Why don't US southern homes make use of architecture to cool homes?

[ought-six]

“How did they work? Simply whatever motion the breeze would impel, or some mechanical means?”

Manually, usually by pedal or crank or cord. There were also some that were wound with cable on a sprocket, but they were a pain to maintain, and were not all that common.

[ThanhPhero]

Talking about modern houses as opposed to the older more traditional thatched roof houses. A\C is yet a rare thing and central heat is absurd in the south.
In 15 years they have gone from almost no cars to traffic jams. Việt Nam is getting prosperous pretty quickly.

[Jonty30]

I had some neighbours that built their home recessed into a hill. From the road, it looked like an empty property, until you went down the driveway and into the yard.

[Jonty30]

I can see moisture being a problem in the south.

It is very dry in Alberta, so moisture problems are generally not a problem.

[kalee]

We have magnolias on the west side of our 1840s house.