Cultural and environmental values in the arcaded Mesaorian houses of Cyprus

The central Mesaorian region of Cyprus is the context for the development of a house form unique to the region. This article discusses the forces that influenced their evolution and the resulting typological developments. They are analyzed in terms of their functional characteristics, use patterns, and variations of the basic form. Thermal data suggests optimization of climatic forces. These adobe houses are currently facing oblivion due to changes in lifestyle and shift in priorities. They, however, present a case from which lessons can be learn and adopted to the modem context for a meaningful and appropriate architecture in the region. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.