英语建筑学论文
建筑学 英语范文

The Evolution and Future of Architectural Design in the Global ContextArchitecture, a discipline that dates back to ancient times, has always been a testament to the cultural, historical, and technological advancements of a society. The evolution of architectural design, particularly in the global context, is a fascinating journey that highlights the intersection of art, engineering, and society.The roots of architectural design can be traced to the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and India, where architects like Imhotep, Vitruvius, and Li Chunfeng left indelible marks on the face of architecture. These early architects were not just builders; they were visionaries who created structures that were not just functionally sound but also aesthetically pleasing.As the centuries progressed, architectural design evolved, adapting to the changing needs and tastes of society. The Renaissance period saw a rebirth in classical design principles, while the Industrial Revolution ushered in a new era of modern architecture, characterized by the use of new materials and technologies. The 20th century, inparticular, was a period of rapid experimentation and innovation, with architects like Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, and Bjarke Ingels pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in architecture.Today, we are in the midst of a new revolution in architectural design, one that is being driven by advancements in technology, sustainability, and globalization. The internet and digital tools have made it possible for architects to collaborate and share ideas across borders, leading to a more diverse and inclusive approach to design. At the same time, the urgent need for sustainable development has led to a renewed focus on green building practices and the use of renewable materials.Looking ahead, the future of architectural design promises to be even more exciting. With the advent of new technologies like 3D printing, prefabrication, and intelligent building systems, architects will have even more tools to create efficient, beautiful, and sustainable structures. At the same time, the increasing importance of social and environmental sustainability will shape the way architects approach design, ensuring that buildings notonly meet the needs of their occupants but also contribute positively to the environment and the community.In conclusion, the evolution of architectural design in the global context is a continuous and dynamic process that is shaped by a range of factors, including technology, culture, and society. As we move forward, it is crucialthat architects continue to innovate and adapt, creating structures that are not just beautiful and functional but also responsive to the changing needs of our world.**建筑学设计的全球演变与未来**建筑学,这一可追溯到古代的学科,始终是社会文化、历史和技术进步的见证。
关于建筑英语作文

关于建筑英语作文Architecture is one of the most important aspects of modern society. It is a field that combines art, science, and technology to create buildings that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. In this essay, I will discuss the importance of architecture, thedifferent types of architecture, and the skills required to become an architect.The Importance of Architecture。
Architecture plays a vital role in modern society. It is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings that meet the needs of people. The buildings we live, work, and play in are all products of architecture. Good architecture can create a sense of community, provide a safe and comfortable environment, and enhance the quality of life. It can also have a significant impact on the environment, both positive and negative.Different Types of Architecture。
建筑设计英文作文范文

建筑设计英文作文范文Architecture Design: The Fusion of Functionality and Aesthetics。
Architecture is not merely about erecting structures; it's a symphony of functionality and aesthetics. It's the art of transforming spaces into experiences, weaving together the practical and the beautiful seamlessly. In this discourse, we delve into the essence of architecture design, exploring how architects merge form and function to create spaces that inspire and enrich lives.At the heart of architecture design lies the concept of functionality. Buildings are not static entities; they are living, breathing organisms that cater to human needs. Whether it's a residential complex, a commercial hub, or a cultural landmark, every structure serves a purpose. Functionality dictates the layout, the spatial arrangement, and the flow of movement within a building. Architects meticulously plan every detail, ensuring that the design enhances usability and efficiency.Take, for instance, the design of a modern office building. The architect considers factors such as natural light, ventilation, and ergonomics to create a conducive work environment. Open floor plans promote collaboration, while designated breakout areas encourage creativity and relaxation. The integration of smart technology streamlines operations, making the workspace both efficient and adaptable.However, functionality alone does not define great architecture. True excellence lies in the harmonious integration of functionality with aesthetics. Architecture is an expression of human creativity, a canvas where form meets emotion. Aesthetics encompass more than just visual appeal; they evoke sensations, stir emotions, and imbue spaces with meaning.Consider the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, designed by Frank Gehry. Its undulating titanium facade is not merely a structural marvel but a testament to the power of architectural expression. The building's fluid forms evoke a sense ofmovement and dynamism, echoing the spirit of the artworks housed within. Its beauty transcends mere aesthetics; it becomes a symbol of cultural identity and aspiration.In architecture, form follows function, but it also transcends it. The interplay of light and shadow, the rhythm of lines and curves, the texture of materials—all contribute to the sensory experience of space. Architects leverage these elements to evoke specific moods, create focal points, and establish visual hierarchy.Moreover, architecture has the power to shape communities and redefine urban landscapes. Thoughtful design can foster social interaction, promote environmental sustainability, and preserve cultural heritage. From sustainable housing initiatives to revitalization projects in urban slums, architects are catalysts for positive change.In conclusion, architecture design is a delicate dance between functionality and aesthetics. It's about more than just erecting buildings; it's about crafting experiences, shaping identities, and enriching lives. As stewards of the built environment, architects bear the responsibility of creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and endure. In the fusion of form and function, lies the essence of great architecture—a testament to human ingenuity and creativity.。
