| The Environmental Design Pocketbook |
reviews
<<WHAT READERS SAY
EDITION 2 REVIEWS
"The Environmental Design Pocketbook is an indispensable source for sustainable designers. It is thoroughly researched and unafraid to give definitive answers to the complex challenges of sustainable deign. The updates to the previous edition are important to keep pace with the latest legislation and guidance."
Sian Moxon, Senior Lecturer & Technology Coordinator: Sustainability, London Met University
"This is a comprehensive publication and covers a broad range of aspects required in the environmental consideration of design. Students will find this an informative and helpful companion as they carry out the design process. I will certainly be recommending this to my students."
Neil Lamb, Subject Leader in Architecture, Robert Gordon University
“A simply brilliant book. A must have for anyone interested in the why, what and how to design and deliver sustainable buildings. Accessible, educational, practical, common-sense and evidence-based, a book that you’ll refer to again and again. If everyone involved in the policy and practice around green building read and used the Environmental Design Pocketbook as a matter of course, we’d be a whole lot closer to making sustainable development happen for real.” Paul King (CEO UK Green Building Council; Vice-Chair World-GBC; Chair-man Zero Carbon Hub)
"The revised Environmental Design Pocketbook continues to be the definitive summary of virtually everything you need to know in order to design a truly green building in the UK. This new edition is fully revised with up to the minute facts, principles, rules of thumb and sound reasoning - a core reference for the busy professional and aspiring student alike. Critical new sections on Maintenance and Care, as well expanded information on Retrofit and Services, are most welcome at a time when technologies and regulations are getting more and more complicated. Sofie Pelsmakers' simple diagrams and sensible writing always cut through to the key information needed to move forward towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment." Fionn Stevenson, Professor of Sustainable Design, The University of Sheffield School of Architecture
“The Environmental Design Pocketbook by Sofie Pelsmakers is a brilliant resource that condenses and makes accessible critical aspects of sustainable design, without any dumbing down or greenwashing. It gets the priorities and focus right to allow designers to make a genuine difference in their work and to the environment.” - Elrond Burrell, Architype Ltd.
"This is the most comprehensive and authoritative single reference work in the field of sustainable design. The new edition consolidates its reputation." Prof. Dean Hawkes, University of Cambridge
"The Environmental Design Pocketbook deserves a place on every residential designer's desk. It compresses an amazing amount of material into a small portable format. It is full of easy-to-read diagrams, checklists and good advice for the novice, as well as plenty of detail for the knowledgeable. A great present for the designer in your life." Rory Bergin, Partner, Sustainable Futures, HTA Design LLP London
“The first edition of Sofie Pelsmakers’ book has been rightly acclaimed as ‘must have’, ‘essential’ and ‘comprehensive’. This new edition brings us up to date on recent changes to regulations, practices and understanding. The information is easily accessible and guides you from the general to the particular, assisted by
delightful diagrams and drawings, all backed up with references. Get it! ” Robin Nicholson, Cullinan Studio
"This is a really good book, very concise and comprehensive. It covers a wide range of legislation and environmental guidelines, as well as technologies, concepts and approaches to environmental design. It will be an essential item on my reading list."
Sarah Radif, Programme Leader Architectural Technology, Southampton Solent University
“I use this exceptionally comprehensive book as an architect, lecturer and researcher. It is an excellent, essential reference book and is often the starting point for students’ deeper research efforts.” - Huw Heywood, Architect and Principal Lecturer at University of Portsmouth.
“The Environmental Design Pocketbook is an outstanding source of information and techniques. It should be part of every architect or aspiring architect’s library.” Matt Bridgestock, John Gilbert Architects, Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA)
“We use it as a handbook in the office, it’s very useful for quick guidance on lots of issues. The illustrations are lovely and very architect-friendly and it’s the perfect size for a handy textbook.” – Lynne Sullivan, Partner, Sustainable By Design LLP and Chair, RIBA Sustainable Futures 2014-
“A truly informative reference for students and professionals alike. Many will begin to rely on this book; to guide, inform and signpost them towards making environmentally informed decisions at all design stages and scales.” - Dr. Julie Gwillam, Senior Lecturer, Welsh School of Architecture
Sian Moxon, Senior Lecturer & Technology Coordinator: Sustainability, London Met University
"This is a comprehensive publication and covers a broad range of aspects required in the environmental consideration of design. Students will find this an informative and helpful companion as they carry out the design process. I will certainly be recommending this to my students."
