Mud Buildings

Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo is an old village located in northern New Mexico surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This old village has existed for more than 1,000 years and shows how strong and creative people can be. Visiting Taos Pueblo makes you feel like you've gone back in time. The adobe homes built from sun-dried clay and straw are several stories high and are closely grouped together for protection. The natural colors of the houses mix well with the land around them. Narrow paths smoothed out by years of people walking run between the houses and lead to open areas where the smell of piñon wood smoke fills the air. Going to Taos Pueblo is more than just looking around; it changes how you see things.

Picture a stunning city emerging from the desert sand with its walls made of clay and warmed by the bright sun. Arg-e Bam is an ancient marvel found in the southeastern part of Iran. It tells stories of old civilizations and invites travelers with its special mix of history amazing buildings and natural sunlit beauty. Arg-e Bam which means "Bam Citadel " is more than just a group of mudbrick structures; it stands as a true example of human creativity and strength. For more than 2,000 years its dirt walls have protected and sheltered many different communities. Its clever building design uses natural airflow and materials from the area providing important lessons for the future!

Arg-e Bam

Shibam

Shibam known as the “Desert Manhattan ” rises from the sands of the Hadhramaut Valley in Yemen. It looks like a mirage made of dry clay creating a unique and amazing sight. The tall mudbrick buildings called "hirams " reach up into the sky in a stunning display telling stories of ancient cleverness and strong determination. From a distance Shibam looks like a dream. Its closely packed buildings stand tall in neat rows and their yellowish walls shine brightly in the hot desert sun. As you get closer you can see the detailed geometric designs carved into the clay. Each Hiram shows the talent of Yemeni masons who have mastered this special building style for many years. As we walk through the strong entrance we find ourselves in a twisting maze of narrow streets. The tall walls provide shade offering a cool break from the hot desert sun. "Simply experience it!"

Mud buildings have stood the test of time for over 1 000 years. This is mainly because mud was easy to find and cheap to use. Our ancestors built homes from mud because it was a practical choice for their needs. They shaped the earth around them into strong walls that kept them safe from the weather. Today we can still see these amazing structures and learn from the wisdom of those who came before us.

Read more about the Buildings around the world that stood the test of time.