Earthen Architecture: An Endangered Species?

Abstract

Earthen architecture has served as a response to habitat needs for the inhabitants of much of our planet. Developed through simple and economical technology, and endowed with its own identity, it has been adopted by many cultures, each of which has imprinted upon it its particular mark. Today, however, due to various circumstances, this form of architecture is in danger of disappearing.

The Andean region is being displaced by new architectural forms that do not meet the technical or economic conditions required by the present moment and by the local context.

Many governmental and non-governmental organizations are devoted to the study of this architecture in order to introduce improvements and propose policies for its conservation and dissemination. It is important that urgent measures be taken to preserve it. Raising awareness in this regard is an imperative obligation.