Older cities represent models of energy efficiency. A research project that compares the performance of three different solar design approaches for older cities is described. (Author/MLF)

The sun makes its own terms, and they must be acknowledged. The response to these terms is apparent in sections of solar buildings used for high-density development or homes. (Author/MLF)

Discusses records made of the London Weather Centre indicative of concentrated sunshine symmetrically about noon, which provides a probability of sunshine occurring on vertical surfaces to be greatest for south facing walls. Concludes that design recommendations should be based on available, rather than on theoretically possible, sunshine duration…

At the University of Southern California solar-access design research project, Barry Knowles and students have devised a solar envelope: the largest volumetric container over a land parcel that allows solar access to all adjacent neighbors within useful time constraints. (Author/MLF)

A leading passive solar heating expert advocates more extensive uses, outlines various familiar approaches, and evaluates many existing built examples. (Author/MLF)

In the current period of questioning of architectural values and directions, the implications of energy use on form must be confronted sooner or later. Efforts by various practitioners at combining art and technology are shown. (Author/MLF)

The design and effectiveness of a number of government/industry active solar demonstration projects. (Author/MLF)

The Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering at the University of Minnesota is constructing a building that will be 95 percent underground. (Author/MLF)

Some quantitative methods are illustrated that might be used to select design elements that are appropriate year-round and matched to the annual climate profile, and, in addition, to apportion architectural and mechanical strategies so that they complement one another. (Author/MLF)

Projects being carried out by the private sector involving the use of solar energy for heating and cooling buildings are profiled in this report. A substantial portion of the data were collected from a broad cross-section of the building community. Data collection efforts also involved the canvassing of the nearly 200 trade and professional…

Data presented in this report indicate that solar space and water heating are possible in the Pacific Northwest. The first section of the report contains solar records from several stations in the region illustrating space heating needs that could be met, on an average daily basis, by solar energy. The data are summarized, and some preliminary…

Formulas used in the calculation of cooling loads and indoor temperatures are employed to demonstrate the influence of various building parameters--such as thermal transmittance (U-value), solar absorptivity, and thermal storage--on the indoor thermal environment. The analysis leads to guidance on ways of limiting temperatures in naturally…

The purpose of this study was to establish more precisely what factors determine energy use in schools, to evaluate the efficiency of and necessity for these, and to make recommendations for the reduction of energy use. These recommendations will be applied to the design of specific projects that will be built, monitored, and evaluated. This…

The Center for Building Technology (CBT) provides the technical and scientific bases for criteria and standards that improve the usefulness, safety, and economy of buildings while conserving building materials and energy. CBT's activities support the building technology program of the federal, state, and local government; assist design…

The Center for Building Technology (CBT) provides the technical and scientific bases for criteria and standards that improve the usefulness, safety, and economy of buildings. CBT research also aims at conserving building materials and energy. Individual projects may emphasize one or more of the center's typical activities in providing improved…