Hausa architecture is an important part of African indigenous architecture. In many respects its construction techniques, its wail decoration and its structural forms, have been recognised as unique. Most of the Hausa Architecture studied has been in the form of palaces, mosques and few houses of the affluent, merchants and administrators. However the bulk of the Hausa built environment is, and for long has been, composed of ordinary domestic houses that accommodate the citizens of its cities and hamlets. This work deals with Hausa architecture as found in the older parts a major Hausa urban centre; to wit the walled city of Kano. The Kano built environment is composed of several forms of architecture, but the main concern here is specifically with the Hausa domestic architecture in the walled city of Kano. The study is informed by the theoretical proposition that a correlation exists between the spatial organisation of domestic house and the social life of its inhabitants; consequently changes in one result in changes in the other and vice-versa. The study has four main objectives: to establish the basic characteristics of Hausa domestic architecture, i.e. its dominant spatial themes; to show how the resulting domestic environment is supportive of the Hausa-Islamic culture; to examine the cultural impact of colonialism on the concept of the dwelling unit and by extension, on the culture of the Hausa; and to broaden the data base of an indigenous knowledge system in the field of architecture. The principal findings of the work are: that Hausa domestic architecture as found in the walled city is conceptually of two broad types; that the design concept of these types is rooted in the Hausa socio-cultural paradigm; that the design concept is flexible enough to cater for the subcultural elements that are the hallmarks of any Hausa society; that the changes in the political, economic and social fabric of the Hausa society in its recent history have had very little effect on the spatial quality of Hausa domestic architecture.

This thesis examines the relationship between the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of Amazonian communities and their sustainable indigenous architecture. Over centuries, these communities have profoundly influenced the Amazon rainforests through their distinctive lifestyles, cultural practices, and ancestral knowledge. My research delves into their nomadic traditions, cultural significance, farming techniques, and understanding of life cycles. By exploring these elements and advocating for the restoration of their traditional ways of living, we can foster forest regrowth and biodiversity, ultimately enhancing the health and purpose of our forested areas. This study seeks to identify commonalities among different communities and understand how their ecological knowledge can aid the modern world in addressing deforestation and maintaining ecological balance. By integrating this traditional wisdom with contemporary practices, we can develop strategies to combat environmental degradation and support sustainable development. The insights gained from this research can contribute to more effective conservation efforts and promote a deeper appreciation of the invaluable role that indigenous knowledge plays in preserving our natural environment. / Master of Architecture / Every minute on our planet, approximately 2,800 trees are lost. This alarming rate of deforestation has serious consequences for our environment. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the water cycle, storing carbon, and providing habitats for countless species. If we don't address deforestation, we could lose all the trees on Earth within the next 50 to 60 years. Among the deforested land around the globe, the amazon region has the highest percentage of destruction. The factors include illegal mining, logging, poaching, commercial plantation etc. Over centuries, the Amazonian Indigenous communities have shaped the Amazon rainforests through their unique lifestyles, cultural practices, and ancestral knowledge. My research aims to delve into various aspects of their lives and the connection, role between the communities and the ecosystem around them. By gaining insight into these aspects and working to restore their traditional ways of living, we can promote forest regrowth and biodiversity, ultimately improving the overall health and purpose of our forests. There is also scientific evidence explaining the phenomenon of cloud formation in the Amazon basin, referred to as the "Flying River." The indigenous communities of amazon created a type of soil which is dark, anthropogenic soil which is called Black soil. The black soil or Terra Preta is the most fertile soil on the planet today and surprisingly it is man made. Similarly, researchers believe that TPA of amazon region is achieved by the intervention of indigenous communities rather than natural agents like insects and birds that would help in formation of forest lands. This thesis talks about the correlation between different environmental phenomenon that occurs in the forest and the communities protecting them.

"Neo-Inca" or Colonial? The Death of Inca Architecture and other ParadigmsMost indigenous architectural traditions are believed to have ended abruptly with the European invasion of the Americas. In the Andes, scholars have argued that Inca architecture ceased soon after the arrival of the Spaniards and was rapidly replaced with European models. In this paper, I argue that the perceived death of Inca architecture is a false paradigm based on a variety of factors, such as a split in scholarly disciplines, a lack of scholarship on indigenous post contact architecture, and —most importantly— naming practices that have carried mistaken assumptions about the past. Focusing on Chinchero, the private estate of Thupa ‘Inka, as a case study, this paper demonstrates that Inca architecture continued well after the Spanish invasion. / Por lo general, se cree que las tradiciones arquitectónicas indígenas finalizaron bruscamente con la invasión europea de las Américas. En los Andes, los especialistas piensan que la arquitectura inca cesó poco después de la llegada de los españoles y fue reemplazada de manera rápida por modelos europeos. En el presente artículo, la autora plantea que la percepción de la "muerte" de la arquitectura inca es un paradigma falso, cuyo origen se debe a varios factores, tal como la separación en disciplinas académicas, la ausencia de estudios calificados sobre arquitectura indígena posterior a la Conquista, y, sobre todo, las denominaciones modernas, que implican erróneas aseveraciones acerca del pasado. Los trabajos de investigación se concentran en Chinchero, la propiedad privada de Thupa ‘Inka, como un caso en el que se demuestra que la arquitectura inca siguió en existencia después de la invasión española.

In this study sixteen early stone buildings at Fredericksburg, Texas, are described and evaluated as examples of indigenous architecture. Chapter II presents a brief history of the founding of Fredericksburg. Chapter III presents a description of the town site and a discussion of the native materials as used by the pioneer immigrants in the construction of residences and other buildings. Chapter IV is devoted to a detailed description of fourteen buildings as specific examples of the indigenous architecture. Representative photographs of the buildings as they now appear, as well as floor plans, illustrate the text. Two early churches of the indigenous type, accompanied by photographs and floor plans, are discussed in Chapter V. In Chapter VI a summary of the study is given and conclusions are presented.