ABSTRACT
There is much talk of ‘sustainable development’ and little comprehension of its meaning. It is very evident that those involved in the so-called ‘green’ movement are characterized by their passion. Considering the stakes, this is understandable. This chapter is aimed at illustrating some of the factors which make the stakes so high. Once the issues are understood, it is difficult to escape a commitment to bioclimatic design. Inspiring that commitment is the purpose of the first part of the book. It is not an academic exercise or merely a guide to professional competence but a pointer to the kind of architecture which will have to happen as part of a concerted effort to avoid the apocalyptic prospect of catastrophic climate change.
