Lecture 1. Primitive Architecture and the Timeless Climatic Type

This lecture provides a launching point into some of the issues involved with tracing an architectural history through the lens of climate. The lecture is divided into two parts. The first addresses the shifting concept of the “primitive” within architectural culture, especially as it was evoked as a symbol for ideas of naturalness and climatic adaptation. The second and third parts, revolving around two case studies, add to this historiographic narrative by introducing the complex entanglement of architecture and climate in the history of Native American architecture. The case studies will focus on Seminole chickee architecture in the sub-tropical region of Florida and adobe Pueblo architecture in the high desert region of New Mexico.


supporting documents:

Lecture Notes

Readings