Traditional buildings : a global survey of structural forms and cultural functions / Allen G. Noble

Based on a lifelong professional and personal interest, Traditional Buildings presents a unique survey of vernacular architecture across the globe. The reader is taken on a fascinating tour of traditional building around the world, which includes the loess cave homes of central China, the stilt houses on the shores of Dahomey, the housebarns of Europe and North America, the wind towers of Iran, the Bohio houses of the Arawak indians of the Caribbean, and much more. Professor's Noble's extensive travels have allowed him to examine many of the building at close quarters and the richly illustrated text includes photographs from the his personal collection. With its comprehensive and detailed bibliography the work will be welcomed by experts and non-specialists alike.

Introduction: terminology and disciplines --
Function and form --
Plan and elevation --
Location and orientation --
Building materials and construction methods: earth materials --
Building materials and construction methods: wood and related materials --
Above-ground and excavated structures --
Coverings and climate --
Threats: man-made and natural hazards --
Openings: doors and windows --
Heating and cooling --
Ceremony and decoration --
Communal dwellings and seasonal shelters --
Change versus constancy.