Mohenjo-Daro is an archaeological site in Pakistan that has led archaeologists to discover ancient settlements and house designs. Situated along the banks of the Indus River, the site is thought to have been built around 2500 BCE. Art Deco house designs have been found among the ruins of Mohenjo-Daro, making it as one of the oldest known forms of Art Deco architecture.Ancient Mohenjo-Daro House Designs
The history of the Mohenjo-Daro house plans and construction techniques is a blend of Mesopotamian, Aegean, and Harappan cultures. The houses were designed and built by the people of the Indus Valley Civilization. A wealth of archaeological evidence leads to the conclusion that the residents were advanced in the art of architecture and engineering.The History of Mohenjo-Daro House Plans and Construction
The houses of Mohenjo-Daro have a unique set of features that set them apart from other ancient houses. The features include a flat roof, no windows (in some cases), small doorways, and a stepped staircase. The design of the walls was unique in that they were usually made of mud bricks and joined together with mud mortar.Unique Features of Mohenjo-Daro Houses
The houses found in Mohenjo-Daro have been studied extensively and much is now known about their layout and design. The houses were usually rectangular and typically laid out in an east-west orientation. The average size of a house was around seven meters wide and fifteen meters long. The walls were made of mud bricks and there was usually a single door at the entrance to the house.Understanding Mohenjo-Daro House Plans
The people of Mohenjo-Daro built several types of houses. The most common type of house was a single-family dwelling, but there were also larger houses for more than one family. There were also special buildings such as granaries and public assembly rooms. Many of the houses of Mohenjo-Daro included courtyards and other features similar to traditional Middle Eastern houses.Types of Houses Found in Mohenjo-Daro
The houses of Mohenjo-Daro were largely constructed based on the environment of the region. The land around the site was generally flat and the climate was hot and dry. The use of mud bricks and mud mortar was an important technique for keeping the houses cool. The roof of the houses had a flat shape, which helped the houses to remain cool during the summer months.The Environment of Mohenjo-Daro: A Clue for House Plans
The houses of Mohenjo-Daro follow a number of basic elements in their plans. Such elements include a main entrance, rooms off of the central courtyard, a staircase, and a bathroom. In some cases, the houses also included a number of other features such as a veranda or a platform.Elements of Mohenjo-Daro House Plans
The houses of Mohenjo-Daro were not static, but were subject to modifications over time. This can be seen in the burial remains that have been found at various sites in the region. Many of the modifications are believed to be associated with changes in the economy of the region, such as the development of agriculture or the emergence of trade networks.Significance of Modifications in Mohenjo-Daro House Plans
The people of Mohenjo-Daro had a number of construction techniques for their house plans. They employed mud bricks and mud mortar for most of the walls, while the floor planks were made from teak wood or the stems of reeds. The roof had a flat shape and was constructed from mud bricks and covered with mud. The doors and windows were often wooden and decorated with terracotta burg, a type of baked clay.Construction Techniques Used in Mohenjo-Daro House Plans
Today there is a growing interest in the study and interpretation of the houses of Mohenjo-Daro. Modern architects have sought to interpret the features of these ancient buildings through the development of industrial Art Deco house designs, incorporating elements of Mohenjo-Daro and other ancient architectural styles. Such modern interpretations of Mohenjo-Daro are an important way of preserving the memory of the ancient people of this great city.Contemporary Interpretations of Mohenjo-Daro Houses