Gardens and Climate (Green Building Theory and Design Translation Series)

Author: Chip Sullivan, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not Available
Features: This book is a comprehensive work based on the author's extensive field research and collection of materials from gardens around the world. It is divided into four parts—Earth, Fire, Air, and Water—to showcase how ancient great architects and designers utilized these elements to create microclimates. Through the author's personal experiences and observations, presented alongside plans, sections, perspectives, and photographs of gardens, the book reveals the secrets of garden design in ancient Greece, Rome, Renaissance Italy, Spain, the Middle East, India, and other regions. It discusses the importance and practical applications of elements such as fountains, shaded paths, sun-oriented orientations, earthen seats, caves, sunken gardens, basements, underground corridors, outdoor paintings, thickets, and "heat seats" in garden design. The book provides insightful analysis of over 100 specific design examples, exploring how natural elements can be used to create and regulate microclimates while balancing proportion, functionality, and comfort, as well as passive design strategies.
Reading this book will help you understand how to create refreshing, pleasant pavilions to escape the scorching August sun, or warm, cozy corners to encourage outdoor activities in freezing January. It offers valuable garden design concepts and inspiring techniques that can be adapted to your own gardens to create microclimates, control seasonal temperatures and humidity, save energy, and shape beauty. The author organizes various garden design examples around the four core elements—Earth, Wood, Air, and Water—presenting them in a unique and creative manner, blending holism with flexibility.
The book is detailed, vividly written, highly readable, engaging, thought-provoking, and offers great inspiration for landscape designers, architects, planners, and students in related fields. It serves as both a teaching reference and a guide for non-professionals. It is an excellent resource for landscape designers, architects, planners, and students in relevant disciplines.