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U.S. Department of Energy
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Synthesizing a new sustainable vernacular: Passive versus active climatic design strategies

Conference ·
OSTI ID:379845
 [1]
  1. Univ. of Waterloo, Ontario (Canada). School of Architecture
The current practice of Sustainable Design encompasses a range of green strategies which include, but are not limited to, passive climatic design and active solar and wind technologies. Modern passive design technology has learned to build upon the climate responsive methodology that is found in traditional vernacular topology and regional directions in architectural form. Active strategies have been incorporated into Sustainable developments as a means to reduce dependence on non renewable energy sources. Where these strategies may be seen to support Sustainable Development, in actuality, the basis of their respective pedagogies can be seen as oppositional. It will be the thrust of this paper to understand the contrasting precepts of Passive and Active Design, as well as their complementary and integrated roles in the synthesis of a Sustainable Vernacular as these practices are manifested in two Sustainable Education Developments: YMCA Environmental Learning Center, Paradise Lake, Ontario, and, The Center for Regenerative Studies, Pomona, California.
OSTI ID:
379845
Report Number(s):
CONF-960430--; ISBN 0-89553-211-5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English