DOCSLIB.ORG

Cold-Arid Deserts: Global Vernacular Framework for Passive Architectural Design

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Cold-Arid Deserts: Global Vernacular Framework for Passive Architectural Design A D.ARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE DIVISION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI’I AT MĀNOA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTORATE OF ARCHITECTURE May 2017 By Ana Molinar-Ruiz D.Arch Committee: David Rockwood, Chairperson Dr. Andrew Kaufman Jorge Loya Dr. Marja Sarvimaki Keywords: Cold-Arid Desert, Vernacular Architecture, Human Comfort Dedication To my loving husband. Por tu cariño, paciencia, y apoyo en realizar mis sueños. iii Acknowledgements My experience gathered through the completion of this doctorate project was very challenging and rewarding for me as a human, as well as for my future career in architec- ture. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my committee members David Rockwood, Andy Kaufman, Jorge Loya, and Magi Sarvimaki. The knowledge and expe- rience they have shared with me throughout this project has been instrumental in the de- velopment of this dissertation. Without all their unwavering support, insight, and advice this project would not have been possible. I owe my deepest thanks to my dissertation chairperson professor David Rock- wood, for sharing his passion for vernacular architecture and passive systems, and con- tinually pushing me to understand the details. To Dr. Andrew Kaufman, my deepest thanks for introducing me to the world of landscaping and the effects the natural environment has on human comfort. As well as serving as a constant reminder to keep it simple smiley, and focused. To Jorge Loya, I am sincerely thankful for your devotion of time despite the dis- tance, as well as helping me understand how to engage my project at a local level with economic and social considerations. To Dr. Marja Sarvimaki, thank you for helping me develop the initial constraints of my dissertation, as well as inspiring me to consider the human element. iv Abstract Among the most unforgiving climates, cold-arid deserts have inspired a myriad of solutions towards passive architecture. Developed over hundreds of years, lessons from vernacular architecture can be the key to challenges of the future. “Since antiquity, man has reacted to his environment, using his faculties to develop techniques and technologies, in such a psychological balance with nature that humanity historically lived attuned to the envi- ronment” (Fathy 1986)1 As concerns for the future of our planet steadily increase pertaining to the deple- tion of resources, energy consumption, and globalization, alternative solutions can im- prove the impact we have on our environment, as well as provide the ideal environment for us. The provision of housing for the rapidly growing population continually keeps ar- chitects and developers seeking ways to provide the most economically friendly, site spe- cific design that can also be sustainable. Design solutions do not have to be costly or in- corporate complicated modern technology to be sustainable and energy efficient. However, technological advancements continue to dictate the relationship between man and comfort. Can a blended principle of past solutions and modern technologies work together to improve the effects of climate on human environment? This dissertation is meant to gather vernacular lessons to develop a valid frame- work, in order to create environmentally and culturally sustainable residential prototypes. Through a global analysis, a framework is extrapolated from existing vernacular case studies and modeled to test their relationships and possible improvements to prove their validity today within a single site, the Chihuahua Desert in North America. 1 Fathy, Hassan. 1986. Natural Energy and Vernacular Architecture: Principles and Examples. London: University of Chicago Press. v Table of Contents Part 1: Understanding Vernacular Architecture in Cold-Arid Deserts .............................. 3 Chapter 1: Premise 4 1.1:Defining Vernacular Architecture ........................................................ 4 1.2: Psychology of the Cultural Landscape ................................................ 6 1.3: Human Comfort Standards .................................................................. 8 Chapter 2: Site 11 2.1: Identifying Geographical Locations .................................................. 11 2.2: Climate Parameters ............................................................................ 13 Part 2: Framework for Passive Architectural Design ....................................................... 15 Chapter 3: Global Vernacular Component Library 16 3.1: Case studies: Tents............................................................................. 17 Sub-Saharan Africa | Namib Desert, Namibia .............................. 19 Southwest Asia | Petra, Jordan ...................................................... 20 Central & East Asia | Gobi Desert, Mongolia ............................... 21 Central & East Asia | Hindu Kush, Afghanistan ........................... 22 3.2: Case studies: Huts .............................................................................. 24 Australia | Everard Ranges, South Australia ................................. 26 South America | Colca Valley, Peru ............................................. 27 South America | Atacama Desert, Chile ....................................... 28 Central & East Asia | Pamir Mountain Ranges, Tajikistan ........... 30 3.3: Case studies: Domes .......................................................................... 31 vi South America | Altiplano, Bolivia ............................................... 33 Sub-Saharan Africa | Highland, South Africa ............................... 34 Southwest Asia | Idlib Steppe, Syria ............................................. 35 Central & East Asia | Mary Province, Turkmenistan.................... 36 3.4: Case studies: Complexes ................................................................... 37 North America | Chihuahua Desert, USA ..................................... 39 Mediterranean | Draa Valley, Morocco......................................... 40 Mediterranean | Mzab Valley, Algeria .......................................... 41 Mediterranean | Ghadames, Libya ................................................ 44 Central & East Asia | Leh Desert, India ........................................ 45 Central & East Asia | Loess Plateau, China .................................. 47 Southwest Asia | Yazd Province, Iran ........................................... 48 Chapter 4: Lessons Learned 50 4.1: Component Matrix ............................................................................. 50 4.2: Theoretical Analysis & Framework ................................................... 54 Construction & Materials .............................................................. 54 Building envelope & structure ...................................................... 57 Window Openings ........................................................................ 60 Roofing criteria ............................................................................. 61 Sun Orientation & Shading techniques ......................................... 65 Wind Orientation .......................................................................... 67 Water Integration .......................................................................... 69 4.3: Diagrammatic guidelines ................................................................... 70 vii Part 3: Design Framework Parameters & Application ..................................................... 77 Chapter 5: Design Considerations & Weather Data 78 5.1: Thermal comfort ................................................................................ 78 Thermal Comfort: Factors............................................................. 78 Thermal Comfort: Metric .............................................................. 82 5.2: Software Tools ................................................................................... 85 Chapter 6: Design Project 87 6.1: Site application factors....................................................................... 87 Housing Market & Program.......................................................... 88 Location Analysis ......................................................................... 93 6.2: Massing model simulation – prototype inputs ................................... 98 Base Sample – Typical Construction ............................................ 98 Orientation relative to sun and wind ........................................... 100 Spatial Configuration on thermal comfort .................................. 102 6.3: Massing model simulation – prototype results ................................ 103 Prototype 1 – Mountainside Sub-Urban ..................................... 103 Prototype 2 –Urban Courtyard .................................................... 111 Computational Fluid Dynamic results ........................................ 119 Chapter 7: Discussion 127 7.1: Design development ........................................................................ 127 7.2: Future research ................................................................................. 131 viii List of Figures Figure 2.1 Koppen Climate Classifications Map: BWk (Orange) & BSk (Yellow) ........ 12 Figure 3.1 Global Components: Vernacular Case Studies model & plans ....................... 16 Figure 3.2 Global Components: Tent Case Studies .........................................................
Recommended publications
  • Tipi Instructions

