Wind Towers: Detail in Building [Paperback]

Battle McCarthy Consulting Engineers (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471980870 | ISBN-13: 978-0471980872 | Publication Date: July 27, 1999 | Edition: 1

The Detail in Building series is an essential source of contemporary data covering the key elements of building design that form the vocabulary of current architecture. Each is clearly analysed, both historically and in terms of recent examples by key practices around the world. The combination of building context, design aesthetics and technical solution, as revealed in the case studies, is highly informative as well as unique in a field where specific technical quality of design detailing is often insufficiently exposed by the superficial presentation of designs. Wind Towers is the sixth title in the series. From the earliest times, buildings, including igloos, adobe huts, and even termitaries, have been designed to utilise nautral conditions for heating, cooling and ventilation. Today, as structures become larger and lighter, there has been an increasing need for a better understanding of wind behaviour. This has been achieved through knowledge gained from the aeronautical industry, which has provided more accurate wind data and airflow-testing facilities. Ecological concerns also call for better methods of harnessing the free energy available from the environment as an alternative to harmful and expensive artificial air-conditioning systems. This book looks at techniques using natural forces to control temperature and ventilation by means of wind-driven devices such as wind towers and wind scoops. These are analysed and compared in terms of their advantages and applications. Historical models dating back as far as the ancient Egyptian era are cited as precedents, whilst the eighteen case studies provide contemporary examples of the various combinations of solutions that can be applied to a diverse range of buildings in different climates and conditions.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The Detail in Building series is an essential source of contemporary data covering the key elements of building design that form the vocabulary of current architecture. Each is clearly analysed, both historically and in terms of recent examples by key practices around the world. The combination of building context, design aesthetics and technical solution, as revealed in the case studies, is highly informative as well as unique in a field where specific technical quality of design detailing is often insufficiently exposed by the superficial presentation of designs. Wind Towers is the sixth title in the series. From the earliest times, buildings, including igloos, adobe huts, and even termitaries, have been designed to utilise nautral conditions for heating, cooling and ventilation. Today, as structures become larger and lighter, there has been an increasing need for a better understanding of wind behaviour. This has been achieved through knowledge gained from the aeronautical industry, which has provided more accurate wind data and airflow-testing facilities. Ecological concerns also call for better methods of harnessing the free energy available from the environment as an alternative to harmful and expensive artificial air-conditioning systems. This book looks at techniques using natural forces to control temperature and ventilation by means of wind-driven devices such as wind towers and wind scoops. These are analysed and compared in terms of their advantages and applications. Historical models dating back as far as the ancient Egyptian era are cited as precedents, whilst the eighteen case studies provide contemporary examples of the various combinations of solutions that can be applied to a diverse range of buildings in different climates and conditions.

About the Author

BATTLE McCARTHY Consulting Engineers are pioneers in the field of natural ventilation. They have worked on specific studies in collaboration with the aeronautical industry and have applied their findings to numerous innovative buildings, many of which are included in this book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Academy Press; 1 edition (July 27, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471980870
• ISBN-13: 978-0471980872
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,909,242 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful from basics and theory to practical examples and guid, June 29, 2001

By 

Hal Levin (Santa Cruz, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wind Towers: Detail in Building (Paperback)

This book tells the would-be natural ventilation designer what s/he needs to know and how to do it. It is a compact presentation that captures the most important information for those who would reject mechanical ventilation or at least rely on it only rarely. It is very nicely illustrated and presents technical information in an easily understandable form. I recommend it to architects, engineers, and serious students of building technology.