LOG HOUSE IN URBAN AND RURAL REGIONAL LANDSCAPE OF LATVIA

Abstract

Only wooden buildings were found on lands populated by the Balts up to the 13^th century. It was necessary to build buildings of different planning configuration following the relief of the hillfort: rectangular, polygonal and free configuration log houses made of logs were very appropriate for such conditions. Fences of logs for the defence of hillforts matching the relief gradually became as fortification walls and new structural elements in the spatial arrangement of primitive settlements. Logs became components of landscape. Starting from the 13^th century architecture of wooden buildings developed in a new socio-political situation in the presence of stone architecture. In modern Latvia building of log houses has remained unchanged and has not lost its peculiarity in constructive essence during the centuries.

Research goal: analyse the impact of urban and rural environment forming wooden buildings – log houses on the Latvian cultural landscape during various ages.

Applied materials and methods in the work: observation of buildings in nature, comparative analysis of projects, cartographic, graphic and photographic materials.