    Tipi Instructions

    Tipi Instructions Hello and thanks for buying one of our Tipi Tents. Here are the instructions for the best way to put it up, take it down and how to store when not in use. We’ve provided a step-by-step picture guide for you to follow along with the written instructions. At the bottom of these instructions we’ve added some advice and tips on how to get years of good service out of your tent by looking after it properly. Enjoy! And don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, good ideas or better ways of doing it. Once you’ve erected your tent, we would love to see your Boutique Camping pictures, so please send them to us at [email protected]. They may even feature on our blog or Facebook page! Putting up a Tipi Tent Some general advice • We advise having 2 people to erect the tent, as it will of course simplify the process. By all means, you can put it up on your own, but of course the more the merrier, easier and quicker! • Find a flat piece of land, with ample space to comfortably put up your tent remembering to include room for the guy ropes • To prevent damaging the groundsheet, remove all sharp objects from the area. Things like stones and roots etc • Be careful when creating tension with the guy ropes, always try to keep the tension even, and never over do it. Be firm but gentle. • Before you peg out the tent, make sure all zips are closed, and check again when you adjust the guy ropes • Peg out the guy ropes in line with the tent seams How to Put Up Your Tipi A1)Open all bags and lay out all parts.
  • M O J a V E D E S E R T I S S U E S a Secondary

