Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #581548 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 324 pages

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.

Customer Reviews

The voices of sustainable design
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.

Socially Conscience Design
I am an architecture student, and this book has insight that I may not have gained through other resources. It is a fast read with a lot of great examples and theory. This resource contains multiple ideas from leading practitioners in environmental sustainability. Chapters include: "Practice, Building Community, Public Works, Homes and Schools, Products and Materials, and Resources."

Sustainable Architecture White Papers
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!