the following page provides an illustration of the site in relation to the immediate area. III-1 Section III: Site Review III-2 Section III: Site Review ACCESS Major roadways and highways that connect Lancaster County to other points throughout the local region include State Route 283 (SR-283), US Route 30 (US-30), US Route 222 (US-222) Interstate 76 (I-76), and Interstate 83 (I-83). SR-283 connects the County to Harrisburg and Western Pennsylvania; US-30 to York to the west and Philadelphia to the east; US-222 to Allentown and Northeastern Pennsylvania; and I-76 and I-81 are respectively the major east-west and north-south interstate highways in the subject market area. With regard to the specific location of the roposed project, the constricted nature of the site could potentially result in parking and traffic issues. Although not evaluated by us in a professional sense, the parking and access issues related to the site are expected to be problematic and a competitive di sadvantage for the complex. Air access to Lancaster and even Harrisburg is such, i. e. frequency, price and type of aircraft, that convention and conference demand will likely emanate almost exclusively from Pennsylvania association and corporate groups who can drive to the site. Rail service to Lancaster is via Amtrak’s Philadelphia to Harrisburg service with connections to major east coast cities. Train service may prove to be the preferred option for knowledgeable attendees who are uncomfortable with the parking options associated with larger events. III-3 SECTION IV AREA REVIEW Section IV: Area Review ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS Historical trends provide a positive outlook for the economic environment in the subject market area. A review of market area economic and demographic trends offers an indication of the relative health of the subject market area. Population The current population of the Lancaster County Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is estimated to be approximately 488,700. This represents a 0. 6 percent compound annual increase since 2000, as compared to a growth rate of 0. 8 percent experienced in the United States during the same time period. The growing population base in the subject market area is a positive indicator for the subject development, as there is potential for additional room night and meeting demand generated from the resident population. The following table summarizes population figures for the Lancaster, PA MSA and the United States. Population Lancaster, PA MSA United States Lancaster, PA MSA Persons Households Persons per Persons (000) (000) Household (000) 2000 474. 2 172. 9 2. 7 283,876. 4 2005(1) 488. 7 180. 7 2. 7 295,140. 1 2010(2) 508. 2 188. 9 2. 7 311,573. 0 CAGR(3) 0. 6% 1. 8% 0. 8% Notes: (1) Estimated (2) Projected Notes: (3) Compound annual growth rate for years 2000-2005 Source: Sales Marketing Management, Survey of Buying Power Year United States Households Persons per (000) Household 106,206. 0 2. 7 110,420. 1 2. 7 116,568. 1 2. 7 0. 8% Effective Buying Income Effective buying income (EBI) is defined as personal income less personal taxes, nontax payments such as fines, fees, penalties and personal contributions to social insurance. Residents of the Lancaster, PA MSA are in general more affluent than the national average. The Lancaster, PA MSA median household effective buying income is estimated to be $41,374, approximately 5. 2 percent above the United States average of $39,324 in 2005. The following table summarizes income figures for the Lancaster MSA and the United States. IV-1 Section IV: Area Review Effective Buying Income Lancaster, PA MSA United States Lancaster, PA MSA United States Median Median Year Household Effective Household Effective Buying Income Buying Income 2000 $45,431 $39,129 2005 (1) $41,374 $39,324 CAGR(2) 3. 9% 3. 8% Notes: (1) Estimated (2) Compound annual growth rate for years 2000-2005 Source: Sales Marketing Management, Survey of Buying Power Retail Sales and Eating and Drinking Place Sales From 2000 through 2005, retail sales in the Lancaster, PA MSA grew at an annual rate of 2. 7 percent, primarily due to the plethora of outlet shopping facilities located in the area. The increase in retail sales is a positive indication that the economy in the MSA is growing. Increased spending on retail items indicates that disposable income levels are increasing and that individuals have more disposable income for leisure pursuits. In addition to retail sales, a review of eating and drinking sales offers an indication of the economic health of the selected market areas. Eating and drinking place sales are considered to be a good reflection of the amount of discretionary income available to the population within a market area, and consequently, a true indication of economic well-being. During the 2000 through 2005 period, eating and drinking place sales in the Lancaster, PA MSA increased at a compound annual growth rate of 4

10 Facts about Human Rights as a Form of Imperialism for Controversial Essay

10 Facts about Human Rights as a Form of Imperialism for Controversial Essay If you need facts for your next paper on human rights as a form of imperialism, look at the ten below: Sierra Leone, West Africa has a high rate of female genital mutilation (FGM) cases about 80% to 90% of females.   In Sierra Leone, implied sexism, perceived human rights violations, and the resilience of FGM are common.   According to a World Health Organization report, approximately 100 to 140 million women and girls are currently facing the contentious issue of FGM globally. Researchers have observed various factors in respect of FGM in many parts of the world especially in third world nations. Women and young girls are the natural target population for sampling for completing this research.   