I have always found modern inspiration in all eras of architectural and urban design.  When I first read the descriptive writings of Pliny the Younger, in which he describes in great detail the layout of his villa somewhere overlooking the Mediterranean, I joined the ranks of many architects through the ages who have attempted to reconstruct the layout of the villa. 

This struck me as an ideal community center and its layout found its way into the design of University Park Community Center [now called Charles Jordan Community Center].  Note the swimming pool, basketball courts [left] and community gardens [upper right].

[See: The Villas of Pliny from Antiquity to Posterity by Pierre de la Ruffiniere du Prey to see who else through the ages has been similarly inspired.]