Gathering together the worlds leading experts on vernacular architecture, this once-in-ageneration publication examines how local buildings have stood the test of time and offer vital lessons for the future.
The core of the book is arranged by climate zone, from desert to tropical, temperate to arctic. Within each section, buildings are presented regionally, showing how local climatic conditions and vegetation affect the evolution of building styles. This central part is bookended by a range of essays exploring the economic and anthropological aspects, while the reference section offers information on materials science and engineering, including how buildings have been adapted to contend with natural disasters.