Two case studies, one conducted in the Luristan region of Iran in 1974, the other in the Caspian region in 1978, outline a methodology for assessing the problems and potentials of indigenous building methods. They illustrate how the methods can be used and developed to meet present shelter needs and how the problems that exist can be overcome without resorting to new, imported, and expensive solutions, often beyond the financial range of the individuals in developing countries and frequently socially, culturally, and environmentally inappropriate. While the appropriate technology described relates to housing, a similar approach may be useful for school construction. The final section of the document describes a 3-month training workshop for local builders and artisans in 1977 in the Selseleh region, after which the participants became trainers in their home villages and assisted local people in meeting their basic building needs. (NEC)