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Sustainable architecture

There has been a perception in some quarters that 'green' buildings are worthy but dull. This is a misconception - a good number of such buildings have won design awards and illustrate that a design approach focused on resource efficiency and minimum environmental impact is not incompatible with visual delight. Sustainable architecture can indeed 'lift the spirit' as well as save the planet.The book brings together an inspiring series of case studies of recent buildings (completed after 2000) that demonstrate a range of different sustainable construction techniques and, importantly, combine this with architectural excellence. Broken down into five sections - Work Spaces, Educational Buildings, Housing, Refurbishment Projects and Public Buildings - the case studies within each highlight a wide variety of approaches to design and technical issues. Many of the projects featured are considered 'cutting edge', going well beyond the requirements of the Building Regulations and adopting innovative technologies such as solar energy collection, biomass heating and grey water recycling.Although principally aimed at those involved in procuring buildings - clients, developers, agents, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and contractors - the book will also appeal to academics, students and those who have a general interest in sustainable design and the environment.

Sustainable architecture : between measurement and meaning

Each day new articles, books, and reports present new methods, standards, and technologies for achieving sustainability in architecture. Additionally, new materials, technological gadgets, and data are increasingly considered the staples of architecture's future. As we increasingly embrace this techno-advancement, we must be equally aware that we may be pushing architecture into a managerial science and away from its core concerns such as expression, contextuality, functionality and aesthetics. Sustainable architecture that is focused on the abstract measurements of consumption, energy, and emissions loses sight of the vital role that architecture holds in our world: it is the field that creates our public spaces and our places of dwelling, of business, of production, of leisure, and creation. Additionally, it fails to comprehend the human dimension of buildings, as elements that are deeply connected to their sites' historic contexts and that play a key role in defining our social relations and our connection to the spaces we occupy and utilize. "Sustainable Architecture - Between Measurement and Meaning" takes a step back to reflect on how sustainability in the built environment can be theorized and practiced critically. This book exposes that architecture remains a human and social science that lies at the intersection of measurements and meanings. It reveals that sustainable architecture can still operate in a dialectic space of expression, rather than serving as a manifesto for either the technical or socio-cultural extremes. It purports that the human intuition, senses, and skills still holds the key to unravelling alternative futures of sustainable built spaces. And that most importantly, humans still have a place in sustainable architecture. This book will be of interest to students, early career scholars, established researchers and practitioners studying sustainability in the built environment. It can be used as a referencee to those in the fields of design, architecture, landscape and urban design, urban studies, geography, social sciences, and engineering.

Online EBSCO Academic Comprehensive Collection

Sustainable architecture : European directives and building design

In this text, the author explains the responsibilities and opportunities for architects emanating from environmental laws, especially Euro-directives. This edition includes new chapters on photovoltaics, water conservation and sustainnable construction.

Subjects A-Z

A list of subject areas from A to Z

Recoding America: Book Talk With Jennifer Pahlka

Announcing the Martin Wong Catalogue Raisonné