Books like Eco-Tech by Catherine Slessor

xviii, 277 p. : 28 cm

An exploration of the environmental impact of modern architecture, focusing on key figures, case studies, and future directions.

316 p. : 21 cm

There's a great demand these days for architects who know how to design buildings that work with - not against - the natural environment. Now you can learn how to meet this important challenge with the help of this timely and incisive book. Written by an internationally known architect and authority on environmental design, Designing With Nature offers the first truly holistic approach to making architecture compatible with a broad range of vital ecological concerns. In presenting its compelling case for ecological design and its various strategies for achieving it, the book provides a full understanding of the impact that different kinds of built works have on the natural environment, explores what can be done to mitigate damage to a building site and its natural resources, and features examples of ecologically sound building design. Unlike other books that offer a piece-meal approach to ecological design, Designing With Nature provides you with a comprehensive framework for planning and executing projects that bring environmental awareness and sensitivity to every facet of your work. Get state-of-the-art information on such innovative methods as low-energy and bioclimatic design, recycling and disposal of materials, ecological land-use planning, natural resource management, selecting building materials with a long life span and low maintenance costs, designing "low-environmental-impact" buildings and more!

Sustainable Architecture shows the intimate connection between ecologically responsible building design and sustainable development in countries around the globe, especially the Third World. The book makes an eloquent case for "sustainable architecture" - architecture that meets the needs of this generation without shortchanging those to come. The author uses case studies from Los Angeles to Bangladesh to show builders and planners how to work with limited energy resources, take advantage of the wisdom of traditional local building techniques, make informed decisions about environmentally safe building materials, analyze energy consumption of traditional vs. modern construction, shape current urban planning policy, make the best use of technological advances in energy conservation, and teach a new generation of students a new way of building. The answer, says the author, is not to give up technological advances, but to use the best of them, to combine them with the best traditional methods, and to test every building, every community plan, by "green" principles. The book shows architects and their clients what they can do to help solve environmental problems. It includes the latest facts and statistics on comparative costs of environmentally safe vs. environmentally destructive materials ... covers the newest techniques for energy-efficient building materials and design ... offers workable, economically feasible "green" alternatives. Sustainable Architecture makes a unique contribution to our global community and our future - a future that can be more abundant and prosperous for all of us.