建筑学 英语范文

建筑学英语范文Architecture, a discipline that encompasses the art and science of designing buildings and structures, has fascinated people throughout history. The beauty of architecture lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its functionality and symbolism. In this article, wewill delve into the world of architectural English essays and explore their elegance and depth.The essence of writing an architectural English essay lies in capturing the essence of a building or a structure. It requires a deep understanding of the subject, an appreciation for its aesthetic value, and a keen observation of its contextual setting. The essay should begin with a captivating introduction that piques the reader's interest and sets the tone for the rest of the piece.For instance, let's consider an essay on the Eiffel Tower, a iconic structure in Paris. The introduction might begin with a vivid description of the tower's grandeur, its elegant lines, and its iconic status. It could go on todiscuss the tower's historical significance, its role in French culture, and its impact on the city's skyline.The body of the essay should delve into the architectural details of the building. This includes discussing its design, materials used, and the engineering feats achieved. For the Eiffel Tower, one could delve into the tower's unique design, the use of iron and steel, and the innovative engineering solutions employed during its construction.Moreover, the essay should also explore the symbolism and meaning behind the building. The Eiffel Tower, for instance, has become a symbol of love and romance, with many couples visiting the tower to celebrate their love. The essay could explore this symbolism and how it has become ingrained in French culture.The conclusion of the essay should bring together all the threads and leave the reader with a lasting impression. It could summarize the tower's impact on Paris, its role in history, and its significance in architecture. The conclusion should be concise and impactful, leaving the reader with a desire to learn more about the subject.In summary, writing an architectural English essay is an exercise in creativity, research, and analysis. It requires a deep understanding of the subject, an appreciation for its aesthetic value, and a keen observation of its contextual setting. By following the structure outlined above, one can create an essay that captures the essence of a building or a structure and leaves the reader with a lasting impression.**探索建筑学之美:英语范文的深度解析**建筑学,这一融合了设计与构建建筑和结构的艺术与科学的学科,自古以来就令人着迷。
建筑类的英语作文

建筑类的英语作文英文回答:Paragraph 1:In the realm of human ingenuity, architecture stands as a testament to our ceaseless pursuit of beauty, functionality, and the transcendence of limitations. From the towering skyscrapers that pierce the heavens to the quaint cottages nestled amidst nature's embrace, buildings are not mere structures but expressions of our cultural heritage and aspirations. As we delve into the multifaceted world of architecture, let us unravel the secrets that lie within its walls, exploring its historical evolution, its impact on human lives, and its enduring legacy in shaping our world.Paragraph 2:The origins of architecture, like the genesis of humanity itself, are shrouded in the mists of time. From the primitive shelters built by our nomadic ancestors to the elaborate palaces and temples erected by ancient civilizations, architecture has played a pivotal role in our survival and cultural development. The pyramids of Giza, the Parthenon of Athens, and the Great Wall of China stand as enduring symbols of human ingenuity and the desire to leave an imprint on the sands of time. These architectural marvels showcase the technical prowess and aesthetic sensibilities of our forebears, providing us with a glimpse into the minds and societies that shaped them.Paragraph 3:Beyond its historical significance, architecture has a profound impact on our daily lives. The spaces we inhabit—our homes, schools, workplaces, and places of worship—have a tangible effect on our well-being, productivity, and overall sense of belonging. A well-designed building can foster creativity, nurture collaboration, and create asense of community. On the flip side, poorly designed spaces can lead to stress, discomfort, and alienation. Understanding the principles of architecture, therefore, is not only an academic pursuit but also a practical necessity for creating livable and thriving environments.Paragraph 4:The future of architecture lies at the intersection of innovation and sustainability. Contemporary architects are pushing the boundaries of design, exploring new materials, technologies, and construction methods to create buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. Sustainable architecture seeks to minimize the impact on the natural environment while maximizing energy efficiency and fostering human well-being. From LEED-certified skyscrapers to eco-friendly tiny homes and community gardens, sustainable architecture offers a glimpse of a future where human ingenuity and ecological consciousness coexist in harmony.中文回答:段落 1:在人类智慧的领域中,建筑是我们对美、功能和超越极限的不懈追求的证明。
建筑工程英语论文

