Introduction: Dwelling, Materials, Cosmology—Transforming Houses in the Neolithic

Abstract

In this brief introduction, the editors outline the structure of the volume and explain its rationale, before drawing out some key themes that emerge from the various contributions. In particular, they critically discuss the recent ontological focus on materials and its relation to human agency, the role of architecture in routine practice, the potential cosmological dimensions of the house, and possible avenues for examining transmission and change. They argue for the importance of a stronger comparative focus in re-invigorating the debate on how one kind of building and dwelling could transform into another.