Sustainable Architecture White Papers: Essays on Design and Building for a Sustainable Future (Earth Pledge Foundation Series on Sustainable Development) [Paperback]

Earth Pledge (Author)

Book Description

Series: Earth Pledge Foundation Series on Sustainable Development | Publication Date: February 2001

A remarkable collection of vibrant and diverse readings, Sustainable Architecture White Papers explores the critical link between our built and natural environments. Cutting-edge architecture, design, planning, public works, and education leaders illustrate the value of a new architectural strategy. Sustainable Architecture teaches us that when creative processes are used in conjunction with social, cultural, and environmental systems, architecture can meet the aesthetic and practical requirements of today without compromising the needs of future generations.

A sample of the contents reveals a top-notch team of forward-thinkers: William McDonough: "Eco-effectiveness: A New Design Strategy" Croxton Collaborative Architects: "Human-Centered Sustainable Design" Architectural Record: "Taking the Elective Out of Environmental Education" Karl Linn: "Reclaiming the Commons" Pliny Fisk: "Advanced Green Building" James Wines: "The Art of Architecture in the Age of Ecology" Emilio Ambasz: "Green Towns"

This beautifully assembled compilation, published by the Earth Pledge Foundation, follows on the success of Sustainable Cuisine White Papers and reflects the organization's mission to promote sustainability, primarily in the areas of architecture and cuisine. Working with architects, builders and designers, and farmers, chefs, and restaurateurs, Earth Pledge creates nonprofit media projects that promote "green living" in these respective areas.

With a preface by Paul Hawken, this is a star-studded collection of essays on sustainable architecture that speaks to professionals and nonprofessionals alike. A perfect read for anyone interested in how the architecture and design aesthetic connects with environmental sustainability.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Earth Pledge identifies and promotes innovative techniques and technologies that restore the balance between human and natural systems. Through demonstration, education, and research, we deliver viable models to government, industry, and communities. The New York region is our laboratory for implementing replicable solutions that will inspire and facilitate a global transition to sustainability.

Product Details

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: Earth Pledge Foundation (February 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967509912
• ISBN-13: 978-0967509914
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #323,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 92 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The voices of sustainable design, June 26, 2001

By 

Kira L. Gould (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sustainable Architecture White Papers: Essays on Design and Building for a Sustainable Future (Earth Pledge Foundation Series on Sustainable Development) (Paperback)

The Earth Pledge Foundation's Sustainable Architecture White Papers brings together leading voices---of architects, designers, planners, educators, manufacturers, and journalists---in a handsome, diminutive volume. The essayists are each a part of the sustainable design movement; some have been in the trenches for years, such as Randy Croxton and Kirsten Childs, James Wines, and Bill Browning, and others are household names, such as William McDonough (writing with his chemist collaborator Michael Braungart). Some address the big picture and others deconstruct the micro components of the effort, such as non-toxic paints and office furniture. The volume includes an interview with Samuel Mockbee, who founded Auburn University's Rural Studio, and whose clear-eyed approach to how architecture fits into communities is remarkably elegant and simple. "The smart architect thinks rationally about a combination of issues including sustainability, durability, longevity, appropriate materials, and sense of place," he says. "The challenge is finding the balance between environmental considerations and economic constraints." What's important about a diverse collection of essays like this now is that it comes when the movement is breaking into the mainstream in a more complete way than it has in the past. Sustainability is being addressed, increasingly, as something that involves not just the physical but also the social, institutional, and spiritual aspects of life on earth. This volume is a valuable guide to that breakthrough, from the practical to the visionary.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sustainable Architecture White Papers, November 5, 2006

By 

A. Mahboubi (Cupertino, California United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sustainable Architecture White Papers: Essays on Design and Building for a Sustainable Future (Earth Pledge Foundation Series on Sustainable Development) (Paperback)

A must read-and-keep for everyone young-and-not-so-young, specifically those who are deeply involved in the planning, design and construction of our environment, as well as the stakeholders, along the entire professionals in the vast field of building industry!

6 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Green Resource, March 12, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Sustainable Architecture White Papers: Essays on Design and Building for a Sustainable Future (Earth Pledge Foundation Series on Sustainable Development) (Paperback)

Short papers on many different topics concerning green building, sustainable design, and renewable energy. Top experts in the field offer advice, experience, and resources.