In the desert areas from the eastern Iran to western Afghanistan, traditional houses have curved roofs. As modernization progresses, such traditional houses are gradually disappearing from the region. However, in Herat, an old city in Western Afghanistan, traditional houses with domical vault are still left in their original form within the urban area. This study examines features of traditional houses with domical vaults in Herat through interviews of traditional builders and case studies of three houses including field surveys and interviews conducted with residents. Through this research, it finds that the structures of walls and domical vault vary depending on the time of construction, number of stories and size of rooms inside the houses. The study also finds that the materials used for walls and roofs differ according to the economic conditions of the families. Some conclusions are drawn about the architectural features of traditional houses with domical vaults in Herat.
This study analyses the changes of yashikirin (premises forest) in the middle and northern part of Okinawa Island using aerial photographs taken in 1945 (by US Navy during World War Two), 1972-74 and 2003 as well as field interviews of residents in 90 villages. It reveals that most villages in this part of Okinawa Island before World War Two were covered with yashikirin including those located inland. Although yashikirin was an essential part of residential environment in this area before World War Two, it disappeared rapidly in the postwar years due to the US military occupation and modernization of life style.
Herat is an old city in Western Afghanistan on Silk Road known for its cultural heritages. However, as the urban population increases rapidly, the city is under strong development pressure. This study looks at the extent of physical change as well as changes of residents in the Momandha Quarter in the southwestern part of Herat Old City, where many traditional adobe houses with domed roofs are preserved relatively well until now. Through field survey, it finds that activities of new constructions and repairs using industrialized materials have been accelerated in the last 10 years as new residents are moving into the old neighborhoods attracted by lower property prices. The traditional landscape of the quarter is rapidly changing as a result and conservation means are urgently needed. Afghanistan, Herat Old City, physical change, background of residents, conservation
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