Design With Microclimate

The Secret to Comfortable Outdoor Space

Robert D. Brown

192 pages | 44 | 6 x 9

Robert Brown helps us see that a "thermally comfortable microclimate" is the very foundation of well-designed and well-used outdoor places. Brown argues that as we try to minimize human-induced changes to the climate and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels-as some areas become warmer, some cooler, some wetter, and some drier, and all become more expensive to regulate-good microclimate design will become increasingly important. In the future, according to Brown, all designers will need to understand climatic issues and be able to respond to their challenges.

Brown describes the effects that climate has on outdoor spaces-using vivid illustrations and examples-while providing practical tools that can be used in everyday design practice. The heart of the book is Brown's own design process, as he provides useful guidelines that lead designers clearly through the complexity of climate data, precedents, site assessment, microclimate modification, communication, design, and evaluation. Brown strikes an ideal balance of technical information, anecdotes, examples, and illustrations to keep the book engaging and accessible. His emphasis throughout is on creating microclimates that attend to the comfort, health, and well-being of people, animals, and plants.

Design with Microclimate is a vital resource for students and practitioners in landscape architecture, architecture, planning, and urban design.

Review Quotes
Contents

"...This slim, friendly, and occasionally overwhelming primer urges landscape architects to understand the deeper implications of the big trio - topography, vegetation, and structure - and employ these elements more effectively by adding solar and terrestrial radiation, wind, and other climatic elements to the mix. Brown, a professor of landscape architecture at the University of Guelph, employs both expertise and enthusiasm to argue that thermal comfort contributes more than any amenity to susccessful site design.

...A trustworthy, sometimes goofy guide (who intersperses "yikes!" and "duh" into the milieu of pyranometers and conduction channels), Brown offers terrific anecdotes to illustrate microclimate concepts..."

Diane Hellekson, Landscape Architecture Magazine

"The book strikes a nice balance of technical information, anecdotes, examples and illustrations, and Brown’s emphasis throughout is on creating microclimates that attend to the well being of people, animals and plants."

SABMag

"... it is an accessible and informative book suitable for beginning students in landscape architecture."

Lu Par Alan Tate, MALA, CSLA, PPLI, Landscapes

"... This thought-provoking, interdisciplinary book is well illustrated, readable, and at many junctures, surprising. More design treatises like this are needed -- works that contrast the intuitive with the counterintuitive and provide a sense that real change at the human level is within the professional's scope. ... Highly recommended. All levels/libraries." S. Hammer, Boston University, CHOICE

"In Design with Microclimate, Robert Brown masterfully outlines the various complexities and considerations embedded in creating comfortable, usable and even popular outdoor spaces. His goal is to encourage designers to think holistically as they strive to design meaningful places."

Traci Rose Rider, Traditional Dwellings and Settlements Review

"In summary, Design with Microclimate is a usefu introduction for students of landscape architecture aiming to develop an understanding of microclimate and designing for thermal comfort."

Landscape Research

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Experiential
Chapter 2: Vernacular
Chapter 3: Components
Chapter 4: Modification
Chapter 5: Principles and Guidelines
Appendix
Recommended Reading

Land Use Planning

Landscape Architecture

You may purchase this title at fine bookstores across the United States. Outside the USA, see our international sales information.