SOLAR POWER - The Evolution of Sustainable Architecture

It is a dramatic, fast-moving voyage from the dawn of civilization to the 21st century, celebrating and reminding us of the importance of the sun. The book examines the way in which natural systems have arisen through the sun\'s influence, how humans have adapted to them and what today\'s urban planners can do to respind to the challenge of a sustainable world. Outlining initially the need to reconsider how we organize our lives in terms of energy, technology and architecture, \"Solar Power\" goes on to illustrate the various cycles of which the sun is a part. As the book explains, these include sustainable ecosystems, wind patterns, ocean currents, fossil fuels and the life cycles of animals. The various ways in which people have harnessed the sun\'s power is then treated in detail. Individual chapters are devoted to the different peoples of the world, amongst them are those living in the tundras, the rainforests, the savannas, and deserts, as well as to those in the earth\'s comfort zones. The way our ancestors adapted themselves to the influence of the sun is also well illustrated with separate chapters dedicated to neolithic times and the ancient civilizations of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The book finally examines more recent historical developments and sets out exciting ways in which solar-oriented architecture can lead to energy-conscious buildings.