Habitat: Vernacular Architecture for a Changing Climate

This book celebrates humanity's ability to create buildings that respond to cultural and environmental conditions, and offers lessons for the future by examining how local buildings have stood the test of time. It is organized by climate zone and includes essays on the economic and anthropological aspects, as well as a reference section on materials science and engineering.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

This remarkable publication, which commemorates humanity's remarkable ability to design buildings that have ingeniously adapted to cultural and environmental conditions for millennia, is now available in a compact edition. Understanding how to maximize the use of local natural resources and develop buildings that do not rely on the depletion of our planet or the transportation of materials across vast distances has become increasingly crucial in today's world. First published in 2017, this comprehensive book brings together the foremost experts in vernacular architecture from around the globe to explore how local buildings have endured the test of time and provide valuable insights for the future.

The heart of the book is organized by climate zone, spanning from arctic to desert, temperate to tropical regions. Within each section, buildings are showcased regionally, illustrating how climatic conditions and vegetation have shaped the evolution of building styles. This central portion is complemented by a series of essays that delve into the economic and anthropological dimensions, while the comprehensive reference section provides valuable information on materials science and engineering, including the adaptations made by buildings to withstand natural disasters.

The traditions of vernacular architecture hold immense value and offer valuable lessons for our time. In the face of the growing fragility of our ecosystems, the architecture and building trades assume a new significance in the post-digital era, and the urgent need to preserve fading cultural traditions becomes paramount. The relevance of this book has never been more profound, as it serves as a valuable resource for architects, builders, policymakers, and anyone interested in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of architectural design.

Weight: 1934g
Dimension: 295 x 230 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500343760