Lessons in Sustainability from the Inca Empire
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 18, Issue 1
Abstract
The engineers of the ancient Inca Empire cleverly used the resources of nature efficiently. Because of their unique awareness of nature, they were able to build durable structures that have lasted for more than 500 years. The structures they created reveal an exacting observation of the forces of nature and a honed ability to work in cooperation with those forces. This summation of the Inca storehouse structures in relationship to nature demonstrates that the relationship between construction and nature is powerful and can be used in a positive manner. Modern engineers can create more sustainable structures if they devote careful attention to nature.
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Acknowledgments
The authors extend their appreciation to the National Science Foundation for its funding of the Learning from the Ancient Engineers of the Great Inca Road project. The authors also thank the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the American Indian for bringing together its experts and hosting meetings. The Universidad de Piura, Piura, Peru, also provided critical support to the field researchers.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 18 • Issue 1 • February 2013
Pages: 52 - 55
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 3, 2012
Accepted: May 25, 2012
Published online: May 30, 2012
Published in print: Feb 1, 2013
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