Neil Lamb, Subject Leader in Architecture, Robert Gordon University
“A simply brilliant book. A must have for anyone interested in the why, what and how to design and deliver sustainable buildings. Accessible, educational, practical, common-sense and evidence-based, a book that you’ll refer to again and again. If everyone involved in the policy and practice around green building read and used the Environmental Design Pocketbook as a matter of course, we’d be a whole lot closer to making sustainable development happen for real.” Paul King (CEO UK Green Building Council; Vice-Chair World-GBC; Chair-man Zero Carbon Hub)
"The revised Environmental Design Pocketbook continues to be the definitive summary of virtually everything you need to know in order to design a truly green building in the UK. This new edition is fully revised with up to the minute facts, principles, rules of thumb and sound reasoning - a core reference for the busy professional and aspiring student alike. Critical new sections on Maintenance and Care, as well expanded information on Retrofit and Services, are most welcome at a time when technologies and regulations are getting more and more complicated. Sofie Pelsmakers' simple diagrams and sensible writing always cut through to the key information needed to move forward towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment." Fionn Stevenson, Professor of Sustainable Design, The University of Sheffield School of Architecture
“The Environmental Design Pocketbook by Sofie Pelsmakers is a brilliant resource that condenses and makes accessible critical aspects of sustainable design, without any dumbing down or greenwashing. It gets the priorities and focus right to allow designers to make a genuine difference in their work and to the environment.” - Elrond Burrell, Architype Ltd.
"This is the most comprehensive and authoritative single reference work in the field of sustainable design. The new edition consolidates its reputation." Prof. Dean Hawkes, University of Cambridge
"The Environmental Design Pocketbook deserves a place on every residential designer's desk. It compresses an amazing amount of material into a small portable format. It is full of easy-to-read diagrams, checklists and good advice for the novice, as well as plenty of detail for the knowledgeable. A great present for the designer in your life." Rory Bergin, Partner, Sustainable Futures, HTA Design LLP London
“The first edition of Sofie Pelsmakers’ book has been rightly acclaimed as ‘must have’, ‘essential’ and ‘comprehensive’. This new edition brings us up to date on recent changes to regulations, practices and understanding. The information is easily accessible and guides you from the general to the particular, assisted by
delightful diagrams and drawings, all backed up with references. Get it! ” Robin Nicholson, Cullinan Studio
"This is a really good book, very concise and comprehensive. It covers a wide range of legislation and environmental guidelines, as well as technologies, concepts and approaches to environmental design. It will be an essential item on my reading list."
Sarah Radif, Programme Leader Architectural Technology, Southampton Solent University
“I use this exceptionally comprehensive book as an architect, lecturer and researcher. It is an excellent, essential reference book and is often the starting point for students’ deeper research efforts.” - Huw Heywood, Architect and Principal Lecturer at University of Portsmouth.
