Morocco is a great example of how culture can inform architecture. The Moroccans live an interesting and admirable way of life. Given that it is a Islamic society its culture is governed by set laws. The importance of Islam in the daily life of Moroccans is very evident throught the emence detail and ornamentation of Islam symbols in the architecture. Privacy is a large factor in the Islamic way of life and it is extremely intresting how this affects or inspires the architecture. On the surface, when looking at Morocco, one will see and never ending skyline of sand brown buildiungs that look in a state of decay. However, upon further exploration, one can see that the homes have interior courtyards that are patterned with intricate detail and beautiful materials. The homes have very little windows to the outside, one for privacy, and two it inspires a seperation between sacred and profane and focus on ones inward self. These courtyards are like hidden jewels of the city and they are not flaunted, one would never knew they exsisted walking on the street. Humility is another attribute of the Islamic culture. Never outwardly proud, but proud none the less.
Knowing what inspires ones artistict endevours can be a very informative investigation. It is one thing to appreciate a peice of art or a building for its appearance on the surface and not know what is the driving force behind what it is. Artists are inspired by there surroundings at all levels of composition, whether it is a composition of graffiti on a wall, Gaudi's Sagrada Familia or Gerhy's Fish. 