建筑工程英语论文Building Construction in EnglishIntroductionBuilding construction is an essential aspect of the construction industry. With globalization, it is becoming increasingly important for professionals in this field to have a good command of English. This paper aims to discuss the significance of English language proficiency in the domain of building construction and to highlight the key areas where English is commonly used in this field.Importance of English Language Proficiency in Building Construction1. Communication with StakeholdersClear and effective communication is vital in building construction. English serves as a universal language that enables professionals to communicate with stakeholders such as clients, architects, engineers, and suppliers from different countries. It facilitates the exchange of ideas, project requirements, and specifications, ensuring that all parties involved are on the same page.2. Reading and Understanding Technical DocumentsProfessionals in building construction often need to read and understand technical documents such as project plans, construction drawings, and specifications. These documents are typically created in English, and a strong command of the language is necessary to comprehend the technicalterminology and instructions accurately. Misinterpretation can lead to costly mistakes and delays in the construction process.3. Safety and Emergency ProtocolsEnglish is widely used in safety and emergency protocols in building construction. Instructions on safety signage, equipment operation manuals, and emergency evacuation plans are often written in English. It is crucial that workers understand these instructions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the construction site.4. Collaboration with International TeamsBuilding construction projects often involve collaborations with international teams, including architects, engineers, and contractors from different countries. English enables effective communication and coordination among team members. Professionals proficient in English can participate in meetings, exchange ideas, and resolve issues more efficiently, leading to smoother project execution.Key Areas of English Language Usage in Building Construction1. Construction Site ManagementEnglish is widely used in construction site management. Site supervisors and managers need to communicate with workers, subcontractors, and suppliers on a daily basis. They use English to assign tasks, provide instructions, and address any concerns or issues that may arise during the construction process.2. Project Proposals and ReportsEnglish is used extensively in writing project proposals and reports. Construction professionals need to communicate effectively to secure projects and present updates to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.A well-written proposal or report in English enhances credibility and professionalism, increasing the chances of obtaining funding or approval for the project.3. Building Codes and RegulationsEnglish is the language of most building codes and regulations. Architects, engineers, and contractors must understand and comply with these codes to ensure that construction projects meet the required safety standards. English proficiency is essential for correctly interpreting and implementing building codes and regulations.4. Bidding and Tendering ProcessesEnglish is essential in the bidding and tendering processes. Contractors need to prepare bids, specifications, and cost estimates in English to secure construction projects. A thorough understanding of English language requirements and terminology is necessary to produce competitive and accurate bidding documentation.ConclusionIn conclusion, English language proficiency is crucial in the field of building construction. Effective communication, comprehension of technical documents, adherence to safety protocols, collaboration with international teams, and accurate documentation are some of the key areas where English is commonly used. Professionals in building construction should prioritizedeveloping their English language skills to thrive in the global construction industry.。
建筑方面英语毕业论文
建筑方面英语毕业论文Title: Integration of Sustainable Design Principles in Contemporary ArchitectureIntroduction:Architecture plays a pivotal role in shaping our environment and has the potential to significantly impact our quality of life. As we face increasing environmental challenges, it is crucial to incorporate sustainable design principles into contemporary architecture. This paper aims to explore the integration of sustainable design principles in architecture and its benefits.1. Sustainable Design Principles:1.1 Energy Efficiency - Designing buildings that minimize energy consumption through strategies such as passive solar design, insulation, and efficient HVAC systems.1.2 Use of Renewable Energy - Incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to power buildings and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.1.3 Water Conservation - Implementing water-saving systems like rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and low-flow fixtures to reduce water consumption.1.4 Material Selection - Choosing sustainable building materials with low embodied energy, non-toxic compositions, and high durability to minimize environmental impact.1.5 Site Selection and Land Use - Considering environmental factors during site selection, optimizing land use, and preserving natural habitats and ecosystems.1.6 Waste Management - Integrating waste reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal strategies to minimize construction and operational waste.2. Benefits of Sustainable Design in Architecture:2.1 Environmental Benefits - By minimizing energy consumption, using renewable energy sources, and reducing water consumption, sustainable design helps mitigate climate change, preserve natural resources, and protect ecosystems.2.2 Economic Benefits - Energy-efficient buildings lower operational costs through reduced energy bills. Furthermore, recycling construction waste and using durable materials reduce maintenance and replacement expenses.2.3 Psychological Benefits - Well-designed sustainable buildings can enhance occupant comfort, health, and well-being, improving productivity and overall quality of life.2.4 Social Benefits - Sustainable architecture can contribute to the creation of green spaces, promote community interaction, and foster a sense of environmental responsibility among residents.3. Case Studies:3.1 One Central Park, Sydney, Australia - This iconic residential tower integrates sustainable features like vertical gardens, solar panels, natural ventilation systems, and rainwater harvesting. It exemplifies how sustainable design principles can be seamlessly integrated into contemporary architecture.3.2 The Bullitt Center, Seattle, USA - Designed as the \。
