Tropical architecture: sustainable and humane building in Africa, Latin America and South-East Asia

Description

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.

Subjects

Other Editions

• Tropical Architecture: Sustainable and Humane Building in Africa, Latin America and South-East AsiaHardcoverPrestel Publishing2005-08-20
• Tropical architecture: sustainable and humane building in Africa, Latin America and South-East AsiaPrestel-Verlag GmbH & Co KG2005