Solar Power: The Evolution of Sustainable Architecture - Softcover

Behling, Sophia; Behling, Stefan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 379132411X ISBN 13: 9783791324111

Publisher: Prestel Pub, 2000

Synopsis

Examining the way in which natural systems have arisen through the sun's influence, how humans have adapted to them and what today's urban planners can do to respond to the challenge of a sustainable world, this book outlines the need to reconsider how we organise our lives in terms of energy, technology and architecture. It goes on to illustrate the various natural cycles of which the sun is part. As the book explains, these include sustainable ecosystems, wind patterns, ocean currents, fossil fuels and the life cycles of animals. The various ways in which people have harnessed the sun's power in different parts of the world since neolithic times, the ancient civilization of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas is explained as well as to the present with those living in the tundras, the rainforests, savannas, deserts and in earth's comfort zones. It finally sets out exciting ways in which solar-oriented architecture can lead to energy-conscious buildings.

About this title

From the Publisher

Previously unpublished in hardback as "Sol Power" this publication is no available for the first time in paperback. It is a dramatic, fast-moving voyage from the dawn of civilization to the 21st century, celebrating and reminding us of the importance of the sun. The book examines the way in which natural systems have arisen through the sun's influence, how humans have adapted to them and what today's urban planners can do to respind to the challenge of a sustainable world. Outlining initially the need to reconsider how we organize our lives in terms of energy, technology and architecture, "Solar Power" goes on to illustrate the various cycles of which the sun is a part. As the book explains, these include sustainable ecosystems, wind patterns, ocean currents, fossil fuels and the life cycles of animals. The various ways in which people have harnessed the sun's power is then treated in detail. Individual chapters are devoted to the different peoples of the world, amongst them are those living in the tundras, the rainforests, the savannas, and deserts, as well as to those in the earth's comfort zones. The way our ancestors adapted themselves to the influence of the sun is also well illustrated with separate chapters dedicated to neolithic times and the ancient civilizations of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The book finally examines more recent historical developments and sets out exciting ways in which solar-oriented architecture can lead to energy-conscious buildings.

About the Author

Stefan Behling is an architect and Director at Foster and Partners in London, and professor of building construction and design at the University of Stuttgart, Germany. Sophia Behling is a freelance art director and film exhibition arhcitect. Their architectural research and design practice is based in London and Stuttgart. Sophia and Stefan Behling are also authors of Prestel's "Glass" (1999).

Edition details

• Publisher: Prestel Pub
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 379132411X
• ISBN 13: 9783791324111
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 240