ABSTRACT
Having outlined the expressive potential of environmental control systems in general terms, the aim here is to trace how that potential has been explored and developed in recent built works. Following a brief mention of some of the pioneering works of the early twentieth century, we move quickly on to the last few decades of that era, dealing initially with the period when issues of energy efficiency and conservation were beginning to have an impact. Examples of the expression of both active and passive systems, on the exterior of the building mainly, are described. Tw o examples of interiors where the aesthetic potential of the services has been exploited are then presented. Finally, some examples are outlined of more recent buildings where issues of energy efficiency and broader considerations of environmental impact have found expression. These form the backdrop to the more detailed case studies of the chapters that follow.
