ARCH 1121 An Introduction to Architecture…Spring 2016 Mishara

Jean Carlos Guzman
ARCH 1121
2/22/16
Igloo Questions
What is the purpose of an igloo?

The purpose of an igloo is to provide shelter or storage for those that live in the freezing climate. Igloos are mostly used now as a shed to store your catch for the day. The temperature inside an igloo is amazingly lower than the outside temperature. If built right the structure can maintain a warmer temperature inside. The snow used to build an igloo must have enough structural strength to be cut and stacked appropriately.
 
What characteristics makes the igloo a vernacular building?
A vernacular building is made by empirical builders without the actions of a professional architects. As you go up on the igloo you start to see that the rectangular blocks start to change angles.
 
In what type of climate are igloos found?
Igloos are found in freezing cold climates with snow such as the Arctic Circle, northern Canada. Rarely used for shelter anymore; they are mainly used today to store the meat a hunter has caught that day.
 
How does an igloo deal with location and climate?
Igloos are found in cold climates for the simple reason that if they will melt in warm climates. The cold breeze helps fortify the igloo. The igloo is made out of a combination of ice and snow. Eskimos search for hard compact snow to build and cut their blocks for the igloo. Building it on the side of the hill saves a lot of effort in the process of building.less surface are less work for you.