Last Updated on 14 April 2011

Over the past several years, I’ve had the good fortune to be able travel around Europe. I’ve taken tens of thousands of pictures.

I love this shot below.

Terra cotta roof tiles, and lush, greens hills a patchwork alternating vineyards and olive groves. This is Vinci, Italy. Where Leonardo was born and grew up – you know – Leonardo da Vinci (of Vinci).

However, in the middle of this great shot – is a mark of the late 20th Century – the satellite dish. You can also see mid-century old-school antennas.

Vinci View

[Fig. 1 Vinci, Italy View]

You can click the image above for a larger view. Take out the tv equipment, convert to black and white, and you’d enjoy the same view from over 200 years ago.

Environmental Integration

While it’s not perfect, I spotted this solution to disguise dishes in Amsterdam. They’ve covered the dishes with a “picture of brick” to blend into the building. This is an apartment building above our grocery store. While not perfect – the dishes aren’t as obvious.

Disguised Satellite Dishes

[Fig. 2 Amsterdam Dish Disguise]

This reminds me of the “environmental integration” being used to conceal cell and communication towers are being decorated to look like trees.

Cell Tower Pines

[Fig. 3 Faux Phone Pole Pines]

I’ve had that Amsterdam shot in my pictures folder for a while – waiting to share it with you. Thought you’d find it interesting. However, there are business lessons these disguises and concealments may teach us. I’ll post another article tomorrow! Until then, take care.