Pergolas and arbours : an evolutionary history

Abstract

The pergola is as old as the era of cultivation and while it began as a wholly horticultural device to enable the growing of grapes, it soon developed social roles as well as a pavilion for gathering under, as a corridor for movement or as a threshold between indoors and outdoors. The sensory qualities of the pergola have long been recognised, if more by some cultures and some generations than by others. What then has history to tell us of mankind's long liaison with the pergola? What evolutionary threads are there, and have any commmon purposes developed between different cultures and ages? What has present-day New Zealand to learn from the experience of history? What opportunities does it suggest? So far as I am aware, a history of the pergola has not before been written. This essay then aims to examine the reasons why pergolas have been erected, through their recorded history of over 4300 years, and it attempts to identify possible "lines of succession" in the character or development of the pergola from one culture or age to another. This history will draw attention to cultural background and climate and will trace the evolution and spread of the pergola in its various forms. The social value and spatial experience of each form of pergola will be discussed. The progressive discovery of climbing plant species and their impact on the qualities of the pergola, is addressed. The very early history of the pergola revolves around the cultivation of the grape vine in Ancient Mesopotamia whence it spread across the western Mediterranean, through Phoenician traders and through the contact of war and conquest. The production "trellis" led to the recreational and ornamental pergola or arbour, in response to the human need for decoration and for cool outdoor shade in hot climates. From Greek times, climbers other than the grape vine were introduced, and trees were pleached (intertwined) to form "natural" arbours. The elevation of the pergola to the realm of garden design was clearly the great achievement of the Ancient Egyptians. This essay examines how the concept was disseminated and extended. Particular attention is given to the development of the concepts of the arboured walk, the arboured pavilion or seat and the arboured al fresco dining area.