“The Environmental Design Pocketbook is an outstanding source of information and techniques. It should be part of every architect or aspiring architect’s library.” Matt Bridgestock, John Gilbert Architects, Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA)
“We use it as a handbook in the office, it’s very useful for quick guidance on lots of issues. The illustrations are lovely and very architect-friendly and it’s the perfect size for a handy textbook.” – Lynne Sullivan, Partner, Sustainable By Design LLP and Chair, RIBA Sustainable Futures 2014-
“A truly informative reference for students and professionals alike. Many will begin to rely on this book; to guide, inform and signpost them towards making environmentally informed decisions at all design stages and scales.” - Dr. Julie Gwillam, Senior Lecturer, Welsh School of Architecture
EDITION 1 REVIEWS
"Congratulations also to Sofie Pelsmakers, Architecture for Change and UCL Energy Institute who the judges thought deserved to be highly commended for The Environmental Design Pocketbook. In 2012 Sofie published the book, a practical guide which uses an innovative approach to communicate better green building approaches to architects. The judges were impressed by Sofie’s ability to take complicated principles and communicate them in a way that is relevant to the target audience, to both promote and enable change."Judges comments for the UKGBC/PRP 2013 inaugural Rising Star award
"There are an awful lot of books published about architecture and the built environment but it's surprising how few of them ever get referred to after a first reading. Very few ever make it to the status of a desktop reference work. Sofie Pelsmakers has produced that rare thing — a must-have manual — which sits close to my keyboard, well thumbed and oft dipped into. A remarkable achievement for a young writer." Mark Brinkley, Author of the Housebuilder's Bible
"MUST READ -- An essential for anyone involved in low-energy building, The Environmental Design Pocketbook (RIBA, £25) tackles everything from product specification, retro-fitting and zero-carbon technology to managing the legislation minefield, calculating quotes and completing your project" Grand Design Magazine, October 2012, p26
"Sustainability and the environment is a huge topic and one of enormous importance to all those involved in the building industry. I recommend this book as an invaluable tool in a fast changing and complicated field, it is easy to use, well illustrated and packed with useful information and guidance." Angela Brady, President RIBA
"It is simple, concise and packed with useful facts and figures. Sofie’s book makes it easy to grasp the issues and strategies to design and construct greener buildings. I’ll be keeping a copy close to hand." Pooran Desai, Co-Founder BioRegional and One Planet Communities
"Finally, a definitive summary of almost everything you need to know in order to design a truly environmental building in the UK – this pocket-sized encyclopaedia punches way above its weight. Loaded with up to the minute facts, principles, rules of thumb and sound reasoning, it is an essential reference for the busy professional and aspiring student. Sofie Pelsmakers has written a powerfully condensed guide which should always be within arm’s reach to help resolve those inevitable discussions about which environmental strategy to adopt. At a time when technology and regulation are getting more and more complicated, her simple diagrams and sensible writing cut through to the core information needed to move forward towards a more sustainable built environment. This is it - the really useful book for designing good buildings which address the future now." Professor Fionn Stevenson, School of Architecture, University of Sheffield
"Generally, this pocketbook is an excellent read, laid out with clarity, designer-friendly and with lots of good rules of thumb (side-by-side with proper more detailed explanations). A must-read for all architecture students and an ideal ready-reckoner for those wishing to achieve environmental sustainability in their building projects. It also provides a wealth of useful references for further reading and technical references and is a true navigational aid for good design – from the strategic to the micro level. I thoroughly recommend it." Lynne Sullivan OBE, Partner, Sustainable By Design
"Effectively and economically implementing a holistic approach to the design of sustainable new buildings and, particularly, refurbishing old ones – reducing pollution and waste and creating new opportunities for nature on and around our buildings – is extremely challenging! This book will help readers understand both complex design and construction principles, while restating those basic, simple and effective measures so often neglected in the search for 'innovation' and 'box ticking'. Author Sofie Pelsmaker’s practical knowledge and experience of the rigorous and effective Passivhaus approach adds substantial value to this pocketbook. This title will aid those seeking to reduce our need for heat and power, whilst increasing comfort and health for those living and working in buildings: doing more with less." Andy Simmonds, Simmonds.Mills Architects
"What a handy book. In the twenty years I have spent editing Green Building magazine I have seen a lot published on the subject of sustainable building but this book has some of the most engaging and 'to-the-point' diagrams and tables that I have come across. These really make this pocket-sized book a useful addition for anyone interested in this subject." Keith Hall, Editor of Green Building magazine
"Environmental design should lie at the heart of architectural education and practice. We now have libraries full of books, many of them excellent, which approach the subject from various points-of-view. In The Environmental Design Pocketbook Sofie Pelsmakers brings a welcome and virtuous clear-sightedness to the subject by presenting the fundamentals without pretension. I particularly commend the presentation of climate and micro-climate and, at the other end of the scale, the beautifully drawn, large-scale construction details." Dean Hawkes, Emeritus Professor of Architecture, Cambridge and Cardiff University
"Anyone serious about sustainable design, professional or student, should buy this book. Delightful drawings and a wealth of information, from maps of the prevailing winds in different parts of the UK, to detailed design guidance for different bird species. All are presented in a clear and well-organised hierarchy, which makes the book easy to dip into and a very useful reference. Although the Pocketbook's main focus is housing, its principles apply to many building types. Sprinkled throughout are boxes of key recommendations, and each chapter concludes with an exhaustive listing of legislation and guidance, as well as a bibliography. This sounds tiresome, but it's the ultimate sustainability checklist, wrought manageable by intelligent content and clever graphic design." Hattie Hartman, AJ Footprint, monthly Sustainability Supplement (26.04.12)
"There is a plethora of books about sustainability, architecture and environmental design on the bookshelves of our libraries and bookshops, The Environmental Design Pocketbook stands out as a definitive, clear sighted and easy to read summary of British best practice.
