A Living Structure: Idaho's Fire Lookout Towers
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Andrea Dutto, University of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Idaho’s fire lookout towers represent one of the most architecturally distinct and historically significant building types in American history, yet they remain largely unstudied through an architectural lens. This project proposes a foundational framework for understanding, documenting, and innovating Idaho’s lookouts based on a growing case study inventory, historical documents, field interviews, and designed regional trails that highlight lookouts all over the state of Idaho.
The research aims to highlight the role of architectural design for the preservation and innovation of lookouts to serve historians, preservationists, and future architects and innovators alike, through two companion research papers. The first establishes a typological framework for understanding lookouts based on five architectural elements (the roof, cabin, catwalk, tower, and stairs) that persist across era, geography, and construction methods. The second paper applies that framework to a decision-making process of preservation and reuse, helping to navigate the tension between old and new, namely: restoration and innovation.
Together, these two research papers point to how architectural design could help to reevaluate fire lookout towers within the built heritage of Idaho and its forests.
A Living Structure: Idaho's Fire Lookout Towers
Idaho’s fire lookout towers represent one of the most architecturally distinct and historically significant building types in American history, yet they remain largely unstudied through an architectural lens. This project proposes a foundational framework for understanding, documenting, and innovating Idaho’s lookouts based on a growing case study inventory, historical documents, field interviews, and designed regional trails that highlight lookouts all over the state of Idaho.
The research aims to highlight the role of architectural design for the preservation and innovation of lookouts to serve historians, preservationists, and future architects and innovators alike, through two companion research papers. The first establishes a typological framework for understanding lookouts based on five architectural elements (the roof, cabin, catwalk, tower, and stairs) that persist across era, geography, and construction methods. The second paper applies that framework to a decision-making process of preservation and reuse, helping to navigate the tension between old and new, namely: restoration and innovation.
Together, these two research papers point to how architectural design could help to reevaluate fire lookout towers within the built heritage of Idaho and its forests.