Designing with nature

There's a great demand these days for architects who know how to design buildings that work with - not against - the natural environment. Now you can learn how to meet this important challenge with the help of this timely and incisive book. Written by an internationally known architect and authority on environmental design, Designing With Nature offers the first truly holistic approach to making architecture compatible with a broad range of vital ecological concerns. In presenting its compelling case for ecological design and its various strategies for achieving it, the book provides a full understanding of the impact that different kinds of built works have on the natural environment, explores what can be done to mitigate damage to a building site and its natural resources, and features examples of ecologically sound building design. Unlike other books that offer a piece-meal approach to ecological design, Designing With Nature provides you with a comprehensive framework for planning and executing projects that bring environmental awareness and sensitivity to every facet of your work. Get state-of-the-art information on such innovative methods as low-energy and bioclimatic design, recycling and disposal of materials, ecological land-use planning, natural resource management, selecting building materials with a long life span and low maintenance costs, designing "low-environmental-impact" buildings and more!