Ninety-two millions of young girls would have gone through this practice at least by age 10 and above. The Western World perceives FGM as a human rights violation for women and children in various parts of Sub Saharan Africa, some areas of Asia and some Middle Eastern Communities.   Culturally, FGM is performed on children (infancy) and young girls where the aim is to change the female genital organs.   Health issues may arise during and after the procedure.   FGM is done at all ages of girls and women, however the younger a girl is, the less likely a struggle during the cutting. The Equity and Reconciliation Commission in Morocco ran into many problems throughout their investigations and research which they did their best to manage with pristine confidence. While they were backed by the King himself, thus encouraging people to cooperate, they still faced limited investigative powers and left many victims unsatisfied with the lack of accountability for perpetrators. The Equity and Reconciliation Commission in Morocco commission covered the expanse of 43 years’ worth of violations, abductions, forced imprisonment, and torture. They were only given but a year for reconciliation and in that time examined more than 22,000 applications for consideration while only discovering the fates of 742 cases. Using the best of their abilities, the limited timeframe in conjunction with the largest expanse of violations to be covered left many truths to be desired. Many of those cases still remain unresolved and the communal reparations, while underway, have yet to be completed. Many other reforms, such as conversions of former detention centers and legal reforms are still in beginning phases. In spite of the weaker aspects of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission in Morocco, many particular divisions of this establishment were a strong foot forward in the progression of truth commissions in terms of the development of a follow-up commission to ensure completion. Morocco, being the first to establish a truth commission in the Middle East and North Africa, had plenty of past truth commissions to examine and learn from, mainly taking positive aspects from Argentina and South Africa. The Chinese government had to hire a Western public relations firm to work on the 2009 Beijing Olympics because of the negative press which had been attributed to Chinese human rights’ violations and the large number of international organizations which were contributing sponsorship to the games including Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Lenovo. The companies received a lot of bad press and pressure internationally for working so distinctly with China in spite of the international hype against China. The road to the Olympics was very tricky for China whose games became extremely politicized. During the carrying of the torch, protests for Tibet continued to grab media attention. There was a lot of pressure on China to dedicate their efforts toward the situation in Darfur, then Tibet, drawing more international pressure from NGOs toward China’s external behaviours and their internal human rights conditions. China sought important public relations to respond to the international press and riots. Hiring a Western public relations firm was done to improve the public image of China, accelerate public diplomacy, and respond to the demand to improve human rights in Darfur in an effective and swift manner. The Western PR firm was there to help cultivate media attention toward the representative China established to work with African affairs and Sudan. Presently China makes up about 5 % of Coca-Cola’s annual revenue which makes it the 4th biggest consumer worldwide. China may be the second-biggest marketplace for Adidas. China may be the first in rank of profitability, with figures doubling to seven billion dollars between 2006 and 2007. These businesses would then be attracted in the spotlight because once attention was attracted to China and what the worldwide population was protesting for example human rights’ violations, the businesses that have been supporting China within their advertisements and media campaigns for those Olympic games would be also known as into question, thus forcing these to pressure China to create better political choices or pull from their support from the Olympic games. Machiavelli, influenced yet unhindered by Greek classics and the Bible, critiqued the idea of morality. He claimed that the duty of a Prince- or leader in present day- is to preserve his country while protecting his countrymen, no matter the risks or costs. Machiavelli believed that the main responsibility of a sufficient leader was to first preserve a country, being truthful, maintaining promises, and acting in such a way as to avoid harm to the state. This does not leave room for understanding or adhering to the theory of natural law. It would appear, by his definition, that state leaders would exude traditional concepts of virtue. However, the purpose of a ruler being conquering and preserving his state, he would commit wrongdoings in accordance with his duties as a leader. The leaders, by this interpretation, do not respect the natural laws or incorporate human rights or natural justice for citizens of any country but theirs. This supports civic duty, or a moral code for subjects and leaders which contradicts moral virtue or natural law. Machiavelli does not support moral character, but instead, the best actions for utilitarian needs of a state. In the time of great need, Machiavelli supports that virtu’ (the best actions for the state) outweighs virtue. At the start of the Cold War, Cuba nationalized all of the properties held by citizens of the U.S. as well as U.S. corporations which initiated an embargo against economic, commercial, and financial transactions. The purpose of the embargo was meant to limit any economic aid provided to Cuba in any capacity until Cuba agreed to move toward democracy and stop human rights violations. The Helms-Burton Act restricted any U.S. citizen from conducting