The books covers the broad church of environmental design, from future climate predictions, site planning principles, biodiversity and energy through to sketch details, material specifications and calculations. The diagrams and drawings are clear, precise and full of information backed up by a concise and practical commentary. In the same vein as other architects’ pocket books, each page is packed with facts, design considerations and options. It shows the benefits of ensuing simple and cheap strategies are employed first before bolt on, high tech ‘ecobling’.
The book is accessible to any designer, with nuggets of information on every page, from student through to seasoned practitioner.
For a practitioner this book is useful kept close to hand whilst drawing or specifying. It outlines ranges of options, rules of thumb and checklists to help work out a specific design. It arms the architect with an overview of the options for more detailed discussions with clients, consultants or statutory authorities and identifies how to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes credits and basic Passivhaus strategies
For a student, this book is an invaluable guide to embedding environmental strategies into their projects, the references providing a extensive list of further reading and more detailed research.
The book is completely up to date with all of the latest thinking and strategies, but with legislation and best practice changing rapidly this could be its biggest weakness. Regular future updates would make an informative and concise series dispelling myths and providing easy access to information required to make every building truly sustainable and environmentally responsive.
The Environmental Design Pocketbook is an outstanding source of information and techniques. It should be part of every architect or aspiring architect’s library." Matt Bridgestock at John Gilbert Architects for RIAS magazine, July 4th 2012
"MUST READ -- An essential for anyone involved in low-energy building, The Environmental Design Pocketbook (RIBA, £25) tackles everything from product specification, retro-fitting and zero-carbon technology to managing the legislation minefield, calculating quotes and completing your project" Grand Design Magazine, October 2012, p26
"Sustainability and the environment is a huge topic and one of enormous importance to all those involved in the building industry. I recommend this book as an invaluable tool in a fast changing and complicated field, it is easy to use, well illustrated and packed with useful information and guidance." Angela Brady, President RIBA
"It is simple, concise and packed with useful facts and figures. Sofie’s book makes it easy to grasp the issues and strategies to design and construct greener buildings. I’ll be keeping a copy close to hand." Pooran Desai, Co-Founder BioRegional and One Planet Communities
"Finally, a definitive summary of almost everything you need to know in order to design a truly environmental building in the UK – this pocket-sized encyclopaedia punches way above its weight. Loaded with up to the minute facts, principles, rules of thumb and sound reasoning, it is an essential reference for the busy professional and aspiring student. Sofie Pelsmakers has written a powerfully condensed guide which should always be within arm’s reach to help resolve those inevitable discussions about which environmental strategy to adopt. At a time when technology and regulation are getting more and more complicated, her simple diagrams and sensible writing cut through to the core information needed to move forward towards a more sustainable built environment. This is it - the really useful book for designing good buildings which address the future now." Professor Fionn Stevenson, School of Architecture, University of Sheffield
"Generally, this pocketbook is an excellent read, laid out with clarity, designer-friendly and with lots of good rules of thumb (side-by-side with proper more detailed explanations). A must-read for all architecture students and an ideal ready-reckoner for those wishing to achieve environmental sustainability in their building projects. It also provides a wealth of useful references for further reading and technical references and is a true navigational aid for good design – from the strategic to the micro level. I thoroughly recommend it." Lynne Sullivan OBE, Partner, Sustainable By Design
