Pete Silver

Air can be used in a variety of ways to make lightweight, flexible structures. It can be used to make inflatable structures, mobile structures and temporary buildings, it can also activate movable elements and act as a means of constructing buildings that would be impossible with conventional construction methods. This book looks at every facet of the subject, examining the different types of air structure: super pressure buildings, air beam structures, buoyant structures, inflatable structures and many more. It also looks at the construction methods that use air, such as air-inflated steel, aerated concrete and blow moulding. Filled with photographs, models, drawings and diagrams, this is the ideal book for curious students, designers and architects.

Understanding the relationship between design and technology is critical to the understanding of architecture. This book clearly explains the core aspects of architectural technology: structural physics, structural elements and forms, heating, lighting, environmental control and computer modelling. The third edition includes six new case studies, more on structural types, new information on construction detailing, passive building principles and designing for different climatic conditions. This essential introduction to architecture will help students to integrate their design thinking with the appropriate structural and environmental solutions.