ABSTRACT
The element air is necessary for human life, for inspiration, and expiration. Air was introduced by pre-Socratic philosopher Anaximenes as the source of all things. Air moves freely and is the lightest of the terrestrial elements. Identified are both the benefits and detriments to the element air in architecture, and illustrated are the destructive forces of hurricanes, tornados, Chinook and severe winter winds, and air pollution. The argument for the element air in architecture includes comfort and health benefits from fresh air, cross ventilation, evapotranspiration, and as a transfer medium for heating and cooling. Preventative measures include eliminating toxic substances and improving indoor air quality. In response to the beneficial determinant of air, the chapter presents five case studies illustrating a focus of the element’s integration. They are Rice University’s Skyspace in Houston, Texas; the Hedesunda Housing Project in Sweden and the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre in New Caledonia; the Queen’s Building in Leicester, UK; the Bahrain World Trade Center in Manama, Bahrain; the Seoul Cloud Building and the Blur Building in Switzerland, and the Metropol Parasol in Seville, Spain. Sustainable and experiential qualities, including our need for fresh air, temperature control, and the experience of outdoor spaces are presented as representing the lightness, spaciousness, movement, and carrier of sounds and fragrances of the element air.
