AMERICAS

The design of the pre-Columbian civilizations in North, Central, and South America are not commonly thought of when discussing the history of Interior Design. However, they are important and influential to modern design. 

One of the pre-Columbian cultures that interests me the most is that Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu was built by the Incas on a high mountain ridge, with dry-stacked stone walls. The craftsmen were skilled at this type of construction technique and the walls have withstood the test of time. The Inca had no written language, so they left no record of why they built the site or how they used it before it was abandoned in the early 16th century.

The important structures there are the Temple of the Sun, the Principle Temple, and the Temple with Three Windows.

Construction allowed structures to withstand seismic activity and to prevent flooding and mudslides. Also, the trapezoidal shape of windows and doorways helped prevent collapse during an earthquake. 

Interestingly, the Incas didn't use the wheel in constructing Machu Picchu, but knew about it - because they used it in toys. 

Influence on Modern Design

The influence of the design of the Incas can still be seen in modern homes. Here are examples of the dry-stack stone construction and trapezoid-shaped windows.