business with Cuba or in Cuba. When this extended to ending foreign subsidiaries of the U.S. companies trading in Cuba it was meant to benefit the Cubans who were suffering at the will of the government. While the purpose of limiting the frequency of visits for Cubans in the U.S. to family in Cuba and simultaneously limiting the amount of money sent to family members was meant to hurt the Cuban economy in an attempt to encourage better respect for human rights and democracy, it inadvertently made those people suffer. Families who were relian t upon the financial assistance of members living in the U.S. were then made to suffer from a reduction of family visits and financial assistance. Aren’t these awesome? Hope they’ll help you with proper building your custom written essay. You may also check our set of 20 topics on human rights as a form of imperialism for a controversial essay as well as our guide for this type of paper. References: Deacon, Roger. Human Rights As Imperialism.  Theoria  50.102 (2003): 126-138. Web. Glacier, Osire, and ValeÃŒ rie Martin.  Universal Rights, Systemic Violations, And Cultural Relativism In Morocco. Print. GREGG, BENJAMIN. Anti-Imperialism: Generating Universal Human Rights Out Of Local Norms.Ratio Juris  23.3 (2010): 289-310. Web. Moore, Alexandra Schultheis, and Elizabeth Swanson Goldberg.  Teaching Human Rights In Literary And Cultural Studies. Print. Nader, Laura. Human Rights And Moral Imperialism: A Double-Edged Story.  Anthropology News47.6 (2006): 6-6. Web. Paupp, Terrence Edward.  The Future Of Global Relations. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009. Print. Roa-de-la Carrera, CristiaÃŒ n AndreÃŒ s.  Histories Of Infamy. Boulder: University Press of Colorado, 2005. Print. Saccarelli, Emanuele, and Latha Varadarajan.  Imperialism Past And Present. Print.

Application of Nursing Theory Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Current article related to international aviation management Course

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The Architecture Of The Mosque

The Architecture Of The Mosque Philosophically, the whole Earth is a mosque and by this principle namaz will be complete wherever performed. Initially there was no specific building to spread the message of Islam. The Muslim Arabs, being nomads, had a minimum approach and preclude the use of permanent buildings and everything they possessed had to be demountable and portable. Thus there was no specific edifice as such. Only a square area marked out by a line drawn in the sand was sufficient for communal prayer. The only basic necessity was that one side of the square had to face Mecca to indicate the direction of the prayer. Knowing the importance of the mosque to the religion of Islam today it is quite surprising to hear the ironic story behind its evolution. From the start, monotheistic religions like Islam were opposed to the idea of building specially designed to house the faithful for prayer. The mosques (literally meaning place of prostration), are the Centre of religious life throughout the Muslim World and develops as one of the major forms of religious architecture. In one of its most evolved forms, it has one or more minarets, arches, domes and is often decorated with elaborate tracery and Arabic calligraphy from the Koran. The evolved mosque forms are known to be some of the finest structures in Islamic architecture. The mosque is the only building type, which has spread throughout the entire Muslim world, from the beginning of the religion in 610 A.D. A mosque is a building, where Muslims congregate to pray. Mosques can be small, at a neighborhood scale or large, at the town/ city level. Such as a neighborhood mosque or they can be large and used by Muslims of a large town, or city. The large mosque is called a Jami Mosque. Jami means Juma or Friday. All Muslims are required to pray together every Friday at midday and the large mosques were constructed for this purpose. Mosque is used for worship usually for which there is a hall and open court, but could also have other functions like that of a Madarsa, a school for education and a community center. It consists of many architectural elements like, minaret, arch, dome, color, calligraphy and other decorative forms ornamenting the surfaces. Like all other liturgical edifice, the mosque has a standardized assembly of components, which vary in accordance with the size of the prayer (i.e. whether its for prayer for an individual or congregation-small/ large). There is a demarcated space, partly roofed and partly open to sky, varying in size and form, from region to region depending on the harshness of the climate. The roofed part is the prayer hall, rectangular or square in plan, supported by a trabeated structure or arcuated structure. The Prayer hall must have one wall facing Mecca (Qibla wall) with a niche or series of niches (Mihrab), which is the central and most decorated part of every mosque. The pulpit (Minbar) consisting of steps of varying height is stationed to the right of the mihrab and the imam during Friday prayer delivers the oration (Khutba) from it. The minbar is however absent in smaller mosques. A wooden platform (dikha) of single storey height is positioned in line with the Mihrab. From there the respondents (qadi) of the mosque repeat the ritual postures of the imam and give their response. Next to the Dikha, the lectern (kursi) is placed on which the Quran rests. Another most necessary feature of many mosques is the water pool or fountain intended for the prescribed ritual of ablutions (wazu) before the prayer. The five times daily call for prayer (azan) is heard from the minaret, a tower like structure, originally serving as more of a local landmark. A portal is created as a general characteristic of the architecture of the Islamic world as the concealment of the interiors of a building from outside view. Thus, most mosques are surrounded by