The Philosophy of Sustainable Design

by Jason F. McLennan

In the Philosophy of Sustainable Design, McLennan outlines the major ideas and issues that have emerged in the growing movement of green architecture and sustainable design over the last thirty years. This book is intended as a starting point for anyone involved in the building industry on a journey to learn how they can build more responsibly. The book is rooted in practical knowledge but rather than being a ‘how to book’ asks individuals to understand how the philosophy of sustainable design can affect their own work. Part Sustainable Design 101 and part manifesto this book lays the groundwork and philosophical basis for more technical study. McLennan relies on his extensive experience with sustainable design having consulted to dozens of projects and design teams all over the country. Tapping into the work of many pioneers and ‘green design philosophers’ McLennan clearly presents a framework for people to understand Sustainable Design and how ultimately it will become the future of architecture and design.

Genres: Architecture, Sustainability, Design, Reference, Nonfiction, Environment

325 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Author, Green Building Advisor"

Reviews

[David Barnes]

What can I say. This book addresses sustainability in a broad manner and also specifically talks about the built environment. It gives a lot of sources and has really got me thinking about how to solve problems at a higher level rather than focusing one specific topic. It reads well and is a must for anybody that wants to help change the world and make a living doing it.

[Lisa]

Written over twenty years ago, this book remains relevant in its principles and process. The predictions and overview of cutting-edge technology are unsurprisingly dated, but in a slightly charming way. The book also works just as well with skipping these chapters. Although some of the green critics’ more overtly negative attitudes towards sustainability that McLennan describes have largely faded, the challenge of what it takes to bring a sustainably integrated mindset to solving built environment problems remains. This book captures the essence of principles and approach in a way that is still useful to today’s challenges.

[Graham]

For the most part I agree with McLennan. The book is in need of editing. There is some unnecessary repetition and passages that would be condensed, though I understand McLennan is an architect, not an author. Scholarship is lacking where citations are needed. In the early chapters McLennan cites "spicyquotes.com", a website that apparently no longer exists. Some points could be expanded where further research would have been beneficial. Nevertheless, this book is mandatory for anyone interested in design.

PS. The key concepts are summarized in appendices at the back of the book.

[Sara]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not particularly well-versed in green architecture, or even architecture in general, but with the little bit of background that I do have, I thought this was a pretty good book. If you have no interest in architecture, then this is not the book for you but otherwise it gives a pretty good overview of current green practice.

[Crissy Moss]

Used for a college course. It was an interesting book that discussed materials, use cases, and creating architectural design that worked with the environment instead of against it. Walkability was also included though I don't think they called it a 15 min city at that time.

[Anne]

I'm reading this for a class right now but feel that this is a very important book.

[Sharon Robinson]

This is the other book for my Sustainable Building Advisors class. It is much more interesting on a philosophical level (hence the title ) but not one to read for "tips" on green building.

[David Runge]

Good description of the general thought processes and theories behind sustainable design and what sets sustainable philosophy appart from traditional philosophy.

[Anisah]

Kesan Sustainable Design yang terasa sangat 'technical' dan 'theoretical' terhapus sudah setelah membaca ini. Buku ini berhasil membuat saya lebih memaknai dan menghayati gerakan 'Sustainable'.