Explore the changes in natural, manufactured, and recycled building materials today. Look at the advances in tools and the changes that have resulted in housing design and setting. Tools such as pneumatic hammers, electric drills and saws, as well as excavation equipment that has permitted building on hillsides and mountains should be examined. Invite a building contractor to the class to discuss the use of new materials and techniques in housing construction, where they are used, advantages, and a comparison of cost and maintenance. Explore ideas such as steel framing, poured concrete walls, straw bale, straw board, construction, the use of mortar bricks, clay and metal roofing, fiber cement siding, vinyl siding, plumbing, high density materials for floors and ceiling, and plastic pipes.
Historical influences affect the type of housing today and in the past.
Examine the styles of early humans and Aboriginal peoples. Lifestyle is described as a living pattern or a way of life. Discuss the following lifestyles and how they can influence housing. Architectural styles from the past have inspired new housing styles today. These styles will be discussed in Module 2.