Design Ecologies

Architects are under increasing pressure to design buildings that are sustainable. With all of the focus on green building, there has been little discussion about the connections between artictectural design, ecology, and environmentalism. This book tries to make these connections, linking what people do with the biological world in which we live. It demonstrates that design strategies, whether intuitive or technological, may be based in social, material, or ecological ideals.

This book can be found in HECSA Library:

Design Ecologies: Essays on the Nature of Design
ed. by Lisa Tilder and Beth Blostein
NK 1520 .D465 2010

Inspired by Nature

Bahamon and Perez gather together architectural work that was inspired by world geology--from crystals to volcanoes. Full of colorful illustrations and architectural plans, these selections show how geological formations can form the basis for modern design of all types and sizes. Natural materials play a starring role in many of these buildings, and not surprisingly, particular attention has been paid to providing sustainable building solutions.

This book can be found in HECSA Library:

Inspired by Nature: Minerals: The Building-Geology Connection
Alejandro Bahamon and Patricia Perez
NA 2542.35 .B3213 2008

Architect and Engineer

This book examines the relationships between architects and engineers throughout history. Beginning with the Renaissance, this book focuses on the relationships among builders in Western Europe. Looking at specific projects ranging from bridges to sky scrapers as well as well-known architects and engineers, Saint looks at what happens when these rivals collaborate and when they lock horns with one another. Among the issues raised are credit for design work, the role of art in construction, and the often conflicting emphasis on technology or efficiency. The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs, etchings, and architectural drawings.

This book can be found in HECSA Library:

Architect and Engineer: A Study in Sibling Rivalry
Andrew Saint
NA 2543 .E54 S25 2007