ABSTRACT
For example, the tropical rain-forest natives of northeastern Ecuador build their dwellings entirely with wood and thatch and create their living quarters on a platform within the structure at several feet above the forest floor (Plate 13.1). This pavilion -style architecture assists any wind to ventilate below the structure and raises the inhabited space above the windsheltering vegetation that surrounds the house and village. Having the main living platform above the ground serves also to protect the inhabitants from frequent flooding of a river that geographically might connect many villages to a local or regional economy. Additionally, building walls are porous enough to allow any breeze to permeate through but still provide privacy. This wall-form can be found throughout hot, humid regions and often serves climatically pragmatic ideals as well as cultural customs.
