Introduction to Architectural Science: The Basis of Sustainable Design [Paperback]

Steven V Szokolay dip. arch. m.arch. PhD (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0750658495 | ISBN-13: 978-0750658492 | Publication Date: February 9, 2004 | Edition: 1

By introducing the basics of architectural science, this book is an ideal reference that provides an understanding of the physical basis of architectural design. The knowledge gained from this book equips the reader with the tools for realizing the full potential of the good intentions of sustainable, bioclimatic design.

The text gives the reader the knowledge to design in order to control indoor environmental conditions: heat, light and sound. Into this discussion is introduced the problem that traditional energy resources are finite, and their use damaging, and governments and professional bodies demand increasing levels of sustainable design. An outline is provided for creating the required indoor conditions with little or no use of energy, other than from renewable sources.

Each chapter presents a quick outline of the basic and relevant physics of heat, light, sound and energy, followed by an examination of human requirements. The reader is then introduced to ways in which these elements can be controlled by the building and by its design.

* Links architectural science to the practice of sustainable design; essential knowledge for today's architects
* Accessible reference which introduces the relationship between technology and design decisions
* Unique source of information covering the full scope of the subject

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Equips architects with the tools to realize the full potential of sustainable, bioclimate design

About the Author

Dr Steven Szokolay runs his own practice as an energy and environmental consultant, and is also both honarary associate professor at the University of Queensland, and a supervisor of postgraduate research students. He has experience in architectural practice in Sydney, Australia, and has taught extensively, including positions at the University of Queensland (Australia), the University of East Africa (Nairobi) and in London (UK).

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Architectural Press; 1 edition (February 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750658495
• ISBN-13: 978-0750658492
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,666,608 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bridges the gap betwen science & architecture, September 15, 2004

By 

Khaled Mansy (Stillwater, OK, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to Architectural Science: The Basis of Sustainable Design (Paperback)

This is a real good buy. Prof. Szokolay is one of the prominent experts in the field. I was waiting for this book to be published .... to use it as the required textbook for a course I teach. It is a perfect content for an Architectural Engineering course on environmental control. Sadly, I couldn't require it for the course because it is all IS units. Still, I use it for my personal use.

3.0 out of 5 stars Good textbook, albeit sometimes overcomplicates, September 16, 2010

By 

Simi Hoque - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introduction to Architectural Science, Second Edition: The Basis of Sustainable Design (Paperback)

I am using this book for my class, even though it is in SI units (we are making the switch!). The content is good and this is one of the few books that bridges between architecture and building technology in a clear manner. This is why I am using it.

My problem with the book is that it is sometimes a little too complicated - the explanations are not deep enough and the author also assumes a certain amount of background knowledge in the subject matter. This is bad because this is an introductory book, so there should be no such assumptions.

The calculations are fairly easy to go through, and I would avoid the method sheets because they go far too in depth for an introductory textbook.

More case studies would be nice of course.