英文作文,建筑学
英文作文,建筑学Architecture is more than just buildings. It is a reflection of society, culture, and history. The design of a building can tell us a lot about the people who built it and the purpose it serves.When it comes to architectural styles, there are so many to choose from. From Gothic to modern, each style has its own unique characteristics and influences. Some styles are more traditional and ornate, while others are sleek and minimalistic. It's fascinating to see how different styles have evolved over time and how they continue to inspire new designs.The materials used in architecture also play a hugerole in the overall look and feel of a building. Whetherit's glass, steel, wood, or concrete, each material has its own strengths and weaknesses. The choice of materials can also be influenced by the environment and climate in which the building is located.One of the most exciting aspects of architecture is the way it pushes boundaries and challenges conventions. Architects are constantly pushing the limits of what is possible, whether it's through innovative designs, sustainable practices, or new technologies. It's thisspirit of innovation that keeps architecture constantly evolving and changing.The impact of architecture on our daily lives is undeniable. From the homes we live in to the offices we work in, the spaces we inhabit have a profound effect on our well-being and productivity. Good architecture has the power to uplift and inspire, while bad architecture can have the opposite effect.In the end, architecture is a form of art that is all around us. It shapes the world we live in and influences the way we experience our surroundings. Whether we realize it or not, architecture has a profound impact on our lives, and it's something worth paying attention to.。
建筑专业英语作文范文
建筑专业英语作文范文英文回答:Architecture: A Multidisciplinary Field.Architecture is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses engineering, art, and science. It involves the design and construction of buildings and other structures, as well as the planning of urban and rural environments. Architects must have a strong understanding of both the technical and aesthetic aspects of building design, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with other professionals.Engineering Aspects of Architecture.The engineering aspects of architecture primarily focus on the structural integrity and safety of buildings. Architects must ensure that their designs meet all applicable building codes and regulations. They must alsoconsider factors such as environmental loads (e.g., wind, snow, earthquakes) and the materials used in construction. Structural engineers play a vital role in the design process, ensuring that buildings are safe and habitable.Art and Aesthetic Aspects of Architecture.In addition to engineering considerations, architects must also pay attention to the aesthetic aspects of their designs. Buildings should be visually appealing and reflect the needs and desires of their users. Architects must consider factors such as the building's form, color, and texture, as well as the relationship between the building and its surroundings. Interior designers play a key role in the aesthetic aspects of architecture, creating spaces that are both functional and visually pleasing.Science and Sustainability in Architecture.Recent advances in science and technology have had a significant impact on architecture. Architects are now able to design buildings that are more energy-efficient,sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Green building practices, such as using recycled materials and incorporating renewable energy sources, are becoming increasingly common. Architects must be aware of the latest scientific advancements and incorporate sustainable principles into their designs.Collaboration and Teamwork in Architecture.Architecture is a collaborative field, and architects must be able to work effectively with a variety of professionals, including engineers, contractors, and clients. They must be able to communicate their ideas clearly and concisely, and they must be able to work within a team environment. Architects must also be able to adapt their designs to the needs of their clients and the constraints of the site.Importance of Architecture.Architecture is essential for creating livable and sustainable communities. Buildings provide shelter,protection, and a sense of place. They can also contribute to the social and economic well-being of a community. Well-designed buildings can improve air quality, reduce crime, and promote physical and mental health. Architects have a responsibility to design buildings that are safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing.中文回答:建筑学,一门多学科领域。
建筑专业英语作文
建筑专业英语作文I love architecture because it allows me to create something tangible and lasting. The process of designing a building is like solving a puzzle, where every piece mustfit together perfectly to create a beautiful and functional structure.One of the most exciting aspects of architecture is the opportunity to work with different materials and textures. From sleek glass facades to rough stone walls, each material has its own unique characteristics that can be used to enhance the overall design of a building.As an architect, I also enjoy the challenge of balancing form and function. It's not enough for a building to just look good – it also needs to serve its intended purpose effectively. This requires careful planning and consideration of how people will interact with the space.Another aspect of architecture that I find fascinatingis the way it can shape the way we experience the world around us. A well-designed building can evoke emotions, create a sense of place, and even inspire awe. It has the power to transform a mundane space into something extraordinary.In conclusion, architecture is a dynamic and rewarding field that allows me to express my creativity, problem-solving skills, and passion for design. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in this exciting industry and look forward to creating many more beautiful buildings in the future.。
