Elemental Dangers, Ancient Advice

Modern “green” buildings may have acronyms and descriptions infused with technological phrases, but concerns they address mirror the necessity and technique of early permanent shelters. In an article for the Arizona Daily Star, Tom Beal captures this dichotomy in a side-by-side comparison of an ancient cliff dwelling and a new green building, the Reid Park Zoo Conservation Learning Center in Tucson, Arizona.

What is particularly striking when the aspects of both projects are spelled out is how much the buildings mirror each other in basic design. The modern efforts at conservation and sustainability—which include formaldehyde-free plywood, waterless urinals, and insulation made from recycled jeans—also include basic design features that the cliff dwelling. Both are oriented with shade to cool the building in summer, and help heat it in winter. At the new zoo building, rainwater captured on the roof irrigates native plants, just as the cliff dwelling harnessed rain and ground water for its habitants and crops.

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