Eco-Architecture VI

Book excerpt: Comprising of the proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Harmonisation between Architecture and Nature, the papers deal with topics such as building technologies, design by passive systems, design with nature, cultural sensitivity, life cycle assessment, resources and rehabilitation as well as many others. This book follows five successful meetings which started in the New Forest, UK in 2006, then followed in the Algarve (2008), A Coruna (2010), Kos (2012) and Siena, Italy (2014). Eco-Architecture signifies a new approach to the design process intended to harmonise its products with nature. This involves concepts such as minimum use of energy at each stage of the building process, taking into account the amount required during the extraction and transportation of materials, their fabrication, assembly, building formation, maintenance and eventual future recycling. The adaptation of the architectural design to the natural environment, is another important issue. The book will be of interest to architects, engineers, planners, physical scientists, sociologists and economists and contained within these proceedings are case studies from many different places around the world. Topics covered consist of: Design with nature; Energy efficiency; Tall buildings and environment; Ecological impacts of materials; Biomaterials; Bioclimatic design; Water quality; Green facades; Ecological; Education and training; Adapted reuse; Transformative design; Sustainability indices in architecture; Bioclimatic design and passive systems; Recycle, reuse, reduce and recovery; Mixing it up and building flexibility; Architectural visualisation and New techniques: building information modelling.