The Barefoot Architect

A former UN worker and prominent architect, Johan van Lengen has seen firsthand the desperate need for a "greener" approach to housing in impoverished tropical climates. This comprehensive book clearly explains every aspect of this endeavor, including design (siting, orientation, climate consideration), materials (sisal, cactus, bamboo, earth), and implementation. The author emphasizes throughout the book what is inexpensive and sustainable. Included are sections discussing urban planning, small-scale energy production, cleaning and storing drinking water, and dealing with septic waste, and all information is applied to three distinct tropical regions: humid areas, temporate areas, and desert climates. Hundreds of explanatory drawings by van Lengen allow even novice builders to get started.

Author: Johan Van Lengen
Publisher: Shelter Publications
Published: 10/28/2007
Pages: 704
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 2.02lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.80w x 1.86d
ISBN: 9780936070421


Review Citation(s):
Scitech Book News 06/01/2008 pg. 156