    M O J a V E D E S E R T I S S U E S a Secondary

    MOJAVE DESERT ISSUES A Secondary School Curriculum Bruce W. Bridenbecker & Darleen K. Stoner, Ph.D. Research Assistant Gail Uchwat Mojave Desert Issues was funded with a grant from the National Park �� Foundation. Parks as Classrooms is the educational program of the National ����� �� ���������� Park Service in partnership with the National Park Foundation. Design by Amy Yee and Sandra Kaye Published in 1999 and printed on recycled paper ii iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks to the following people for their contribution to this work: Elayn Briggs, Bureau of Land Management Caryn Davidson, National Park Service Larry Ellis, Banning High School Lorenza Fong, National Park Service Veronica Fortun, Bureau of Land Management Corky Hays, National Park Service Lorna Lange-Daggs, National Park Service Dave Martell, Pinon Mesa Middle School David Moore, National Park Service Ruby Newton, National Park Service Carol Peterson, National Park Service Pete Ricards, Twentynine Palms Highschool Kay Rohde, National Park Service Dennis Schramm, National Park Service Jo Simpson, Bureau of Land Management Kirsten Talken, National Park Service Cindy Zacks, Yucca Valley Highschool Joe Zarki, National Park Service The following specialists provided information: John Anderson, California Department of Fish & Game Dave Bieri, National Park Service �� John Crossman, California Department of Parks and Recreation ����� �� ���������� Don Fife, American Land Holders Association Dana Harper, National Park Service Judy Hohman, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Becky Miller, California
  • Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies for Natural Communities Piloting Methods in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts

    Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies for Natural Communities Piloting Methods in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts

    Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies for Natural Communities Piloting methods in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts September 2012 i Prepared by Patrick J. Comer, Chief Ecologist, NatureServe Bruce Young, Director of Species Science, NatureServe Keith Schulz, Regional Vegetation Ecologist, NatureServe Gwen Kittel, Regional Riparian Ecologist, NatureServe Bob Unnasch, Terrestrial Ecologist, Sound Science David Braun, Aquatic Ecologist/Biohydrologist, Sound Science Geoff Hammerson, Research Zoologist, NatureServe Lindsey Smart, Ecologist/Spatial Analyst, NatureServe Healy Hamilton, Climate Scientist/Ecologist, Stephanie Auer, Climate Scientist/Spatial Analyst Regan Smyth, Landscape Ecologist/Spatial Analyst, NatureServe Jon Hak, Ecologist/Spatial Modeler, NatureServe Citation: Comer, P. J., B. Young, K. Schulz, G. Kittel, B. Unnasch, D. Braun, G. Hammerson, L. Smart, H. Hamilton, S. Auer, R. Smyth, and J. Hak.. 2012. Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies for Natural Communities: Piloting methods in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. NatureServe, Arlington, VA. ii Table of Contents Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction and Project Overview ............................................................................................................... 4 Defining Climate-Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies ........................................................
  • Biome (Desert)- Climate Affecting Soil And

    Biome (Desert)- Climate Affecting Soil And

    With reference to one biome that you have studied, account for the type of climate experienced in this biome and explain how this climate impacts on soils and vegetation within the biome. (80 marks) Marking Scheme: Number of aspects discussed: 3 @ 20 marks each 4 @ 15 marks each For each aspect: Identifying aspect 4 marks 3 marks Discussion 8 x SRPs 6 x SRPs Overall Coherence 20 marks graded* 20 marks graded* In this answer, I choose 3 aspects to discuss (1. Climate, 2. Climate’s impact on soil and, 3. Climate’s impact on vegetation). Overall coherence means how well your answer is structured (Introduction, main section, conclusion – well-structured and coherent) and do you keep to the point/ answer the question directly. Introduction: In this answer I am going to discuss the type of climate experienced in the hot desert biome and how this climate impacts on soils and vegetation within this biome. Biomes are classified according to the predominant vegetation and characterized by adaptations of organisms to that particular environment. They are a large geographical area controlled by climate. Therefore the climate of a particular region will affect what type of soil is formed in that biome as well as what types of plants (flora) grow there. The hot desert that I have studied is the North American Desert Biome. Body of Topic: A desert biome can be defined as an arid region that is characterised by little or no rainfall, in which vegetation is scarce or absent, unless it has specially adapted. As a result of its location, between 15º and 30º north of the Equator, the climate of the hot desert biome is hot and dry.
  • The Sámi People and Their Culture the Sámi Or Saami Were Also Called Lapps Or Laplanders by the English

    The Sámi People and Their Culture the Sámi Or Saami Were Also Called Lapps Or Laplanders by the English

