Cover of Ancient architecture of the Southwest
Read Time: ~5 hr

Ancient architecture of the Southwest

by William N. Morgan (1994)

About this book

During more than a thousand years before Europeans arrived in 1540, the native peoples of what is now the southwestern United States and northern Mexico developed an architecture of rich diversity and beauty that harmonized well with the sweeping landscapes of mountains and deserts in which they lived. Vestiges of thousands of these dwellings and villages still remain, in locations ranging from Colorado in the north to Chihuahua in the south and from Nevada in the west to eastern New Mexico - a geographical area of some 300,000 square miles. This study presents the most comprehensive architectural survey of the region currently available. Professionally rendered drawings comparatively analyze 132 sites by means of standardized 100-foot grids with uniform orientations. Reconstructed plans with shadows representing vertical heights suggest the original appearances of many structures that are now in ruins or no longer exist, while concise texts place them in context. Organized in five chronological sections, the book examines architectural evolution from humble pit houses to sophisticated, multistory pueblos. The sections explore concurrent Mogollon, Hohokam, and Anasazi developments, as well as those in the Salado, Sinagua, Virgin River, Kayenta, and other areas, and compare their architecture to contemporary developments in parts of eastern North America and Mesoamerica. The book concludes with a discussion of changes in Native American architecture in response to European influences. Written for a general audience, the book holds obvious appeal for all students of native Southwestern cultures, as well as for everyone interested in origins in architecture. In particular, it should encourage younger Native American architects to value their rich cultural heritage and to respond as creatively to the challenges of the future as their ancestors did to those of the past.

Setting / LocationGlobal
Story EraContemporary / Future
Protagonist / CoreAncient architecture of the Southwest Lead Character

Readers who enjoyed this also loved

Cover of Shadows on Glass

Shadows on Glass

Patricia Janis Broder

For over 25 years, from 1878 until his death in 1903, Ben Wittick photographed the Indian world of the Southwest. Shadows on glass brings together for the first time over 200 of his images, capturing a time of cultural confusion and change.

Cover of Direct Digital Control for Building HVAC Systems

Direct Digital Control for Building HVAC Systems

Michael J. Coffin

Since the publication of the first edition in 1992, the HVAC industry has gone through enormous changes. As simple digital systems have given way to more complex systems, demand for information on how these systems operate, how they are best applied and how they communicate with other building control systems has grown rapidly. Direct Digital Control for Building Systems, Second Edition is thoroughly updated and expanded to include coverage of the architecture of modern digital control systems, distributed intelligence networked systems, communication protocols, the technologies and issues concerning interoperability, the latest application strategies, and defensive techniques for designing and specifying control systems. Numerous illustrations throughout help keep the subject highly accessible, and hardware, software, and systems applications are described in the most universal terms possible. This thoroughly revised second edition also contains a full section on BACnet® standard and Echelon's LonWorks® technology; their meaning, applications, and future implications. An up-to-date appendix is provided. Insights on emerging technologies in intelligent control systems and what the future holds for this dynamic field is covered throughout.

Cover of Dumbing down

Dumbing down

Ivo Mosley

Dumbing down is the phrase given to a widespread feeling of gloom and stupefaction, an is associated with the withdrawal into trivia in the face of an uncertain and possibly alarming future. The creation and manipulation of markets, media and power may yet end in the destruction of community, responsibility, morality, art, religion and the natural world. This text is a compilation of essays on changes in culture and the media and the dangers of their manipulation.

Cover of Biomimicry in architecture

Biomimicry in architecture

Michael Pawlyn

"Aimed at architects, urban designers and product designers, this text looks to the natural world to seek clues as to how we can achieve radical increases in resource efficiency. It contains inspiring case studies predicting future trends."--Publisher's description.

Ancient architecture of the Southwest by William N. Morgan | Literally Just Books