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

1. Introduction : terminology and disciplines -- 2. Function and form -- 3. Plan and elevation -- 4. Location and orientation -- 5. Building materials and construction methods : earth materials -- 6. Building materials and construction methods : wood and related materials -- 7. Above-ground and excavated structures -- 8. Coverings and climate -- 9. Threats : man-made and natural hazards -- 10. Openings : doors and windows -- 11. Heating and cooling -- 12. Ceremony and decoration -- 13. Communal dwellings and seasonal shelters -- 14. Change versus constancy.

"Interest in traditional dwellings has grown enormously in recent years but their steady disappearance as a result of both natural decay and modern development threatens a proper understanding of their cultural and architectural significance. Allen G. Noble's work provides a comprehensive and revealing survey of such buildings from around the globe." "Drawing upon a lifelong professional and personal interest in his subject, the author offers an authoritative account that includes the cave homes of central China, the stilt houses of Dahomey, the housebarns of Europe and North America, the Sunday Houses of Texas, the wind towers of Iran, the ornamental cottages of Russia, and much, much more."--BOOK JACKET.