Exploring the relationship between climate and culture in Apulia, Italy

This study explores the reciprocal relationship between climate and culture through a study of the landscape of Apulia, southern Italy. This area pertains to the Mediterranean zone and therefore its climate is characterized by a predominating hot, dry summer and a short mild winter. Cultural artifacts were directly and systematically measured through field reconnaissance and in-depth interviews with local residents. The study sought to identify the effect of climate on the physical properties and spatial organization of each artifact.; Artifacts were measured qualitatively based on their form, materials, size, orientation and colour. Human activities in or near the artifacts were also observed. The various microclimates were identified through experiential measures including observation of sun aspect in relation to artifacts, and the presence and direction of wind. All field data was supplemented by interviews when possible.; The results indicate a strong and persistent relationship between climate and every cultural artifact studied. The design elements that were affected by climate included, but were not limited to: orientation, material, colour, form, and pattern. Through a process of Grounded Theory, these relationships formed three categories describing landscape: landscape organization, physical properties and the human response to climate therein. The same process can be applied to other regions to identify design elements that relate to different climatic regions. It is recommended that further studies investigate these relationships in an empirical manner, using micrometreological instrumentation, and also investigate how variations may change over time.