How Buildings Work - review

Huw M. A. Evans - 'How Buildings Work'

Published by RIBA Publishing (Dec 2016)

This book from Huw Evans serves as an accessible and functional guide for architects and designers, both professional and student. Building physics and practical building design are brought together in a succinct and navigable format that enables easy understanding of concepts that are a constant challenge to those involved in the construction of new buildings.

Evans provides an overview of the main physical phenomena that affect the use and operation of buildings, including:

• Heat.
• Air.
• Moisture.
• Sound.
• Light.

A clear understand of these phenomena is essential for the design and construction of safe, functional and energy-efficient buildings. The book is careful not to fall into the all-too-easy trap of addressing these phenomena in isolation, but explores how they interrelate. It is precisely this kind of ‘joined-up thinking’ that is required of architects and engineers as buildings become more complicated and conflicting priorities become more likely.

The book provides an abundance of illustrations and diagrams which are very helpful in breaking down the complexities of the subject matter, particularly the end of section ‘bigger picture’ summary diagrams.

This is a concise, no-nonsense handbook that will serve as a useful point of reference for seasoned professionals, and an invaluable guide through the complex terrain of building physics for students.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• An Introduction to Passive House - review.
• Bill Gething and Katie Puckett - Design for Climate Change.
• Biomimicry in Architecture - review.
• Building engineering physics.
• Building Revolutions - review.
• Building science.
• FutuREstorative - review.
• Passive building design.
• Performance gap.
• What's so great about the Eiffel Tower? - review.

--Michael Brooks