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PLEA 2008 – 25th Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture, Dublin, 22nd to 24th October 2008371: Passive and Low Energy Architecture (PLEA) VS Green Architecture (LEED)Edna ShavivFaculty of Architecture & Town Planning,Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israeleshaviv@technion.ac.ilAbstractThe paper presents, discusses and analyzes different examples of LEED accreditedbuildings as well as “Solar Communities” and raises the following questions: Will the newLEED based green building movement enhance bio-climatic and energy consciousarchitecture? Is bio-climatic architecture still required when new and better materials andHVAC systems have become available? And how should we, as PLEA members, endorseand promote good bio-climatic, passive solar and low energy architecture into the mainstream of Green Architecture.Keywords: green buildings, passive and low energy architecture, bio-climatic architecture1. IntroductionGreen Architecture, which involves minimizing the building energy consumption, has recently gained momentum to become the current fashion and the main stream in architectural practice. Although there are today many different Building Grading Systems [1,2,3], the momentum in the USA has been achieved mainly through the Leading in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification that was established by US Green Building Council (USGBC). For example, the San Francisco AIA announced that “San Francisco is blazing a trail on sustainability as it moves towards enacting the most far-reaching green building legislation in the U.S. This new green building policy builds on the city’s current sustainability initiatives and will be implemented gradually over the next four years, with full implementation in 2012. The green building code will require all new high-rise residential buildings to be certified LEED® Silver, commercial buildings and major renovations over 25,000 square feet to be LEED Gold, and new small- and mid-sized residential to be rated with the Green Point rating system—all leading to a holistic plan for greening the building stock and meeting the city’s climate action goals” [4]. On one hand we witness how the LEED succeeded in triggering a fast expanding trend of architects interested in energy in buildings as supporting the Green Architecture requirements. On the other hand, we observe the very modest achievements of the Passive and Low Energy (PLEA) movement over the past 25 years since its inception in raising the interest of the profession in the subject. In this paper we bring up few critical questions and analyze the technical origin of the apparent triumph of the LEED.Let me at this point present very briefly the LEED New Construction rating system [2]. Those that are familiar with other green building grading systems will find that there is much similarity between most of them [1,3].LEED Possible Points includes:SS- Sustainable Sites 14 Possible Points: Site Selection, Development Density & Community Connectivity, Alternative Transportation; Public Transportation, Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms, Low Emitting & Fuel Efficient Vehicles, Parking Capacity. Site Development; Protect or Restore Habitat, Maximize Open Space. Stormwater Design; Quantity and Quality Control, Heat Island Effect and Light Pollution Reduction. WE- Water Efficiency 5 Possible Points: Water Efficient Landscaping, Innovative Wastewater Technologies and Water Use Reduction.EA- Energy & Atmosphere 17 Possible Points: Optimize Energy Performance, On-Site Renewable Energy and Green Power, Enhanced Commissioning and Refrigerant Management, Measurement & Verification.MR- Materials & Resources 13 Possible Points: Building Reuse, Construction Waste Management, Materials Reuse, Recycled Content, Regional Materials, Rapidly Renewable Materials and Certified Wood.EQ- Indoor Environmental Quality 15 Possible Points: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring, Increased Ventilation, Construction IAQ Management Plan, Low-Emitting Materials, Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control, Controllability of Systems, Lighting and Thermal Comfort and Daylight & Views.ID- Innovation & Design Process 5 Possible Points: Innovation in Design and LEED Accredited Professional participation in the team. Project Totals: 69 Possible Points: Certified: 26–32 points, Silver 33–38 points. Gold 39–51 points, Platinum 52–69 points.The LEED New Construction rating system for 2007-2008 allocates 17 out of 69 total available points to Energy and Atmosphere. Out of the 17 points 10 are dedicated to optimizing energy performance, 3 points to On Site Renewable Energy and 1 point to Green Power. Using solar energy for hot water, or active solar energy to heat the building space, or buying Green Power, is awarded twice: once, as it reduces the amount of the total purchased energy and again, as it contributes to the On Site Renewable Energy credit, or to the Green Power credit. The first dilemma to mention is that Passive Solar Energy is not considered as On Site Renewable Energy. Consequently, there is no incentive in LEED for passive solar design. Secondly, the LEED is a simple ‘point hunting’ approach. This means that although about 25% of the possible points are assigned to energy efficiency (Fig. 1), never the less, in order to achieve LEED Silver, the most common goal, one can get the minimum score required for Silver grade without improving the energy performance of the building at all. The new proposed LEED for 2009 increases the portion of possible points assigned to energy to about 31% (Fig. 2). However, one can still get LEED Silver with no need to save energy, except what is required by the prerequisite. Only when the goal is to obtain LEED Gold or Platinum, one should improve the energy performance of the building. Examining LEED accredited buildings and comparing them with our basic knowledge of good practice of Passive and Low Energy Architecture, one can easily observe design defaults from the point of view of Bio-Climatic and Passive Solar Architecture.Fig. 1. LEED 2008 - total possible pointsFig. 