City, Climate, and Architecture: A Theory of Collective Practice

The book rethinks climate control through the lens of city climate phenomena over the 20th century, promoting the integration of indoors and outdoors to reduce environmental and thermal loads. It also considers examples from all over the globe, tracing the growing significance of ecological thinking for the design of urban environments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 21 June 2022
Publisher: Birkhauser

The book reimagines climate control, a central concern in the field of architecture, by examining city climate phenomena throughout the 20th century. Drawing from a rich history of climate control on urban scales, it advocates for the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces to mitigate environmental and thermal burdens in cities. Just as heating and cooling practices within buildings impact the (urban) climate outdoors, urban heat islands exert influence on energy requirements and thermal conditions within buildings. While the first part of the book delves into the interwar period in Europe, the second part showcases examples from around the world, highlighting the growing importance of ecological thinking in shaping urban environments.

Introduction:
Climate control has long been a crucial aspect of architectural practice, as it plays a vital role in shaping the livability and sustainability of urban environments. Over the course of the 20th century, cities have faced numerous challenges related to climate change, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and air pollution. In response, architects have developed innovative solutions to address these issues, such as designing buildings with energy-efficient systems, incorporating green spaces, and promoting sustainable transportation.

The Interwar Period in Europe:
The first part of the book focuses on the interwar period in Europe, a time when the concept of climate control gained significant traction. During this period, architects began to recognize the importance of designing buildings that could adapt to changing weather conditions. They adopted a variety of strategies, such as using natural ventilation, shading devices, and thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures. They also focused on creating public spaces that could provide shade and respite from the hot summer months, such as parks and plazas.

Global Examples:
While the first part of the book provides valuable insights into the interwar period in Europe, the second part delves into examples from all over the globe. It showcases how architects have adapted their designs to address climate change in different regions and cultures. For instance, in the Middle East, architects have designed buildings that incorporate traditional cooling techniques, such as wind towers and water channels, to combat the harsh desert climate. In Asia, architects have incorporated green roofs and vertical gardens to reduce urban heat islands and improve air quality.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the book offers a fresh perspective on climate control by examining city climate phenomena throughout the 20th century. It advocates for the integration of indoors and outdoors to reduce environmental and thermal loads in cities. By highlighting the growing importance of ecological thinking in urban design, the book provides valuable insights for architects and policymakers seeking to create more sustainable and livable cities.

Weight: 1408g
Dimension: 288 x 225 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783035624144