By Henri Achten Index Surveying architecture concerning a distinct period of time and concentrating on a specific region can be done in order to reach several goals. Yearbooks and the like aim to present the best buildings and projects given a certain year.
Historical works aim to outline tendencies, periods, and provide explanations and relationships.
Also special interest categories like vernacular architecture or the development of specific styles and types may be valid subjects for this kind of survey. However, all approaches need to balance between the anecdotal and the analytical. Anecdotal, as single projects and buildings must be covered. Analytical, as the mere choice and ordering of projects and buildings implies certain project-transcending reflections. Another way of doing this is possible when a few major themes can be singled out.