ABSTRACT
Historically, adobe was used in the southernmost regions of the Great Plains where the Spanish and Mexican influence was greatest. Wood has always been sparse on the Great Plains. From an energy perspective, the Great Plains is blessed with plenty of sun and wind. The installation of wind-generated power is gaining popularity for good reason, and it appears likely that on the western prairies wind power will be the dominant source of renewable fuel. The only mechanical devices required to help with cooling the units would be fans. The Great Plains presents a wide range of environmental challenges to resolve for anyone wishing to design a building there. While semi-arid conditions prevail across the entire Great Plains and give it its most notable climatic character, the region varies thermally from north to south. As in any other region, windows must be carefully selected and placed according to orientation and exposure.