high walls. With reference to architectural elaboration, the art of writing is taken to higher level of visual expression in mosque architecture. Certain calligraphic scripts are used in the Qibla wall and direct focus, helping substantiate the religious importance of the mosque. The writing often quotes from the Quran or is information about the builder of the mosque. Another mode is geometric patterns and vegetal forms used in screens (jali) and as surface ornamentation. Geometric patterns result from taking a simple form and replicating/ extending it in various directions to arrive at the final. The patterns in their dizzying and unending configurations connote unity in God. In the present time, modern mosques designs have been modified as per newer technologies and ease of building construction. The size of mosque has been decreasing due to lack of space in cities. The main components of the mosque have been reduced and elements have lost their original meaning and serve as symbols. The geometric patterns rich with meaning are devalued to mere decoration. The architecture of mosque has been changing to modern, to contemporary but to what end? 1.2 Research Question: How did local/ regional/ vernacular architecture affect mosque architecture in the past and how/ why does the contemporary mosque differ from the traditional mosque? 1.3 NEED IDENTIFICATION In modern society the mosque served as the single most important visible representation of identity and value. More mosques are being built today than any other liturgical edifice of any other religion. However for a structure representing one religion and a specific body of people, it is odd that it should be so varied in style and divergent in beauty. The reason for this lies in the mosque located in different parts of the world representing different perspectives of different clients. Each mosque is differing in traditions, climate, building materials, local condition of nature and diverse aesthetic and social requirements. As a student of architecture and representing a Muslim region from India, I share a keen interest in Islamic Architecture. And since the mosque lies at the very heart of Islamic architecture, there is a feeling of even a greater need to study this specific structure. Due to time and space constraints, there are certain limitations; hence, I will focus on contemporary Mosques Delhi regions as primary case studies. The architecture of the modern mosque is much at variant when compared with the mosque of the past due to globalization, advanced technology, tendency to go towards the sky due to lack of ground space, the use of architectural elements as symbols and reduction of patterns as surface decorations. 1.4 OBJECTIVES To trace the development and follow along the different established types of mosques, starting from Early Islamic period in the 7th century times. To identify the basic principles behind the specific vocabulary of the mosque. To study symbolic and functional attributes of the mosque and its evolution. To study various differences in space configuration, built expression, material, elements /components and technology between modern and traditional mosque. 1.5 SCOPE This dissertation is not intended as a historical survey of Islamic mosque architecture and therefore does not include all the fine monuments, which exist. The origin and development of the mosque would be understood only to get the bearings right to analyze contemporary examples. The general history of the advent of Islam in Arab, India and the mosque forms that evolve henceforth would be discussed briefly to build a context. From vernacular mosque form, the shift is to, what is built now- what is the vernacular of today? And hence what happens to the mosque and is the use of symbols necessary to be able to identify the building as a mosque? 1.6 LIMITATIONS It is not possible to study all the mosque architecture of all Islamic regions under the given time frame. Therefore, the study is limited to mosques in India focusing on the Northern region with a brief study of the contemporary mosque outside India. As result of time and space constraints, mosques of the entire Indian sub-continent will not be discussed in detail but only to form the overall context, with brief analysis of mosques of the South, East, West, and North. Detail account of the history of the one region is beyond the scope of this dissertation, thus only relevant pieces of their history will be mentioned. The focus will be on selected mosques, which reflect the most prototypical form of particular periods of the respective region. Thus, only a few mosques will be discussed which act as indicators of that particular architectural form. 1.7 METHODOLOGY The first step is to analyze the topic and define what direction this dissertation takes, and what the author wants to come up with at the end of it, the end result may be documentation, a detailed analysis, or a set of solutions. The regions selected for the study are not easily accessible and this dissertation will rely mainly on literature survey from secondary sources rather that from primary data for major sections of the work. Primary data would be collected through site visits limited to mosques in Delhi and discussion with experts. Secondary sources include literature survey. Literature Survey: This involves data collection, reading and understanding literature from various sources like SPA (New Delhi) libraries, Jamia Milla Islamia Architecture library and the internet. Analysis of nature of open spaces, the role of open spaces in the mosque and role of closed spaces is understood. After the collation process, the next stage would be, systematic representation of data. Interaction With Experts This involves opinion of various architects, discussion about what is happening in India and exposure to other related issues, along with discussion on primary case studies. Identifying issues, discussion