Ecological architecture: a critical history

The ecological approach to building is the great untold story in the architectural history of the past century. This book is essential reading for architects and students. As an urgent wake-up call on the state of our built environment, it will be of interest to everyone who cares about the future of our planet. In the past, many of the key tenets of the ecological philosophy — sustainability, energy efficiency, harmonious relationship with the environment – appeared to stand contrast to the sweep of science-led ‘progress’ that characterized the modern movement. Today, however, past visionaries are vindicated and yesterday’s eccentricities are today’s legal requirements: every architect has an obligation to the environment as well as to his or her client. Following an introduction to the terminology of ecological architecture — including terms such as ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’,