ABSTRACT
'The tropics' are, technically, the low latitudes contained in the 'Torrid Zone' between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn but the term is most typically applied to the world's hot, humid, equatorial coastal regions which have high rainfall, lush vegetation and, almost invariably, a colonial past. The 'Torrid Zone' lies between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Toned areas have a mean annual temperature of 20°C or above; black areas have persistent overcast skies with less than 1600 h sunshine per annum. Within the last 20 years, there has been a major shift in design agendas worldwide, with increasing awareness of global warming, climate change and the need for responsible, sustainable design. Tropical design is no longer seen as a separate entity, but as good design that is attuned to specific variations in climate, construction industry structure, culture and socio-economic conditions.