on various issues and analyzing their opinion would be the major tasks. Primary Data collection Methodology for the study of Delhi mosque architecture: A brief account of the mosque architecture in Delhi is essential to contextualize the primary studies, as these were the immediate references for what is happening now. The first mosque developed in 11th century in Delhi by the Slave dynasty. Each changing phase will be studied by taking the significant mosque of that period. Though a personal visit would be made to these sites, information will be obtained through literature survey also. The mosques of contemporary times would be the primary study, with a complete analysis of the determinants of form. The process for case studies: Selection of case studies of new mosque buildings. Collection of information- basic plan and maps showing site surrounding areas, site boundaries, built mass and visual readings of mosque as landmark, materiality and building elements. Analysis of the chosen case studies. IV. Survey methodology for case studies Few case studies of contemporary mosques of Delhi are considered- one is under construction and the other mosques have been in use for considerable amount of time. This dissertation includes survey through discussion with the people who are users of the mosque. The drawing and other important data would be collected from the architects office. All photographs are taken at the site. After doing all case studies conclusion are drawn and recommendations are made for design strategies of the future mosque architecture. With the help of three examples of mosques, which are built in different time periods, I want to illustrate that architecture of mosques is in a process of complete transformation because global culture and technology is constantly affecting it, along with highlighting what helps maintain its identity. V. Analysis of case studies The case study is analyzed as per following: Built /open spatial spatial configuration (arising from basic needs of religion itself) Purpose and use of space. Visual expression of mosque- includes massing, elements, surface elaboration and materiality. Chapter 2 EARLY ISLAM 2.1. HISTORY OF ISLAM AS A RELIGION Islam began in Arabia, where the revelation was first received by the Prophet, but spread rapidly among the Persians and Black Africans, and soon thereafter among Turks, Chinese, Indians, and many other ethnic groups. Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca in 570 CE. At the time, people were busy with their business, markets were crowded with nomads and residents alike, buying and selling goods. His parents died when he was 6 years old. He cared for by his grandfather, and uncle, Abu Talib and eventually became head of the Hashim clan. Young Muhammad was a camel driver and roamed the peninsula with his uncle, to know about various cultures and religions including Christianity and Judaism. As idol worship had come to dominate Mecca, this contact turned out to be significant for later times. The Kabah itself housed many idols, including those representing the three main goddesses. He continued travelling in Arabia, encountering different faiths and customs, but riches did not satisfy Muhammad and he developed enemies in Mecca. Therefore, he decided to leave Mecca. And he started a journey. This journey was known as the Hijri. Muhammad arrived in Medina as the new leader, bearing tremendous responsibilities. While receiving communication from God and teaching his devotees, he had to protect Islam from opposition and find a peaceful solution to the local feuds. He was able to unite the feuding clans through his teachings the Jewish and Muslims prayed together. First time the prayer was read in the direction of Jerusalem, and after some years the prayer was read towards Mecca instead of Medina, as Muhammad instructed. For this reason some followers turned against Muhammad, and they created a separate group. Violence erupted, ending in the expulsion of some Jewish tribes from Medina. He established a new community with his followers and began raiding caravans bound for Mecca. These kinds of raids were not uncommon at the time, and they provided sustenance for the Muslims. This angered the Meccans, and a series of battles followed. Despite a few setbacks, the Muslims gained power and recognition. After destroying or converting his tribal enemies, Muhammad controlled the entire Arabian Peninsula. Finally, in 629 CE, Mecca submitted to the Muslims. Muhammad entered the city and headed directly to the Kabah. After circling it seven times, he smashed the stone idols. He spoke of the oneness of God, or Allah, and proclaimed himself a prophet. The spread of Islam occurred in waves. In less than a century after the establishment of the first Islamic society in Medina by the Prophet, Arab armies conquered a land stretching from the Indus River to France and brought with them Islam, which, contrary to popular Western conceptions, was not, however, forced on the people by the sword. Periods of Islamic history Mosques were built outside the Arabian Peninsula as Muslims settled in other parts of the world. Egypt became occupied by Muslim Arabs as early as 640 AD. Islamic architectural history can be roughly divided in to three main periods, during which one or more traditions were dominant: the Early Islamic (650-1050), which may be called the age of Arab Dominance; the middle Islamic (1050-1450), the age of Iranian Dominance; and the later Islamic (1450-1850), the age of Turkish and Indian Dominance. 