Building for Life: Designing and Understanding the Human-nature Connection - Softcover

Kellert, Stephen R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1559637218 ISBN 13: 9781559637213

Publisher: Island Press, 2005

Synopsis

This is a definitive examination of how the inter-relationship between nature, architecture, and design is essential to human well-being. "Sustainable design" has made great strides in recent years; unfortunately, it still falls short of fully integrating nature into our built environment. Through a groundbreaking new paradigm of "restorative environmental design," award-winning author, Stephen R. Kellert proposes a new architectural model of sustainability. In "Building for Life", Kellert examines the fundamental interconnectedness of people and nature, and how the loss of this connection results in a diminished quality of life. This thoughtful new work illustrates how architects and designers can use simple methods to address our innate needs for contact with nature. Through the use of natural lighting, ventilation, and materials, as well as more unexpected methodologies - the use of metaphor, perspective, enticement, and symbol - architects can greatly enhance our daily lives. These design techniques foster intellectual development, relaxation, and physical and emotional well-being. In the works of architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Eero Saarinen, Cesar Pelli, Norman Foster, and Michael Hopkins, Kellert sees the success of these strategies and presents models for moving forward. Ultimately, Kellert views our fractured relationship with nature as a design problem rather than an unavoidable aspect of modern life, and he proposes many practical and creative solutions for cultivating a more rewarding experience of nature in our built environment.

About this title

Product Description

Building for Life Illustrating how architects and designers can use simple methods to address our innate needs for contact with nature. this book is an examination of how the inter-relationship between nature, architecture, and design is essential to human well-being. The author examines the inter-connectedness of people and nature.

Review

"In a time of unprecedented disconnection between the young and the natural world, Stephen Kellert offers us a design for hope. This brilliant work proves that nature isn't the problem; it's the solution." --Richard Louv

"Kellert shows how to ignite a love of the wild in architecture. He even dares to suggest that architectural ornament, conspicuously absent in schools of architecture and the bland walls of modern buildings, ought to be reconsidered as a festive and seamless articulation of natural cycles and flourishing geometries. Artists and architects take note!" --Kent Bloomer

Edition details

• Publisher: Island Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1559637218
• ISBN 13: 9781559637213
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 264