"Effectively and economically implementing a holistic approach to the design of sustainable new buildings and, particularly, refurbishing old ones – reducing pollution and waste and creating new opportunities for nature on and around our buildings – is extremely challenging! This book will help readers understand both complex design and construction principles, while restating those basic, simple and effective measures so often neglected in the search for 'innovation' and 'box ticking'. Author Sofie Pelsmaker’s practical knowledge and experience of the rigorous and effective Passivhaus approach adds substantial value to this pocketbook. This title will aid those seeking to reduce our need for heat and power, whilst increasing comfort and health for those living and working in buildings: doing more with less." Andy Simmonds, Simmonds.Mills Architects
"What a handy book. In the twenty years I have spent editing Green Building magazine I have seen a lot published on the subject of sustainable building but this book has some of the most engaging and 'to-the-point' diagrams and tables that I have come across. These really make this pocket-sized book a useful addition for anyone interested in this subject." Keith Hall, Editor of Green Building magazine
"Environmental design should lie at the heart of architectural education and practice. We now have libraries full of books, many of them excellent, which approach the subject from various points-of-view. In The Environmental Design Pocketbook Sofie Pelsmakers brings a welcome and virtuous clear-sightedness to the subject by presenting the fundamentals without pretension. I particularly commend the presentation of climate and micro-climate and, at the other end of the scale, the beautifully drawn, large-scale construction details." Dean Hawkes, Emeritus Professor of Architecture, Cambridge and Cardiff University
"Anyone serious about sustainable design, professional or student, should buy this book. Delightful drawings and a wealth of information, from maps of the prevailing winds in different parts of the UK, to detailed design guidance for different bird species. All are presented in a clear and well-organised hierarchy, which makes the book easy to dip into and a very useful reference. Although the Pocketbook's main focus is housing, its principles apply to many building types. Sprinkled throughout are boxes of key recommendations, and each chapter concludes with an exhaustive listing of legislation and guidance, as well as a bibliography. This sounds tiresome, but it's the ultimate sustainability checklist, wrought manageable by intelligent content and clever graphic design." Hattie Hartman, AJ Footprint, monthly Sustainability Supplement (26.04.12)
"There is a plethora of books about sustainability, architecture and environmental design on the bookshelves of our libraries and bookshops, The Environmental Design Pocketbook stands out as a definitive, clear sighted and easy to read summary of British best practice.
The books covers the broad church of environmental design, from future climate predictions, site planning principles, biodiversity and energy through to sketch details, material specifications and calculations. The diagrams and drawings are clear, precise and full of information backed up by a concise and practical commentary. In the same vein as other architects’ pocket books, each page is packed with facts, design considerations and options. It shows the benefits of ensuing simple and cheap strategies are employed first before bolt on, high tech ‘ecobling’.
The book is accessible to any designer, with nuggets of information on every page, from student through to seasoned practitioner.
For a practitioner this book is useful kept close to hand whilst drawing or specifying. It outlines ranges of options, rules of thumb and checklists to help work out a specific design. It arms the architect with an overview of the options for more detailed discussions with clients, consultants or statutory authorities and identifies how to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes credits and basic Passivhaus strategies
For a student, this book is an invaluable guide to embedding environmental strategies into their projects, the references providing a extensive list of further reading and more detailed research.
The book is completely up to date with all of the latest thinking and strategies, but with legislation and best practice changing rapidly this could be its biggest weakness. Regular future updates would make an informative and concise series dispelling myths and providing easy access to information required to make every building truly sustainable and environmentally responsive.
The Environmental Design Pocketbook is an outstanding source of information and techniques. It should be part of every architect or aspiring architect’s library." Matt Bridgestock at John Gilbert Architects for RIAS magazine, July 4th 2012
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