2.2 Origin and evolution of mosque Origin It is a strange face of history that the Muslim tradition of architecture, productive of some of the worlds outstanding monuments, was first patronized by a people, the Arabs, who had none but the crudest notions of building. For them the finest architecture was a tent. In the starting of Islam, the Kaaba had only four walls in 608. In the age of the orthodox Caliphs (632-661), the eras brought nothing architectural to the conquered countries beyond what would serve their orthodoxy than by their taste. The building of their time ware utilitarian, without architectural pretense, and consisted of mosques (Basra, 638-639; kufa, 638-639; and fustat, 642) and government buildings. The first mosque was built in Mecca. This area was surrounded by pre Islamic buildings. The Kaaba mosque is the holiest structure of Islam. The earliest mosque is Prophet Mohammad house in Medina which was built in 622CE. This qibla wall was facing toward the direction of Jerusalem. Mohammad house is situated left side of the qibla wall. There were three entrances into the courtyard. The courtyard area was roofed, and the prayer was performed here. After one or one and half years, the qibla wall direction was changed, and was made to face in the direction of Mecca, as it is today. The Medina mosque had social, political and judicial functions, in addition to being the house of the Mohammad family. The religious functions were merged with other functions. Rules of the performing prayer were not decided that time. And in the Koran, the rules had not been given till now. In addition to early mosques of Medina and Mecca, now the cities have contemporary mosques, which are more complex as per the demands and needs of the people and their religion. After the death of Muhammad, mosques became important symbols of Islam. The Muslim conquerors established mosques everywhere. They built the mosque first and later built the military camp around the mosque. The Muslim conquered Medina or Mecca city and constructed mosque in the place. This became the center of the region of Muslim conquered people. Muhammads house was divided into hall and courtyard, which was surrounded by the columned verandah. This was an ideal mosque where the faithful conjunct for prayer, but also one for social assembly and political deliberation. A building without architectural pretensions, it was a hypo style hall and was deep, apparently having three aisles, divided by three rows of nine columns each. The most significant aspect this house offers to Islamic architecture of later was that it provided the orientation (Qibla) of praying area towards the sacred city of Mecca. Evolution The Masjid as a type of architecture intended for congregational prayer did not exist at Mecca before the hijra. In Medina, the stronghold of Islam, however, the two concepts of Musalla and Masjid came to receive distinct interpretations. The controversy among the traditionalists over the performance of prayer in either the Musalla or the Masjid was surrounded around the fact that they were structurally different. Kaaba mosque was the first newly built mosque of Islam and Abraham assisted by his son Ismail, when he found the order of Allah, built the existing foundation. They performed prayers together with their followers at this site. The site of Kaaba was also believed to be place of angles of Adam, erected by Allah and used for worship. The orthodox Caliph leaders were succeeded by the caliph dynasty of the Umayyads (661-750), who were held by many Muslims to be upstarts. After this the philistine people started the taunt type structure. The kaaba was rebuilt in 684 AD and was decorated with mosaic marble, which was collected from Yemen churches. Iranian architectural elements were also used in the building. The location of the mosque was decided by Prophet Muhammad when he did the first time Friday prayer there. He lived beside the masjid in Medina, which was use as doubled purpose as both a religious and political center for the early Muslim community. The Umayyad Mosque is an example of the form of mosque derived from the Prophets house, and was built in (705-715) in Damascus. In the 10th century, different types of mosque started to develop because of influences of local traditional material and techniques of building. Distinctively different types of mosque developed in the different countries. Mosques are usually ornamented with stone, marble, wood carving, patterned brick, mosaic, glass, murals. Contemporary mosques are built using new technologies of construction, and are adopted in most parts of the world, but it is remains traditional in layout. When Islam spreads out of the deserts of Saudi Arabia and into the cities like Damascus and Cairo, the rapidly expanding Muslims population required house for worship to meet their spiritual and social requirements. The mosques that followed are innovative and magnificent examples of architecture, original in their own way with reminensces of their culture. 2.3 Concept of mosque The Space: The mosque comprises of a demarcated space, partly roofed and partly open to sky. This proportion of covered and open space varies from region to region depending on the harshness of the climate. The open space is a court used for performing prayers for large gatherings on occasions. Local community mosque Chapter 3 Local culture and Variation in the Mosque 3.1 Vernacular variation across the World The Islamic world extents its boundary from Spain and West Africa eastwards to as far as China, in south- East Asia. It is therefore not surprising to hear that Muslims comprise around one fifth of the world population and constitute a majority of more than forty nations of the Middle East Asia and Africa. Islam holds a strong position in the world. The religion must not only be powerful by faith and logic but also have charm and beauty to attract such an immense audience to brace the religion and look upon it with awe. There is no other more suitable edifice to depict this elegance and act as symbol of the religion as well as the mosque. In the early day, Islam borrowed features from existing religious and cultural buildings. They gave them harmony with the existing and yet originality and proved beyond doubt that Islamic leaders not only possess the power of assimilation, but