But in large measure, the reality of decline that it is part of a huge historical re-balancing act - something we acknowledge in words like "globalisation" or "Brics", while often ducking just how profoundly the world is changing.

BBC: Will the rise of the rest mean the decline of the US?

To the best of our knowledge, no one has ever tabulated the sheer number of federal regulations that have been adopted since passage of the Administrative Procedure Act, or since some earlier historical benchmark.

WHITEHOUSE: Testimony of John D. Graham

The Brazilian experience stands out for the grandiosity of its act, which was not just the final chapter of a historical process but was also integrated to a development and self-affirming national strategy.

UNESCO: Brasilia hosts exhibition on World Heritage in Brazil

While transformations into homes are rare, the architectural preservation groups that often act as brokers favor anyone (including home buyers and residential developers) willing to preserve historical detail.

FORBES: Abide With Me