mud high rises

[Patrick]

I think this is fascinating. This region is still leading skyscraper building (albeit with technology and designs developed in and by those in the west)

 

[JohnAKeith]

Whoa. Amazing. Thanks for the tip.

More photos, here:

http://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com/2009/03/worlds-first-high-rise-city.html

 

[Lurker]

Similar settlements have existed throughout central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa for centuries when the climate has been favorable and the need for tightly clustered defensible construction has been paramount. The downdrafts and shadows created by the buildings helps cope with the sun drenched heat of the climate. As does the thickness of the walls, which act as thermal reservoirs, cooling by day and heating at night.

 

[Patrick]

talk about anti sprawl

 

[czsz]

Here's a nice little tour of this city:

http://www.urbanphoto.net/blog/2007/01/22/skyscrapers-in-the-desert/