Innovate by looking back

While studying Japanese gardens in hopes of bringing structure to my back yard I learned design principles followed in Japan for hundreds of years, taking advantage of the south exposure and utilizing the natural position of the sun to bring light to the garden and to the home. Egyptians created courtyards as private space that is shaded from the blaze of the sun. They often had water gardens to add to the cooling affects. In the Alps, heavy-built cabins had cold roofs that held the snow by ventilating between insulation and the exterior for extra insulation in the cold of winter.

Instead of working with nature, we work to control it. Light it, cool it, heat it. All driven by carbon based energy. Because it is easier and cheaper than developing expertise on interaction with nature.

What other lost arts could we be missing out on? Feng Shui next anyone?