Ecologic Architecture

Ecologic Architecture

Richard L. Crowther, Butterworth Architecture, 80 Montvale Ave., Stoneham, MA 02180; 617/438-8464 (800/366-2665 for orders). 1992, $39.95.

Richard Crowther is clearly committed to understanding and practicing “ecologic architecture” in every way possible. The scope and breadth of material in this book is remarkable. Unfortunately, the writing style and design of the book make is nearly impenetrable. While there are bits and pieces of useful and interesting information scattered throughout this 300-page treatise, only the most dedicated student is likely to stay with it long enough to find them.

Ecologic Architecture includes arguments for designing buildings that are more in tune with (and less damaging to) nature, strategies for doing so, case studies illustrating some of the author’s own solutions, and a series of bullet-format lists of guidelines. Perhaps more useful than any of these, however, is the appendix entitled “Informational Reference,” which includes resource listings and brief comments on various construction materials.

Many of the same ideas are repeated in each section of the book, and the language takes some getting used to. Every topic relevant to environmentally sustainable design—which is essentially what Crowther means by “ecologic architecture”—is discussed in the book, along with some that are not so relevant. For example, Crowther discusses security issues at surprising length, explaining that “as we keep our possessions, ourselves, and our loved ones secure,” we sustain ourselves as “ecological beings.” His case studies, all of which are located in or around Denver, Colorado, show a heavy emphasis on solar gain, energy efficiency, and healthy indoor environments.

The text throughout, however, keeps returning to the bigger picture. Statements like, “The greater the distance from source to use, the greater the trail of pollution,” argue forcefully for the use of local materials in their natural state. As a practicing architect, Crowther also sympathizes with the necessary compromises of the marketplace. He admits, for example, to including fireplaces for insistent clients “although they have no redeeming ecologic features.” The most detailed of his case studies cover buildings he designed for himself, in which he has experimented with the most innovative technologies and principles.

Ecologic Architecture is full of potential. It founders, however, for lack of attention from a capable editor. A few years ago, it might have been worth struggling through simply because this sort of information was so hard to come by. More recently, however, more and more sources are emerging that make getting this information less painful. With extensive editing and attention to the overall structure of the book, it could be a real gem.