SOLAS Highlights Research on Ecological Impacts of Inca Architecture

March 10, 2014

SOLAS is the Student Organization for Latin American Studies at the University of New Mexico (UNM). The organization represents both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Latin American Studies as well as those conducting research in the region. As part of this representation, SOLAS regularly publishes peer-reviewed opinion pieces, photographs, research-driven articles, and commentary on events. Most recently, SOLAS published a research article on "The Ecological Impacts of Inca Architecture" written by Marcel Montoya, Masters candidate in Architecture at UNM. Below is a snippet of the complete article. To read the complete text, visit the SOLAS website.

"In conjunction with completing a Master of Architecture degree and the Graduate Certificate Program in Urban and Regional Design at the University of New Mexico, the author of this report has proposed a research project to document the ecological effects of Inca architectural planning and construction. The hypothesis is that, to this day, the ecology of Peru is strengthened by the design and engineering work of the Inca civilization. This research intends to show that some of the lasting effects of their civilization include increased biodiversity, mitigated drought conditions, cleaner river water, denser plant growth, and more bountiful habitats for humans and animals."

This research was made possible in part by funding from a Field Research Grant (FRG) provided by the Latin American & Iberian Institute and Tinker Foundation. For more information about FRGs, including application information and other examples of research supported, visit the LAII funding webpage. Note that applications for the next round of support are due on March 19, 2014.