"The forgotten stone landscape" by Clara Copiglia, ,

High in the mountain of the Verzasca valley in Switzerland, one can see the beauty of vernacular architecture made by its inhabitants. These stone constructions used during summer are symbols of the transhumance way of life. Stones, simply laid on top of each other, compose these humble houses. The local community utilized what the surrounding landscape provided.

Today, hundreds of thousands of abandoned dry-stone constructions in the Swiss Alps are decomposing, giving back each of their stones to nature. This picture could invoke nostalgia. It can also be emblematic of a world that keeps evolving faster, forgetting former communities and traditions. Taking an instant to look and reflect on a simpler way of life and a modest architecture respectful of its environment can help us construct a more sustainable future.