2. LEED 2009 – total possible points 2. Green Buildings2.1 LBNL Molecular Foundry Laboratory Building – LEED Gold accreditationThe Molecular Foundry research Laboratory, designed by the SmithGroup of San Francisco, and completed in March 2006, is located at LBNL Berkeley. It is the first building in Berkeley to receive a LEED gold certification [5].The building provides good indoor air quality through low-VOC materials. About 85% of all building construction waste was recycled. Almost all wood used was sustainably harvested as well as rapidly growing renewable materials, such as bamboo flooring. The building six stories minimize its footprint, and more than 50 percent of the site is landscaped with native plants. There exists good access to public transportation, and Berkeley Lab’s biodiesel powered shuttle system minimizes car travel around the 100-building campus. Bike racks and showers are also available. An electromagnetic water treatment system on the cooling towers reduces total water consumption and the amount of chemicals released to the atmosphere and the sewer. Indoor air quality elements include carbon dioxide monitoring and control of outside air for ventilation. Among the achievements of the building was minimizing energy consumption and it is one of the most energy efficient buildings at LBNL. By doing all of these the building achieved the 39 points to obtain the LEED Gold accreditation [5]. The points achieved in each category are presented in Fig. 3.Fig 3. Points achieved by the Molecular FoundryBuilding to obtained LEED Gold Accreditation Checking carefully what has been done in order to achieve energy efficiency in the building, one can find that it has to do mainly with the right sizing of the mechanical and electrical systems in the labs, which were originally designed for 25 W/ft2 and was reduced to 15 W/ft2. The electrical system was reduced by 38%, by using efficient T-5 bulbs in lighting systems with bilevel switching and occupancy-based controls. The HVAC system was reduced by about 50%, by limiting the number of air handlers, downsizing the boilers and chillers and by using an energy-efficient elevator. Thus consuming 35% less energy than the national energy standard, as prescribed by ASHRAE 90.1-2004 [6]. Was there any good design from bio-climatic and passivesolar architecture? Let me say that from this point of view not much has been accomplished. The building is elongated along the East West axes and double-pane windows with low-e and a spectrally selective window coating was used and that’s all. However, no special elements to achieve passive cooling or heating exist. There are no sunshades to protect the large West facing windows that creates contrast in the main working cubical space and hardly any shading to protect the Eastern and Southern windows (Figures 4,5,6).Fig 4. Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry – West andNorth ElevationsFig 5. Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry –East andSouth ElevationsFig 6. Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry –Contrastobtained in main working cubical space from theunshaded West Elevation 2.2 San Francisco Federal Building – No LEED approvalThe 18-story San Francisco Federal Building is a narrow building, only 65 feet wide, to allow daylight to all offices. The building that can accommodate 2,000 employees features a number of novel design attributes. The narrow floor ensures nearly every worker gets natural light and air, allowing for cross-ventilation. The windows operate by climate sensors. The elevators stop every three floors, forcing federal employees to walk more. The building offers two completely different facades (Figures 7,8,9). On the north side, delicate vertical glass fins serve as brises-soleils, while the translucent windows on the Southern elevation are covered with perforated metal skin that allows transparency and at the same time shade the glass. The windows can be operated from inside, and when they are open, a cool breeze drifts through the space. Beautiful undulating concrete ceilings help channel the air from north to south. The concrete floors and ceilings serve as thermal mass that reduced the temperature swing in winter, and that is cooled in summer during the night by natural ventilation to ensure low temperature during summer days, with no need of air conditioning. The building was designed to be heat and air-conditioning free. Detailed analysis of the natural cross-ventilation airflow pattern, the maximum velocities in the occupied workspace, for fine tuning of the design, was carried on by computer simulations. The building consumes only about 33% of the power of a standard office tower [7].Fig 7. The San Francisco Federal Building – South Elevation and the restaurant in the front of itFig 8. The San Francisco Federal Building – NorthElevation with vertical glass fins as brises-soleilsFig 9. The San Francisco Federal Building – SouthElevation with perforated metal skin as horizontalSunshadesThe new Federal Building was expected to be the greenest federal building in the nation’s history and the expectation was to obtain LEED platinum. But to an all out surprise it did not pass LEED accreditation at all.What really happen? The lack of internal climate controls has left some workers too cold and others too hot. While the managers’ offices do have heat and air conditioning the other staff felt uncomfortable. On top of it, architect Mayne has stated that federal office workers do not get enough exercise. Therefore, he didn’t design a coffee house inside the building, but designed a restaurant across the plaza, which force the people to walk. He also installed elevators in the building that only stop at every third floor. This requires employees to walk up or down one flight that made them unsatisfied. Also, they didn’t like to walk to the window to open it manually. However, this doesn’t explain the project’s failure to satisfy LEED’s scoring system. The reason for that is that when you have no mechanical systems, you can’t achieve high score in EA credit 1 for minimizing energy performance, in order to get the 10 points for that credit. This is because the Performance Rating Method is based on appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1-2004, which can’t be used for buildings without mechanical systems ([6] Page 169).