Earth Architecture: From Ancient to Modern

From ancient forts in New Zealand to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., Earth Architecture ranges across the globe, covering more than 6,000 years of human history.

William Morgan, a practicing architect and published author, has created an invaluable compendium of environments shaped by the manipulation of one of the most fundamental building blocks available: earth. This splendidly illustrated volume contains intricate, detailed descriptions of more than fifty sites, written in non-technical language that will appeal to a broad range of readers.

Mounds, shaped hills, and terraces are only a few of the categories of structures Morgan systematically examines as he surveys everything from semi-subterranean dwellings to large-scale engineering projects. His exhaustive look encompasses a 4,200 B.C. settlement in the Negev and a contemporary performing arts pavilion in California. In addition to the unknown master builders and engineers from ancient times, works of modern architects including Le Corbusier, Frank Gehry, and Frank Lloyd Wright appear in these pages.

Morgan's focus on the architectural uses of earth in shaping societies and communities suggests implications for contemporary architecture, and the sites discussed offer numerous precedents for sustainable design, energy conservation, and environmental enhancement.

From ancient forts in New Zealand to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., Earth Architecture ranges across the globe, covering more than 6,000 years of human history.
 
William Morgan, a practicing architect and published author, has created an invaluable compendium of environments shaped by the manipulation of one of the most fundamental building blocks available: earth. This splendidly illustrated volume contains intricate, detailed descriptions of more than fifty sites, written in non-technical language that will appeal to a broad range of readers.
 
Mounds, shaped hills, and terraces are only a few of the categories of structures Morgan systematically examines as he surveys everything from semi-subterranean dwellings to large-scale engineering projects. His exhaustive look encompasses a 4,200 B.C. settlement in the Negev and a contemporary performing arts pavilion in California. In addition to the unknown master builders and engineers from ancient times, works of modern architects including Le Corbusier, Frank Gehry, and Frank Lloyd Wright appear in these pages.
 
Morgan's focus on the architectural uses of earth in shaping societies and communities suggests implications for contemporary architecture, and the sites discussed offer numerous precedents for sustainable design, energy conservation, and environmental enhancement.

Valerie Nye - Library Journal

Morgan (Precolumbian Architecture in Eastern North America), a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and president of an architectural practice based in Florida, defines earth architecture as "a study devoted to the architectural uses of the earth in shaping the environment of humankind." Each chapter reviews a human-created earth form-"Mounds," "Shaped Hills," "Earth Retained," "Terraces," "Platforms," "Excavations," "Modified Earth," "Water Retained," and "Cities"-and includes a brief overview of the earthwork followed by specific examples of earthen structures, which range from religious centers and homes to memorials and public spaces. Information provided about structures includes textual descriptions, histories, photographs, area sizes, approximate years of construction, and model drawings. Examples are drawn from around the globe and date from ancient to contemporary times, e.g., Persepolis near Shiraz, Iran, and the Concord Pavilion concert venue in Concord, CA. This survey will be of interest to patrons studying architecture, anthropology, archaeology, and sustainable building practices. Recommended for public and academic libraries.

William Morgan, FAIA, president of the Jacksonville-based William Morgan Architects, formerly held the Beinecke-Reeves Chair in Architectural Preservation at the University of Florida. He is the author of Precolumbian Architecture in Eastern North America, Ancient Architecture of the Southwest, and Prehistoric Architecture in Micronesia.