Kinetic Architecture: Designs for Active Envelopes is an essential resource for architects, engineers, students, and researchers seeking an in-depth study of how architectural facades dynamically respond to interior and exterior conditions in a manner that saves energy, without sacrificing human comfort. The book specifically focuses on facades with dynamic components, such as active shading devices and hydronic systems, which form an emerging and significant new development in architecture. Russell Fortmeyer and Charles Linn’s essays weave together the historical roots of these very special facades, informed by the authors’ unique theoretical insight. This original thinking is buttressed by detailed case studies of the facade technology and design expertise figuring in 27 buildings from around the globe, including many important structures whose envelopes have never been documented before.
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Review
‘Kinetic Architecture is, as intended a valuable resource for architects, engineers and students. This accessible, entertaining and pleasurable book with exceptional photography, is cleverly aimed at both professionals and those with a general interest in architecture and environment’ –Architects Journal
About the Author
Russell Fortmeyer, LEED AP, is a design journalist, electrical engineer, and sustainability consultant with the LA office of the global engineering firm, Arup. A former technology editor for the magazine ‘Architectural Record’ and a frequent contributor to many design publications, Russell is interested in the intersection between people, architecture, and technology. His key projects have included the Seattle Public Library, TreePeople Center for Community Forestry in Los Angeles, Kinghorn Cancer Center in Sydney, Australia, and Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix. He holds a BS in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University and MA in Architecture from the University of California at Los Angeles. He is the American correspondent for the magazine ‘Architectural Review Australia’ and has contributed to several books, including ‘Emerald Architecture: Case Studies in Green Building’ and C’rib Sheets: Notes on the Contemporary Architectural Conversation’. Charles Linn FAIA, is an architect who has specialised in architectural journalism for the past 25 years. He is currently a New York City-based freelance writer and editor. His clients include ‘Architect magazine’, ‘Architectural Lighting’, ‘Metals in Construction’, the ‘Amercian Society of Mechanical Enginers’, ‘This Old House’, the Urban Green Council, the American Architectural Foundation and the American Institute of Architects. He has written and edited various stories on building design, sustainability, urban design, architectural technology, and practice. He was an editor at ‘Architectural Record’ for 20 years and was the startup editor for several magazines including ‘GreenSource’, ‘Schools of the 21st Century’, ‘Laboratory Planning’ and Design, and ‘Architectural Lighting’. He was admitted to the AIA’s College of Fellows in 2002. He is licensed to practice architecture in several states and earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State university.