1) How much do you think the geographic position and the climate of the country may influence its architecture? Try to provide examples.
2) You've certainly watched many foreign films and you may have noticed some characteristic features of houses in different countries. What are they?
3) Which features are more characteristic of Ukrainian houses and why?
*open-shaped houses or compact houses;
*flat roof or steep roof.
*large windows or small windows.
*windows facing the sun or shaded from the sun.
*heavily furnished rooms or rooms almost empty.
Answers & Comments
Ответ:
1) The geographic position and the climate of the country have very big influence on its architecture, because the people who live in a particular country with a abnormal climate are trying to solve problems they have by creating new designs of houses. The earliest evidence of climatic influence on architecture and town planning is found in Egypt. At Kahun, the streets sloped down to the middle, so that accumulation of rain-water may be quickly drained off.
2) In Africa, Matmata cave-homes are very common, because of the sun and the desert winds. In very cold places you can find igloos. They are used as temporary shelters.
3) The climate in Ukraine is various, the winters are cold and the summers are hot. Of course, everyone has his own priorities, but the overwhelming part would probably have compact houses with small windows, but towards the sun to catch some warmth! I would also say that empty houses wouldn't be an option in the freezing winters. Steep roofs are always used in such climates as the one Ukraine has.