UNDERSTANDING HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE THROUGH LOST CITIES, CASE: CAHOKIA CIVILIZATION

Abstract

It is the people that make history. The lives of people living in the past has shaped what today is left is as a larger world. Every civilization has its own historic implications. Understanding the history of architecture is an important tool for contemporary design. In the present state of rapid modernization, we have started to embrace the future but have forgotten that detailed analysed history is what leads us to a better tomorrow. These studies are essentially a comparison between how the people lived and how they wanted to be perceived as a living. Apart from known and architecturally celebrated ancient towns like Mohen-jodaro, Harappa etc., there lies an unending list of mysterious cities like Atlantis, Kahokia, Catalhoyk, Pavlopetri, Tikal, Timgad, Machu Pichu, etc. They are still under research as relevant and requisite data to get them included in textbooks are still missing. However, each of these places has a unique story of its own. Each of them is like fairy tale story with charm and ecstasy. Their lifestyle, neighbourhood, habits, strengths and downfall are all very relevant to their socio-economic setting. An in-depth analysis of their civilization will certainly help us in establishing a better understanding of the human race as a whole. This in turn would help us in designing future cities. This paper will involve the study and analysis of Kahokia civilization with reference to various aspects of architecture and socio-economic setting. A journey of their rise and fall is being attempted to be traced and analysed.