This research study deals with lake and swamp cultures that existed in the past (Lake Carla) or others that still continue to exist (Iraq - Titicaca) studying their particular characteristics. Having as common building material the reed which is in abundance within their location, they build their spaces based on their characteristics, their morals, their tradition, their climatic and local conditions. They build their reed huts in perfect harmony with their environment, trying to coexist with the nature in an interactive way.

Many lakes and swamps have dried up over time, either due to health and political reasons, as in the Iraqi swamps or due to the extension of the arable land as in the example of Lake Carla.The result of the drying up is the shrinkage of these cultures and their gradual disappearance. Another important factor in the change of local culture is tourism such as Lake Titicaca, and the economic system of globalization. A system that aims to homogenize the planet resulting in the shrinkage or alteration of any traditional culture.

This research study presents three traditional settlements, one in Greece (the case of Lake Carla), the Iraqi swamps in the Tigris and Euphrates region and the Lake Titicaca on the Bolivian-Peruvian border. Three cultures very far one from each other have in common the building material - the reed - and the connection of the structures with the bottom of the lake. Despite the fact that in all three cases the same building material is used, the result of the buildings in terms of structure and form differsa lotbecause of the involvement of cultural and climatic elements.