ABSTRACT
Our dreams and our desires are enacted in buildings — it is estimated that Europeans spend about 90 per cent of their time in them. As we have seen, almost half of our energy consumption takes place in buildings, and so an environmentally friendly design is of paramount importance. Well-designed buildings, of course, also enhance urban space. Without good architecture, the city suffers and our well-being is impaired. Involving users and occupants in the design process, as well as consulting the neighbours on the plans, will help to establish a feeling of participation and ownership (see, for example, Chapters 14 and 18).