that of organization and adaptability as well. These borrowed styles were recognizable at first but the new styles that evolved started forming their own architectural identity and style. In the various new lands, the mosques were built by exploring local traditions and materials available. Each region had with its own craftsmen, their own building methods. Combined with extreme differences in climate, this gave rise to highly disparate styles and each region introduced to the world a diverse style of architecture of their own. Thus it is seen that despite an essential feeling of cultural unity which pervades the entire Islamic world, there exists an investable diversity in the styles of architecture of each region. Generally, the Islamic world had divide in to the eastern and the western regions where one gets influenced by the other. The eastern part of the Muslim world looks to the Persian Language and culture for inspiration. Iran was one of regions which is covered vast area including Central Asia and Afghanistan and spread into the Indian. Initially Iran had accepted Western architectural forms and stemming from Arab style. However with the emergence of local dynasties awareness was created. These divergent styles may be categorized in to five basic types of mosque. These are 1.the hypostyle hall with a flat roof and possibly one or more small domes (as seen in Arabian and African Examples) 2. Building with a very large central space often covered by massive domes provided with lateral support by the weight of hall domes (such as those in the Ottoman style) or having pyramidal pitched roof (as in Indonesia) 3. The layout with an Iwan (vaulted hall) placed each side of a bi-axially divided central rectangular courtyard (as developed in Iran and Central Asia) 4. The triple domed mosque with courtyard (typical of Mughal architecture in India). 5. And finally the walled Complex with a number of pavilions set in the enclosed landscaped spaces (as found in China). Case study of vernacular mosque 1. Great mosque of Djenne in Mali, Africa. Economical Approach (Regional Resources) -1907 The Djenne mosque of Africa is the largest mud brick mosque of the world. This is the famous mosque of Africa and boasts of impressive mud structures. Mud construction is a friendly environment material. Mud is appropriate according to the climate and is less expensive to build with, as it is locally available. Easy construction to create mud mortar and plaster. Palm wood use for the scaffolding and roofs. The walls are thick in size and tapered and provide protection from heat. During the day, the wall absorbed the heat of the sun that is released throughout the night time; this helps to maintaining cool environment during the day time. It also has roofs vents with ceramic cover, which is removed at night to ventilate the interior parts and spaces. 2. Traditional Kampung Hulu Mosque, Malaysia (1728AD) The traditional mosque design of south- East Asia has inspired the simple pyramidal layered roof, which becomes an important element of design. It relies on the roof over hangs with open serambi and the recessed walls to respond to local climate high rain fall Æ’Â   excellent rain water discharge. Wall openings are crucial in the mosque design. The wall openings are at the ground floor and segmented roofs wall level of four-and-a-half storey building. These openings induce natural cross ventilation and stack effect. The emphasis is on cross air ventilation. Recessed wall help tackle the problem of direct exposure from tropical sunlight, luminosity, solar radiation and this concept only works well to block high angle sunlight but not low angle sunlight. VERNACULAR TYPOLOGY IN INDIA Islam arrived in India via the Malabar Coast in 600 AD. It was just about the same time that it was spreading into Arabia. This is not surprising, considering the proximity of the two coastline trade links from pre-Islamic times. Arab merchants traded Indian spice with other parts of the known world. A number of them set up households in the Malabar as well, and it is through them that Islam was introduced into the Indian subcontinent. According to the legend, Malik-ibn Dinar- Mohammads message reached king Crangannur in AD 642-643 on Hijri 22, and the Chera king, Cheraman Perumal to accept Islam. Malik-Ibn-Dinar built the first mosque there. This was followed by eleven more along the coast. These mosques are some of the oldest to be established, not only India but within the Islamic world. South India Kerala Mosques Introduction- Kerala is in the middle of a mosque-building boom. Proposals for new mosques and the redevelopment of older structures have consequences on the urban landscape of this west coast state. Pan- Indian and pan- global influences sweeping across Kerala fuelled by migration to the rest of India and abroad may be the reason for this activity. Traditional mosque of Kerala (vernacular mosque) The traditional mosques in Kerala are different from those in the imperial and provincial Indo- Islamic architecture. In Kerala built form of the mosque derived enough from local domestic building traditions. In traditional dwellings like Nalaketts, the concerns of torrential rain and the need for the ventilation found expression in remarkable roof and wall elements, executed in abundantly available timber. In Kerala, the temple, churches and the Mosque (palli) take from the local architecture evolved from local climate, materials. The mosque was constructed under the guidance of religious leaders whose requirements were functional and simple, using the model of existing places of worship. A traditional mosque in the Malabar comprises of a rectangular prayer hall with a mihrab on the western wall (qibla) and enclosed verandah on the sides that serve as spill over space. A front verandah facing the street becomes a space that often leads to a front hall preceding the main prayer hall. An ablution