Architecture of First Societies: A Global Perspective

by Mark Jarzombek

ARCHITECTURE OF FIRST SOCIETIES THIS LANDMARK STUDY TRACES THE BEGINNINGS OF ARCHITECTURE BY LOOKING AT THE LATEST ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL RESEARCHFrom the dawn of human society, through early civilizations, to pre-Columbian American societies, Architecture of First Societies traces the different cultural formations that developed in various places throughout the world to form the built environment. It is the first book to explore the beginnings of architecture from a global perspective.Viewing ancient cultures through a lens of both time and geography, this history of early architecture brings its subjects to life with full-color photographs, maps, and drawings. The author cites the latest discoveries and analyses in archaeology and anthropology and discovers links to the past by examining how indigenous societies build today. "Encounters with Modernity" sections examine some of the political issues that village life and its architectural traditions face in the modern world.This fascinating and engaging tour of our architectural a gap in architectural education concerning early mankind, the emergence of First Society people, and the rise of early agricultural societiesPresents the story of early architecture, written by the coauthor of the acclaimed A Global History of ArchitectureUses the most current research to develop a global picture of human interaction and migrationFeatures color and black-and-white photos and drawings that show site conditions as well as huts, houses, and other buildings under construction in cultures that still exist todayHighlights global relationships with color mapsAnalyzes topics ranging in scale from landscape and culture to building techniquesHelps us come to terms with our own modern approaches to historical conditions and anthropological pastsArchitecture of First Societies is ideal reading for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the strong relationships between geography, ecology, culture, and architecture.

Genres: Architecture, History, Nonfiction

672 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Richard Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A phenomenal reference resource for writers and students of culture. Mark Jarzombek's amazing book is such a stand-alone volume of work, I was amazed and inspired with almost every single page I turned. I write fiction, and the cultures and societies of ancient peoples often figure into my characters. Research for me is almost non-stop, so if I can find a resource that will allow me to eliminate a few more empty alleys, I appreciate it. The book is a large, lavish work and it sets new ground in the very beginning, seeking to overturn to view of architecture and construction as somehow separate disciplines from a given culture's ongoing work. It connects the diverse threads of spiritual significance from within the cukltural perspective, with the structures these various people choose to live in. It is surprising just how interconnected culturally, those of us who inhabit similar weather regions, worldwide, really are. It also establishes a critical perspective that is all-embracing; choosing to view more ancient, closer to the earth societies, with the same kind of respect we give our own. The result is a very readable reference work that connects the structures made by scores of societies through cultural and environmental similarities, all of which work very well for a writer doing research. I would especially enjoy seeing this great book picked up as classroom text as it can only encourage student discussions overflowing into cultural tolerance and understanding. If you have anyone in your family or among your friends who has a related interest, this book will make a lasting, most impressive gift. My only criticism is that the colored areas in many of the charts and maps could be a bit brighter or show more contrast. but that's probably just my old eyes. The book is lavishly illustrated with many unique photographs that for me were inspirations in themselves. I expect some new ideas to come directly from my time with this great book. It is an expensive, big book, but your library will undoubtedly stock it. It is worth the effort to find it and check it out.

[Margery Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent. really appreciated the global and historical parallels and comparisons. also made me realize how much i had been just driving through (in the mid west america) when i could have stopped!