The Fascinating World of Igloos: Ice Homes of the Arctic

Tyler Suess
4 min readOct 9, 2023

Igloos, those iconic ice houses of the Arctic, have captured the imagination of people around the world for centuries. These remarkable structures, ingeniously designed by indigenous peoples of the polar regions, have not only provided shelter in extreme cold but also hold cultural and historical significance. In this blog, we will explore the fascinating world of igloos, from their construction to their cultural importance.

Photo by Marc Wieland on Unsplash

Brief History of Igloos

1. Ancient Origins: The concept of the igloo began with the indigenous peoples of the Arctic, such as the Inuit, Yupik, and Aleut. These resourceful communities developed the igloo as an innovative response to the harsh polar environment.

2. Ingenious Design: Igloos are ingeniously designed structures, characterized by their dome-shaped architecture. They are constructed using tightly packed snow blocks, which are cut and shaped to create a stable, insulated shelter.

3. Multifunctional Shelters: Igloos served as versatile shelters for indigenous communities. They provided protection from extreme cold, strong winds, and predators. In addition to being used as dwellings, igloos were utilized as temporary hunting camps and storage spaces.

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Tyler Suess

Electrical Engineer with a newfound interest for writing. Everything environment, animals and more!