Southwestern architecture

Southwestern architecture is a style rooted in the traditions of Native American tribes, especially the Pueblo peoples of the American Southwest. It features the use of natural materials like adobe (mud bricks), stucco, and stone, often in earth tones. Structures typically have flat roofs, rounded edges, and thick walls that help insulate against the desert climate. Design elements include covered porches, wooden beams called vigas, and small, shuttered windows. The style emphasizes harmony with the natural environment and cultural heritage, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal, and is often seen in homes, churches, and public buildings throughout the Southwest United States.