    The Sámi people and their culture The Sámi or Saami were also called Lapps or Laplanders by the English. Sámi people consider the English terms derogatory. The Sámi are recognized as the only indigenous people of Europe. They have lived in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Their origins are Finno‐Ugric, a Hungarian and Yugra (Urals) past, inhabiting the Sápmi region. Today, the region encompasses large parts of Norway and Sweden, northern parts of Finland, and the Murmansk Oblast (Kola Peninsula) of Russia. The Sámi people have their own language, culture and customs that differ from others around them. This has caused the Sámi social problems and culture clashes. As we learned from our Sámi culture presentation and a quote from ‐religiousstudiesproject.com the following: “The history between the Sámi and the Norwegian government has left a stain on the Sámi for generations: The Norwegianization policy undertaken by the Norwegian government from the 1850s up until the Second World War resulted in the apparent loss of Sami language and assimilation of the coastal Sami as an ethnically‐distinct people into the northern Norwegian population. Together with the rise of an ethno‐political movement since the 1970s, however, Sami culture has seen a revitalization of language, cultural activities, and ethnic identity (Brattland 2010:31).” Note: Suggested readings, ‐laits.utexas.edu, a 19‐part series by the University of Texas entitled “Sámi Culture.” The other reading is‐ unsr.vtaulicorpuz.org. It is a report by the United Nations on the rights of indigenous people such as the Sámi. Reindeer are the Sámi key element to how they live.
  • Tent Inspection

    Tent Inspection

    Tent Guide Information referenced from the 2015 Frederick County Fire Prevention Code A Tent is defined as a structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without sidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported by any manner except by air or the contents that it protects. All Tents: • A permit issued by the Frederick County Fire Marshal’s office shall be required for tents over 900 square feet not being used for recreational camping purposes. (Frederick County fire Prevention Code section 107.2 Permit Required.) • A detailed site and floor plan for tents with occupant load of 50 or more shall be required with each application for approval. The tent floor plan shall indicate details of means of egress, seating capacity, arrangement of seating and location and types of heating and electrical equipment. (Frederick County fire Prevention Code section 3103.6 Construction documents.) • An unobstructed fire break passageway or fire road not less than 12 feet wide and free from guy ropes or other obstructions shall be maintained on all sides of all tents unless otherwise approved by the fire code official. (Frederick County fire Prevention Code section 3103.8.6 Fire break.) • A certificate from an approved laboratory stating that the materials used in tent meet the flame- retardant criteria needed to pass NFPA Test Method 1 or Test Method 2. (Frederick County fire Prevention Code section 3104.2 Flame propagation performance treatment.) • Approved “No Smoking” signs shall be conspicuously posted. (Frederick County fire Prevention Code section 3104.6 Smoking.) • At least one 5lb. multipurpose 2A 10BC portable fire extinguisher shall be hung and tagged within 75 ft of travel distance.
  • THE SUN, the MOON and FIRMAMENT in CHUKCHI MYTHOLOGY and on the RELATIONS of CELESTIAL BODIES and SACRIFICE Ülo Siimets

    THE SUN, the MOON and FIRMAMENT in CHUKCHI MYTHOLOGY and on the RELATIONS of CELESTIAL BODIES and SACRIFICE Ülo Siimets

    THE SUN, THE MOON AND FIRMAMENT IN CHUKCHI MYTHOLOGY AND ON THE RELATIONS OF CELESTIAL BODIES AND SACRIFICE Ülo Siimets Abstract This article gives a brief overview of the most common Chukchi myths, notions and beliefs related to celestial bodies at the end of the 19th and during the 20th century. The firmament of Chukchi world view is connected with their main source of subsistence – reindeer herding. Chukchis are one of the very few Siberian indigenous people who have preserved their religion. Similarly to many other nations, the peoples of the Far North as well as Chukchis personify the Sun, the Moon and stars. The article also points out the similarities between Chukchi notions and these of other peoples. Till now Chukchi reindeer herders seek the supposed help or influence of a constellation or planet when making important sacrifices (for example, offering sacrifices in a full moon). According to the Chukchi religion the most important celestial character is the Sun. It is spoken of as an individual being (vaúrgún). In addition to the Sun, the Creator, Dawn, Zenith, Midday and the North Star also belong to the ranks of special (superior) beings. The Moon in Chukchi mythology is a man and a being in one person. It is as the ketlja (evil spirit) of the Sun. Chukchi myths about several stars (such as the North Star and Betelgeuse) resemble to a great extent these of other peoples. Keywords: astral mythology, the Moon, sacrifices, reindeer herding, the Sun, celestial bodies, Chukchi religion, constellations. The interdependence of the Earth and celestial as well as weather phenomena has a special meaning for mankind for it is the co-exist- ence of the Sun and Moon, day and night, wind, rainfall and soil that creates life and warmth and provides the daily bread.
  • Tent & Events Under a Tent Permit Application