“Buildings that have no mechanical heating and/or cooling systems, can achieve some credit by modeling fan systems as “cycling” in the Proposed Design versus continuously operated fans in the Baseline Design (ASHRAE Std. 90.1 Table G3/1 No. 4 – Fan Schedules)" (LEED v2.2 Reference manual page 185 [2]). If this is not a paradox, what is? The answer to this is that the systems used for environmental control in the Federal Building are so innovative that they could not be assessed by the LEED grading system. The USGBC, however, claim that LEED is a work-in-progress, and have consented to take the next few months to re-evaluate the Federal Building [8].3. Solar Sustainable Communities3.1 Home Village in Davis CaliforniaVillage Homes is an innovative sustainable community on 70 acres in Davis, California, designed and built by developers Michael and Judy Corbett. It was designed to encourage both the development of a sense of community and the conservation of energy and natural resources. The construction of the village started in 1974. It includes 225 single family homes, 20 apartments and a cooperative house. Business space is included in the community center and an inn was recently completed. There is a comprehensive community center, with pool, meeting and party rooms, and large playing field.The conservation of energy and natural resources embraces different elements of Passive and Low Energy Architecture as well as Green Architecture this includes: Orientation- All streets are elongated along east-west axes (Fig. 10) and all lots are oriented north-south to allow passive solar architecture (Fig. 11). This orientation facilitates natural heating and cooling using winter sun for solar heating and shade and night-time ventilation cooling for relief from the summer heat.Street Width - All streets are narrow and curving, and cul-de-sacs. The narrow widths minimize the amount of pavement exposed to sun in the long, hot summers and aid to the thermal comfort by reducing the urban heat island effect. It also reduces stormwater drainage problems, and improves the quality of life by minimizing traffic and noise. The curving lines of the roads force the few cars that venture into the cul-de-sacs to travel slowly.Pedestrian/Bike Paths and Common Areas– There is a system of pedestrian/bike paths, running from the Village Homes through all common areas. Most houses face these common areas rather than the streets, so that emphasis in the village is on pedestrian and bike travel rather than cars.Natural Drainage- The common areas also contain innovative natural drainage system, a network of creek beds, swales, and pond areas that allow rainwater to be absorbed into the ground rather than carried away through storm drains. Besides helping to store moisture in the soil, this system provides a visually interesting backdrop for landscape design.Edible Landscaping– Fruit, nut trees and vineyards form the landscaping in Village Homes. Open Land- In addition to the common areas between homes, Village Homes also includes two big parks, extensive greenbelts with pedestrian/ bike paths, two vineyards, several orchards, and two large common gardening areas.Fig. 10. Home Village in Davis, CaliforniaHomes are known for improving comfort and utility bills average about 50-60% of the surrounding developments due to the Passive Solar and Bio-climatic design of the community and houses that incorporate solar design features and solar hot water.Fig. 11. A Passive Solar House in Davis, California Although the density is almost double compare with the surrounding areas, the quality of life is much higher. This is reflected in increased home value (a $10-15 per square foot premium) and much quicker home sales in Village Homes. The community of Village Homes demonstrates that development can work for people and the environment. It also demonstrates that Green Architecture should not replace good Passive and Low Energy Architecture, but can be added on top of it.3.2 Civano in Tucson ArizonaCivano started as the Tucson Solar Village, a small development of 10 solar homes. The governor of Arizona saw the Village and asked its developer, John Wesley Miller, to replicate the community on a larger scale. In 1996 the community came together when the land for the development was purchased. Civano, is an 820-acre traditional neighborhood development designed with the idea to become an example of a sustainable community and to become home to more than 5,000 people. Because Civano is located far away from Tucson’s center, it was planed to create a job for every two households, located no more than a five-minute walk from the town center, reducing the need for automobile travel and thereby reducing air pollution. Ideally, Civano will attract businesses engaged in solar power and other renewable resource fields.The sustainable features for Civano resemble much those of Davis and include:Energy conscious design and applying Renewable Energy;including passive solar designs, solar hot water and photovoltaics (as they become economical) to reduce energy demands by 50%.Harvested or reclaimed water will irrigate xeriscape vegetation and conserve precious potable water while reducing 65% in potable water.Solid waste recycling will reduce landfill use. Tree-lined biking and walking paths throughout the community will reduce auto use and air pollution. Narrower streets with shade trees will help create liveable neighbourhoods and result in a cooler microclimate.More efficient lot layouts will encourage social interaction, and allow conservation of large natural areas for wildlife.Applying New Urbanism ideas of mixed land use; Convenient groceries, offices and parks will allow residents to shop, work and play near home, reducing the costs and side effects of auto dependence by 50%.Creating village center will cluster commercial, cultural and civic activity in the village center to foster a small town feel.With all these goals Civano was supposed to be a cutting edge example for a better energy and environmentally sound design. Were these goals really achieved?The Neo-Traditional Community Review shows that the rating obtained by Civano for achieving