Prehistoric Architecture and Interiors

 My take away from this week 





The prehistoric period includes the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages, which produced the earliest examples of human settlements, architecture and art. 

Early homes were semi permanent base camps and were commonly built as cliff dwellings, mud and thatch structures, or stone structures. 

Lascaux Cave


The Lascaux Caves in France contain more than 6,000 figures and provide evidence of early artistic expression from approximately 17,000 B.C.E. 

During the Neolithic period people created monuments using large stones. Menhirs were upright standing stones and dolmens were created with upright stones supporting a horizontal stone. 

Stonehenge in England is one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments. It was constructed between 3200 and 1600 B.C. and used post and lintel construction methods. 

Residential homes often featured mud and brick walls and the hearth or fireplace served as the center of family life. 



Skara Brae in Scotland was a Neolithic village containing stone homes with built in furniture, hearths and primitive drainage systems. 

Catal Huyuk in Turkey demonstrates an advanced prehistoric society with residential and public buildings and organized waste disposal systems. 

Cahokia Mounds in Illinois represents one of the largest and most complex archaeological sites north of the pre Columbian cities of Mexico. 

 Stonehenge


Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world and is located in Wiltshire, England. [citation]

The structure was built during different phases between 3200 and 1600 B.C.

It was likely used for rituals and ceremonial activities. 

Stonehenge demonstrates the use of post and lintel construction, an important architectural technique that influenced later building methods. 

The monument is considered one of the earliest examples of monumental architecture in Europe. 

The size, organization and engineering required to build Stonehenge show the creativity and skill of prehistoric societies. 

•Current Applications

Modern architects continue to use stone as a durable and visually powerful building material.

Open gathering spaces in parks and public monuments reflect the communal and ceremonial functions seen at Stonehenge.

Built in furniture, similar to that found at Skara Brae, can be seen in many contemporary residential designs.

Sustainable building methods often draw inspiration from simple local materials used by prehistoric communities.

Modern urban planning continues to emphasize community spaces and infrastructure, concepts that were evident at settlements such as Catal Huyuk.

•Closing Reflection

Studying the prehistoric period helped me understand how the foundations of architecture, interiors and community design began. Although the structures were simple compared to modern buildings, they reveal remarkable creativity and innovation. I was especially impressed by Stonehenge and Skara Brae because they demonstrate how people used available resources to create functional and meaningful spaces. This period shows that architecture has always been connected to human needs, culture and daily life, making it an important starting point for the history of interior design. 

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