Publisher's Synopsis
What exactly is the "built world?" It has been described as the spaces people have made in which we "live, work, and recreate on a day-to- day basis." Surroundings created for humans, by humans, to be used for human activity. The built world ranges from structures to buildings to parks to entire communities.Imagine a group of settlers arriving in an undeveloped location. First come shelters in which to live and then structures in which to work and shop. There are buildings for worship and education. As the commu- nity grows government buildings are required. With prosperity comes spaces in which to spend leisure time. And there is infrastructure to tie it all together. Over time comes a built world. And the building choices North Carolinians have made through the generations are what makes the Old North State one-of-a-kind, unique from every other built world.This book looks at the stories of more than 120 of the most famous pieces of the built world that have shaped North Carolina from her be- ginnings. Places and spaces could be famous for their architecture or distinguished by the people associated with them. Some stand out for their engineering. Others are famous just for being famous. All have contributed to the tapestry of the modern North Carolina built world.Almost all of the selections within are open to the public, or at least visible from public spaces. So, if you haven't seen these landmarks in person, fire up your GPS and get out and explore your historic built world, North Carolina!