    Tent & Events Under a Tent Permit Application

    343 West Canton Avenue • Winter Park, Florida 32789 Office of the 407-599-3298 • 407-599-3231 fax • wpfd.org Fire Marshal TENT PERMIT INFORMATION FORM In an attempt to streamline our permitting process, the Building Department will issue all tent permits for the Fire Department. The following requirements are outlined in the Florida Fire Prevention Codes 7th Edition, NFPA 1 Chapter 25, and shall be adhered to when erecting a tent within the City of Winter Park limits. Date of the event: Size of the tent: Address of venue: Venue name: Phone number: _ Date of tent erection: Date of dismantling of tent: Describe type of event and all activities that the tent is going to be used for: CHECK ALL THAT ARE APPLICABLE [ ] USED FOR COOKING UNDER –*Butane fueled appliances are prohibited from use [ ] OVER 750 SQ/FT OF SPACE BEING COVERED [ ] WITH SIDES (ENCLOSED) [ ] TENTS OVER 1500 SQ/FT [ ] WITH SIDES (ENCLOSED) NO TENT, OR A COMBINATION OF TENTS, WITHOUT MEETING THE CONDITIONS BELOW, SHALL BE ERECTED OR USED WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM THE FIRE MARSHAL. ALSO, NONE SHALL BE USED WITHOUT A PERMIT BEING ISSUED FROM THE CITY OF WINTER PARK. ALL TENT(S) NOT COMPLING WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS, WILL IMMEDIATELY HAVE ALL WORK OR ACTIVITY THERE UNDER STOPPED. TENT(S) ARE NOT TO BE USED WITHOUT HAVING THE PROPER APPROVAL. TENTS USED FOR COOKING 1. Permits for all tents used to cook under, shall be submitted no later than five business days prior to the erection of the tents. An inspection at least 90 minutes prior to the cooking operations and subject to all fees per the City of Winter Park may be required.
  • The Mediterranean Climate: an Overview of the Main Characteristics and Issues

    The Mediterranean Climate: an Overview of the Main Characteristics and Issues

    Introduction The Mediterranean Climate: An Overview of the Main Characteristics and Issues P. Lionello,1 P. Malanotte-Rizzoli,2 R. Boscolo,3 P. Alpert,4 V. Artale,5 L. Li,6 J. Luterbacher,7 W. May,10 R. Trigo,8 M. Tsimplis,9 U. Ulbrich11 and E. Xoplaki7 1Department of Material Sciences, University of Lecce, Italy, [email protected] 2Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, [email protected] 3ICPO, UK and Spain, [email protected] 4Tel Aviv University, Israel, [email protected] 5ENEA, Roma, Italy, [email protected] 6Laboratory of Dynamical Meteorology CNRS, Paris, France, [email protected] 7Institute of Geography and NCCR Climate, University of Bern and NCCR Climate, Switzerland, [email protected], [email protected] 8University of Lisbon, Portugal, [email protected] 9National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK, [email protected] 10Danish Meteorological Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark, [email protected] 11Freie Universita¨t Berlin, Germany, [email protected] 1. The Mediterranean Region: Climate and Characteristics The Mediterranean Region has many morphologic, geographical, historical and societal characteristics, which make its climate scientifically interesting. The purpose of this introduction is to summarize them and to introduce the material extensively discussed in the succeeding chapters of this book. The connotation of ‘‘Mediterranean climate’’ is included in the qualitative classification of the different types of climate on Earth (e.g. Ko¨ppen, 1936) and it has been used to define the climate of other (generally smaller) regions besides that of the Mediterranean region itself. The concept of ‘‘Mediterranean’’ climate is characterized by mild wet winters and warm to hot, dry summers and may occur on the west side of continents between about 30 and 40 latitude.
  • Outdoor Comfort: Hot Desert and Cold Winter Cities