tank is accommodated on one side. The entire structure is raised on a high plinth/ base, similar to the adhisthana of a temple. The tiled roof has elaborate covered gables. The structural system for the hall is of timber posts, beams, and brackets and often the columns are square or octagonal as in the temple mandapa pillar. Nakhudas or ship builders sculpted the mimbars in many Mosques, representing the very best skills in wood-carving. Mishkaal mosque Kuttichira Most of the Malabar mosques built in the 6th centuries are in Kozhikoda(Kalikat), Mallapuram, Thalassery and cochin. This time the basic building construction material was bamboo. A brief case study of two mosques in Kuttichira, a Mappila neighborhood in Kozhikode is presented here. In Kuttichira, centered on the sacred Kuttichira tankand all mosque of Kuttichira was construced with local timber material. Miskaal palli mosque is having a largest rectangular hall and tiled roofs at fourth levels- housing subsidiary space. The existing building is dated as 1578. It sits in close association with the tank. Not very far is the Jamaat Palli, the Friday mosque, on the other side of the tank. This is smaller in size and at am awkward angle to the narrow street, proclaiming an exact orientation to Mecca. Its front porch is marked by the heavily carved gable; matched by an exquisite timber ceiling, with floral, geometric and calligraphic motifs. It has two light wells, one over the ablution tank and another in side in the prayer hall. The forms of light wells remind us of the four sides. The oldest inscription in the mosque dates from 1480-81 covered on a wooden lintel on the ante chamber. CHERAMAN JUMA MASJID, KODUNGALLAUR. This is the first and oldest mosque of India. The first renovation of the mosque was completed in the 11th century. And later in 1974, the masjid president P.A. Mohammed Sayed added the extension, after demolishing the front portion of the old mosque during renovation. The oldest part of the mosque, including the sanction sanctorum, was left untouched. It was renovated again in 1996 and 2003, by adding extension to accommodate more capacity of 3000 people. While the oldest part will be restored, the desire for a grand size still remains. Surrounded by shops and homes. And a community institution is situated within the building. The original structure did not look like the mosques of the west and rather resembles vernacular buildings. This was double stored with sloping tiled thatched roof. This mosque also does not not look like the mosques of north India, with no calligraphy used on the wall and no minarets found with the mosque. The entrance gate is very simple and inviting. The main room is part of the original structure. This is a very small area for the mosque. Only 15 people can stand in a single row for prayer. The main room was built with old timber, with a big brass lamp hanging from the roof, which may have been a Hindu temple lamp. West JAMA MASJID OF AHMEDABAD Location This is the vernacular mosque of Ahmedabad.it is made of yellow sand stone.This is the oldest mosque of Ahmedabad, built during in 1424 the reign of Ahmad Shah. This mosque is laying in the Mahatma Gandhi Road of teen Darwaza,

The Role of Background Knowledge in Reading Essay -- Education

1. Introduction With the passage of time and the spread of technology wider than ever, there is a vast amount of knowledge and information which require from individuals faster response to these developments around the globe. One of the most effective ways for individuals to be up-to-date with the world around is to read. Reading is a skill which any learner needs along with other skills. Reading, as defined by Macmillan Dictionary, is the process of recognizing written or printed words and understanding their meaning. For reading to be most effective, readers need to read in their area of interest and have prior knowledge of what is going to be read. For more clarification, prior knowledge is background knowledge about certain topics. In other words, what a reader already knows about the topic he is about to read. This prior knowledge has great impact on the reading and the reader. 2. Description 2. A. Terms Used for Background Knowledge Moreover, background knowledge is fundamental in reading comprehension. It is defined by The Free Online Dictionary as â€Å"Information that is essential to understanding a situation or a problem.† The terms background knowledge and prior knowledge are generally used interchangeably (Strangman and Hall, 2010). Background knowledge and prior knowledge are parent terms for many more terms such as: conceptual knowledge, metacognitive knowledge, subject matter knowledge, strategy knowledge, personal knowledge, and self-knowledge (Strangman et al., 2010). Though scholars’ definitions and names of prior knowledge are different, they typically describe the same concept. 2. B. Factors Shape Background Knowledge Furthermore, there are many factors that background knowledge could b... ...NHUAvgCy4-HuRIoUF7y2b07jddLKA&cad=rja Spires, H.A. & Donley, J. (1998). Prior knowledge activation: Inducing engagement with informational texts. Journal of Educational Psychology, 90(2), 249-260. Strangman, N. & Hall, T. (2010). Background Knowledge. Curriculum Enhancement Report. U.S. Special Office of Education Program. National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum. Retrieved October 28, 2011 from : http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=the%20role%20of%20background%20knowledge%20in%20reading&source=web&cd=7&sqi=2&ved=0CEYQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoar.wichita.edu%2Fdspace%2Fbitstream%2Fhandle%2F10057%2F256%2Ft06002.pdf&ei=O0WmTsvILdK2hAeU-pSeDg&usg=AFQjCNHearmwQCdk6JpPpDZEtGg7jiCG8Q The Free Online Dictionary. (2011). The entery â€Å" background knowledge†. Retrieved October 26, 2011 from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/background+knowledge