Join The Journey

In addition to practicing architecture, principal and founder of ROST Architects, Mitchell Rocheleau AIA, searches the world to learn more about the buildings and cities humans have created, from the modern era to pre-history. Through writing, expert interviews, and video documentation, we hope to make our journey available and accessible. Our mission is to understand the environments humans have created throughout history, learn from the successes and failures, and contribute to designing a better future.

Posts tagged Alexandria History

Interview with Islam Issa | History of Ancient Alexandria

Principal Architect, Mitchell Rocheleau meets Islam Issa, an award-winning Egyptian-British author, broadcaster, and the new Professor of Public Humanities at Birmingham City University, to discuss the Ancient City of Alexandria. Learn about the thoughtful planning that went into the city, the Lighthouse, and Library of Alexandria as well as what values were prioritized in its creation by Alexander the Great. What can we learn about an ancient city to create thoughtful cities for today's world?

Ancient Architecture, History, InterviewMitchell RocheleauAugust 20, 2025Alexandria Architecture History, Alexander the Great, Alexandria History, Library of Alexandria, City of Alexandria, History of Alexandria, Lighthouse of Alexandria

A Brief History of Ancient Alexandria | Its Architecture and Urban Planning

Alexandria, a city that reshaped history, was a beacon of intellectual progress in the ancient world. Its architecture and urban planning were not just physical structures, but a repository of knowledge, wisdom, and culture. The city's unique identity, deeply rooted in the written word, fostered an environment where knowledge was not just valued, but revered and rewarded. This radical concept of knowledge as power, distinct from traditional means such as control of a food source, trade, or military power, led to the creation of one of the most revered cities in human history, rivaling the likes of ancient Athens and Rome.