New Urbanism goals is only 1.71, while any number below 2 means that the design fails to meet objective [/db-nu-azcivano.htm]. As for energy and environment goals, except for the narrow streets, tiny lots, and harvesting and reclaimed water it is not the example we would expect to see. It can’t be compared with Davis Home Village, which was designed 20 years before Civano. The houses are not designed for passive solar gain, all have modern air conditioning, and there seemed to be very few homes with solar hot water or photovoltaic panels. The master plan shows that about half of the lots are oriented east and west (Fig. 12). This means that the main glazing of the houses will get the East and West sun in the hot climate of Arizona. On top of it, there were no shutters on the windows. There was almost no Southern glazing to get the passive solar energy to heat the building in winter, and most buildings were built from light material’ which is bad for the summer. Cooling the thermal mass in the summer nights could reduced the cooling needs.Fig. 12. Plan of Civano I and Civano II However, it is claimed that the total improvement in energy in Civano I compare with the “baseline”, which is Tucson Pre-1996 homes is about 44%, and Civano II is about 47%. This was achieved mainly by improving the mechanical and lighting system, as well as the building insulationmaterials and glazing, and seldom by also adding hot water collectors on the roof and one panel of PV (Fig. 13). No need for Bio-climatic design and passive solar architecture was required. As the 2005 Sustainable Energy Standard required that the target annual energy consumption of the building shell and mechanical system and domestic hot water heating will be less than the energy required by the present Tucson/Pima County Model Energy Code by 50% (Sustainable Energy Standard, Chapter 1, Section 101.4.), there is no need to improve the building design, as such an improvement may be achieved mainly by the mechanical systems.Fig. 13. Hose in Civano II –PV Panel and Solar collector for hot water. No Passive Solar Architecture.4. DiscussionsThis paper discusses and analyzes an example of LEED accredited building, as well as a building that failed to gain LEED accreditation. It also examined “Solar Communities”, like Home Village in Davis California that was design in the late 70th as passive solar and sustainable community and is a great success and compared with Civano in Tucson Arizona that was lately designed with no unique Bio-Climatic strategies. Although one would expect bio-climatic, passive and low energy architecture to glow with the Green Architecture movement, examining carefully the above mentioned buildings and sustainable communities and compare them with our basic knowledge of good practice of Passive and Low Energy Architecture, we might be frustrated. One can easily see that in some way, Bio-Climatic and Passive Solar Architecture was almost abandoned.Based on the examples discussed the following issues were revealed:1. Passive Solar Energy is not considered as On Site Renewable Energy. Consequently, there is no incentive in LEED for passive solar design.2. LEED, as most of the other Green Buildings Rating systems, is a simple ‘point hunting’ approach. In order to achieve LEED Silver, the most common goal, one can get the minimum score required for it without improving the energy performance of the building at all.3. Energy efficiency in buildings, according to LEED can be achieved only by improving the mechanical, electrical and hot water systems. There is no need to improve the architectural design from bio-climatic and passive solar aspects.4. If the building is an innovative Bio- climatic design that doesn’t require any mechanical heating or cooling, it can’t be assessed and graded by LEED and hence it can’t achieve Green Building accreditation.Some questions may arise: Is bio-climatic architecture still required when new and better materials and HVAC systems have become available? And if YES, how should we, as PLEA members, endorse and promote good bio-climatic, passive solar architecture into the main stream of Green Architecture?5. Conclusion – What to do?The fact that all energy saving features are put in one basket, and the energy standard are define in such a way that the goals can be achieved with no need for good architectural design, leads to the present situation. First, we should straggle first, that Passive Solar Design will be treated as any other renewable energy, which means, that it will be awarded twice. Second, the Building Code should treat the energy conscious building design separately from the mechanical and the hot water systems. This is because the building is designed to last for at least 50 years, while the mechanical and hot water systems last less than half of it. 6. References1. Chew, M.Y.L., Sutapa, D. (2008). Building Grading Systems: A Review of the State-of-the-Art. Architectural Science Review, 51(1): p. 3-13.2. USGBC-LEED, U.S. Green Building Council, (2007). New Construction & Major Renovation, V2.2, Reference Guide, 3rd edition.3. BRE-Building Research Establishment, (2006). Pre-assessment estimator: Management and operation./filelibrary/14.OF F_MO_Pre-assessment_Estimator_2006v1.2.pdf 4. Rainwater, B., (2008). San Francisco Moves Toward Far-Reaching Green Building Code. /aiarchitect/thisweek08/0418/04 18n_sfcoderev.cfm5. Krotz, D., (2007). Research News: Molecular Foundry Receives LEED Gold Certification Media /Science-Articles/Archive/MSD-Foundry-rating.html6. ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004. (2004). Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. ISSN 1041-2336.7. Ouroussoff, N., (2007). More Openness in Government. The New York Time./2007/03/14/arts/design/1 4mayn.html?_r=1&oref=slogin8. Stamp, J., (2008). Greener Than Thou: Fed Building Too Green For LEED./archives/2008/02/12/greener than_thou_fed_building_too_green_for_leed.php 9. Wack, P. (2005). Village Homes, Davis, California: A Learning Lab for Future Planners. /cgi/viewcontent .cgi?article=1001&context=crp_fac10. Al Nichols Engineering, Inc, )2007(.Energy and Water Use in Tucson. Prepared for the Pulte Corporation and the City of Tucson./docs/environment/Civano_EnergyWater_2006-2007.pdf。