Architecture and sustainability

Architecture in its classical meaning is understood as a meaningful integration of the use (utilitas), stability (firmitas) and aesthetic beauty (venustas) through design for (re)making and (re)shaping of buildings, urban spaces and the built environment. Sustainability understood as a development paradigm aspires an integrative attitude towards the social, the economic and the environmental concerns to unfold development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." While fully acknowledging the diversity of perspectives in both domains, this book focuses upon the integrative potential of architecture and highlights the ways in which it can contribute to the further development of the sustainability paradigm.