    Outdoor Comfort: Hot Desert and Cold Winter Cities

    Arch. &Comport. I Arch. & Behav., Vol. 10, no 1, p. 73 - 94 73 Outdoor Comfort : Hot Desert and Cold Winter Cities Madis Pihlak Landscape Architecture Program Department of Horticulture University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742-5611 U.S.A. Summary Cities of extreme climate highlight the need for climate sensitive urban design at the site design scale. Relatively inexpensive energy costs have allowed cities as different climatically as Edmonton, Alberta and Phoenix, Arizona to develop more or less in the same manner. Both cities ignore their unique climate and thus any potential to capitalize on their unique characteristics. Both the Sonoran Desert and the high Canadian Prairie are starkly beautiful natural places. By using site design principles which maximize the positive aspects and minimize the negative aspects of each climate type, both cities could develop as uniquely beautiful and comfortable urban places. Most of the literature to date has focused on interior architectural issues of energy conservation or interior comfort. Some urban planning work has focused on the general issue of climate sensitive urban design. There is need for further research with extreme climate cities to develop site level outdoor design principles which will improve everyday comfort within hot desert and cold winter cities. Resume Les villes jouissant d'un climat extreme mettent en Cvidence l'importance d'une planification qui tiendrait compte de cet aspect. Le cofit relativement bas de l'tnergie a permis B des villes aussi diffkrentes sur le plan du climat qu'Edmonton, Alberta, et Phoenix, Arizona, de se dtvelopper de manikre assez semblable. Ces deux villes ne tiennent pas compte du fait qu'elles jouissent d'un climat unique et nCgligent donc toute possibilitC de profiter de cet aspect.
  • Precipitation History and Ecosystem Response to Multidecadal Precipitation Variability in the Mojave Desert Region, 1893–2001

    Precipitation History and Ecosystem Response to Multidecadal Precipitation Variability in the Mojave Desert Region, 1893–2001

    ARTICLE IN PRESS Journal of Arid Environments Journal of Arid Environments 67 (2006) 13–34 www.elsevier.com/locate/jaridenv Precipitation history and ecosystem response to multidecadal precipitation variability in the Mojave Desert region, 1893–2001 R. HerefordÃ,1, R.H. Webb, C.I. Longpre´ US Geological Survey, 2255 North Gemini Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001, USA; 520 North Park Avenue Tucson, AZ 85719, USA Abstract Precipitation varied substantially in the Mojave Desert through the 20th century in a manner broadly similar to the other warm North American deserts. Episodes of drought and prolonged dry conditions (1893–1904, ca. 1942–1975, and 1999-present) alternated with relatively wet periods (1905–ca. 1941 and ca. 1976–1998), probably because of global-scale climate fluctuations. These are the El Nin˜o-Southern Oscillation that affects interannual climate and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation that evidently causes decadal-scale variability such as prolonged dry and wet episodes. Studies done in the late 20th century demonstrate that precipitation fluctuations affected populations of perennial vegetation, annuals, and small herbivores. Landscape rephotography reveals that several species, particularly creosote bush, increased in size and density during the ca. 1976–1998 wet period. A brief, intense drought from 1989 to 1991 and the ongoing drought caused widespread mortality of certain species; for example, chenopods and perennial grasses suffered up to 100% mortality. Drought pruning, the shedding of above-ground biomass to reduce carbon allocation, increased substantially during drought. Overall, drought had the greatest influence on the Mojave Desert ecosystem. r 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Keywords: Mojave desert; Precipitation variability; ENSO; PDO; Desert ecosystem ÃCorresponding author.
  • Nordic Tipis – a Home for Big and Small Adventures ROOTS

    Nordic Tipis – a Home for Big and Small Adventures ROOTS

    ADVENTURE Nordic tipis – a home for big and small adventures ROOTS THE PEOPLE OF THE SUN AND WIND The Sami are the only indigenous people in Europe. They used to live as nomadic trackers, hunters and reindeer keepers. Their country Sápmi extends over northern Scandinavia and parts of Russia. The tough climate, the long winter and nature’s tribulations were part of these people’s everyday life. The lifecycle of the reindeer was also theirs and they accompanied their animals to their summer and winter grazing grounds. Traditionally, the Sami lived in a “kåta” in the winter. The focal point of the tent was the fire which gave them heat and light and a feel of homeliness. Our company was started in Moskosel, a little village in Swedish Lapland, where the Sami heritage is ever present. Our hope is that, when you choose a Tentipi Nordic tipi, you will feel the same closeness to the elements as the indigenous people do. Separating the reindeer – an activity steeped in cultural heritage that is still a central part of reindeer husbandry © Peter Rosén CONTENT 04 Adventure tent range 24 Stove and fire equipment 26 Tent accessories 31 Sustainability 32 Handicraft and material 34 Crucial features 36 Event tents 38 Tentipi Camp 39 Further reading Wanted: a home in nature The idea came to me when I was sitting by a stream, far out in the wilds of Lapland. Tired and sweaty after a long day of exciting canoeing, what I really wanted to do was socialise with my friends while eating dinner and chatting around a fire.