ABSTRACT

Convergence is based on the thermodynamic premise that architecture should maximize its ecological and architectural power. No matter how paradoxical it might initially seem, architects should maximize energy intake, maximize energy use, and maximize energy feedback and reinforcement. This presumes that the necessary excess of architecture is in fact an architect’s greatest asset when it comes to an agenda for energy, not a liability.

But how do we start to understand the full range of eco-thermodynamic principles which need to be engaged with in order to achieve this?

Kiel Moe explicates three factors: materials, energy systems and amortization. When these three factors converge through design, the resulting buildings begin to perform in complex, if not subtle, ways.

By drawing on a range of architectural, thermodynamic, and ecological sources as well as illustrated and well-designed case studies, the author shows what architecture stands to gain by simultaneously maximizing the architectural and ecological power of buildings.

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chapter |61 pages

Energy Hierarchies and Architecture

The Convergence of Matter and Energy

chapter |47 pages

The Complicated and the Complex

chapter |8 pages

Meuli Residence

Fläsch, Switzerland, 1997–2001

chapter |8 pages

House in Chur

Chur, Switzerland, 2003

chapter |14 pages

Visitor Center Swiss National Parc

Zernez, Switzerland, 2008

chapter |9 pages

Smart Materials House

Hamburg, Germany, 2012

chapter |13 pages

Stadthaus

London, England, 2007–2009

chapter |16 pages

StackHaus

Granite, Colorado, 2008

chapter |8 pages

Gallery of Contemporary Art

Marktoberdorf, Germany, 1998–2001

chapter |10 pages

Library Am alten Markt 2

Berlin-Köpenick, Germany, 2008

chapter |16 pages

Granturismo Earth and Granturismo Stone

Serra de Silves, Algarve, Portugal, 2007–2012

chapter |6 pages

Chai Viticole (Wine Storage Building)

Nizas, 2001

chapter |8 pages

Chai Viticole (Wine Storage Building)

Monastère de Solan, la Bastide d'Engras, 2008

chapter |36 pages

Specifically Generic Architecture

Convergence as a New Program for Architecture

chapter |9 pages

Conclusion

Recursive Solidarity