Tropical architecture : sustainable and humane building in Africa, Latin America, and South-East Asia / Wolfgang Lauber ; with contributions by Peter Cheret, Klaus Ferstl, and Eckhart Ribbeck.

Author
Lauber, Wolfgang, Prof [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/​Created
Munich ; New York : Prestel, ©2005.
Description
203 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 31 cm

Availability

Copies in the Library

Location Call Number Status Location Service Notes
Architecture Library - Stacks NA2542.T7 L38 2005q Oversize Browse related items Request

    Details

    Subject(s)
    Summary note
    Although the tropics cover nearly forty percent of the world's surface, from rain forests to dry desert regions, the architecture of this climactically extreme geographic area has largely gone unnoticed. With exploding populations and numerous ecological and economic concerns, the regions are looking increasingly toward sustainable solutions. In this unique study Wolfgang Lauber explores the ways traditional, pre-colonial structures were better adapted to the area's topography and climate than more modern structures built by European settlers. Numerous photographs, illustrations, and plans examine the continuum of tropical architecture - from the mud hut to the colonial mansion, from bamboo sheds to high-rises, from spontaneous building to urban planning. Studies of the works of such contemporary architects as Rem Koolhaas, Oscar Niemeyer, and Renzo Piano show how modern theories can be adapted to the vernacular cultures in Africa, the Americas, and Asia to create buildings that are both humane and ecologically sound.
    Bibliographic references
    Includes bibliographical references (p. 201).
    Contents
    • Introduction to the world of the tropics
    • Defining the climatic zones
    • Critical view of present-day building in the tropics
    • Analysis of traditional architecture in the tropics
    • Fundamentals of climatically appropriate building and relevant design principles
    • New approaches to a climatically appropriate and humane architecture in the tropics
    • Urban planning in Latin America, Africa and Asia
    • Urban planning and housing in East Asia and China
    • Towards a new architecture for the tropics.
    ISBN
    • 3791331353 ((alk. paper))
    • 9783791331355 ((alk. paper))
    LCCN
    2005438383
    OCLC
    60561598
    International Article Number
    • 9783791331355
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