The Role of Soil in Architecture

Abstract

In this article, soil and its developing stages in the framework of traditional and modern buildings are investigated. <br /> The tradition of building construction is a dynamic outcome where structure builders consciously yet gradually and progressively put their efforts into action for the development and improvement of their methods and shapes. If the new structures be built with modern stuff and materials they will be of more favorable and accepted, but there should be no reason to hesitate in finding innovative solutions in using traditional building materials such as soil, rocks and pottery clay suitable in certain cases.<br /> The use of soil in housing projects was not only a prevalent fashion in all over the world but also in Iran since ancient times. Masons and architects knew the significance role that this substance plays in building construction. However, people are today more habituated to other types of environments involving concrete and metal buildings and thus demands materials according to time requirements that are also abundantly available and easily acquirable. Experts as well as lay people have become rather ignorant and estranged from a true, beautiful humanistic lifestyle based on human interests and values. But if they can be exposed to such lifestyle, they will surely become attracted. <br /> The answer to the question that why soil is used as an element of value in buildings, should be sought in the facts and premises determining its manifold applications. The main focus of this article is to present these qualities as well as the innovative methods with which many problems in construction can be solved.