ARCH 1121 An Introduction to Architecture…Spring 2016 Mishara Toggle navigation

      Two shelters, the Yurt and the Igloo, which have many similarities and differences, have withstood the test of time again and again. Two very different lifestyles are lead whilst living in these ‘homes’, and yet very similar reasonings are behind it. Simply put, people need somewhere to stay, whether they be nomadic or not.

    Some similarities amongst the two being their simplistic, dome-like structure, vernacular styling, and location-based materials have made them a staple amongst certain cultures. They both can be constructed properly within a matter of 24-72 hours(depending on the amount of people working on it). They both are constructed of very few materials, all of which can be found locally to where the site is. Both the Igloo and the Yurt can and have been constructed in various different sizes, and they both serve as temporary, or permanent(in some cases) homes for people. They also resemble a dome, having a circularly shaped floor and rounded walls.

      Although there are many similarities, the list of differences is just as large. For example, the igloo has been constructed in arctic climates for centuries, because it’s made using ice and snow. The yurt is constructed in somewhat arid climates, in areas such as the grasslands of Mongolia, because it’s made using mostly wood and wool. While the igloo has a more rounded roof, one that comes together as a perfect dome, the yurt has more of a cone-like roofing finish to it; the yurt’s top comes to a point, while the igloo doesn’t.