Energy conscious architecture
The success of a major RTD project in energy research under the JOULE programme has led to the publication of a book entitled "Energy Conscious Design: A Primer for Architects", which sets out the principles and practice of energy-efficient, passive solar building design for architects and students new to the subject. Clients and designers are becoming increasingly aware of the energy dimensions in buildings. Using a highly graphical presentation, the Primer provides an overview of the considerable body of knowledge gained in this area from recent research and construction development. It covers the range of climatic conditions encountered from the Atlantic seaboard to the Mediterranean and deals with: The climate (macro, meso and micro); the building (heating strategy, cooling strategy, daylighting); the occupant (thermal and visual comfort, behaviour). Written for those who may have little previous knowledge of energy-efficient passive solar building design, the Primer will be of interest to practicing architects, the construction industry and professionals generally, and their clients. Further detailed guidance for building design practitioners is provided in a companion volume, "Energy in Architecture: The European Passive Solar Handbook", available in October 1992. It is anticipated that both publications will be translated into other European languages. The books were prepared in the third solar research and development programme of the European Communities, DG XII, within the SOLINFO project. Publication arrangements were made under the VALUE programme for the dissemination and utilization of Community research results.