Environmental Design: An Introduction for Architects and Engineers [Paperback]

Randall Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0419237607 | ISBN-13: 978-0419237600 | Edition: 2

This book starts with some basic scientific principles and isses of air quality, noise and the greenhouse effect and then moves on to site planning, energy use, materials and building form. Natural ventilation systems, high efficiency mechanical equipment and alternative sources of energy are covered. The book concludes with a selection of detailed case studies of award winning projects - including the BRE Environment Office Building, winner of numerous architectural and engineering awards.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the book serves as an excellent design primer and guide to the environmental performance required of contemporary architecture and engineering." -- Building Services Journal

"It covers very technical issues, but in a way that makes them interesting, readable and understandable. It has been put together with an understanding of architecture and of how architects and engineers work...For practising architects and undergraduates alike, this book contains much useful and thoughtful guidance. Designers should be able to use it to improve the way they address environmental design." -- The Architect's Journal --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Spon Press; 2 edition (August 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0419237607
• ISBN-13: 978-0419237600
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,619,954 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars ( not only ) For Europan readers .., June 6, 2000

By 

Denny Irawan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Environmental Design: An Introduction for Architects and Engineers (Paperback)

As an introduction book, this book is success to aim the mission. Part one contain aspects to get an environmental design, and the author seems to play tactically. Mention the aspects, then give an explanation briefly in a proportional matter ! There will be no long tiring explanation here, and its disccusion is good enough to open our mind. It's an introduction book, isn't it ?

One IMPORTANT thing. This book is written by UK engineeriering consultant. Means that most of resources data given here is only valid for Europa / northern hemisphere region. For example,"...building orientation should face south to take advantage of the sun's energy..."( ch. 4 ). Heating aspects, insulation, heat losses and many 'cold climate zone' aspects can also found.

On my opinion, despite of Europan point of view, this book is still useful but we must have few knowledge about the aspect to modify the contents for our own purposes. Part two this book contains case studies, all is Europan building. Interesting topic, you will find aspects from part one is aplied here.

After all, it's good introduction book to start learn about environmental design, with the best using for Europan / northern hemisphere region readers.