Designing for Disaster: Domestic Architecture in the Era of Climate Change

by Boyce Thompson

The climate is changing, and so must domestic architecture. Premium materials—brick, stone, wood—and timeless design used to be the key to building homes that would last for generations. But a warming planet, coupled with severe weather events, has changed the equation and raised the stakes, sometimes literally. Aimed at homeowners, architects, and builders, this book presents sixteen innovative homes that represent the best of resilient-home practices in four categories—earth, wind, fire, and water—plus a list of resources from organizations such as FEMA and the National Fire Protection Agency. Few local building codes provide adequate protection from the forces of global warming, which will proliferate in this century. These examples illustrate the importance of next-level home design to help resist climate change—the most urgent issue of our time.

• ISBN13: 9780764357848
• Publish Date: 28 September 2019
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Schiffer Publishing Ltd
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 176
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Designing for Disaster provides an in-depth look at how architecture (specifically domestic architecture) is changing in the face of global climate change and the extreme weather which follows as a result. Released 28th Sept 2019 by Schiffer, it's 176 pages and available in hardcover format.

The book is full of clear, accessible photos and easy to understand text. The introduction includes some sobering statistics about natural catastrophes and their consequences. It makes a compelling argument for active preparation instead of responding after the fact.

The following chapters are arranged thematically around specific weather/natural dangers: water, earth, fire, and wind. The rest of the book contains links for further reading, and a resource list of higher end architectural firms. I was surprised to find that the book didn't include an index.

This book showcases -very- high end domestic architecture. There are numerous drool-worthy interior and exterior shots. The grotto indoor/outdoor pool with waterfall feature in one home had me swooning. Nearly all of these homes are ultra-modern architecture and with a very modern aesthetic; lots of glass and steel, exposed beams, pared down features, glass walls, etc.

Beautiful book, it would make a good support text for project engineering/design/architecture students, or people looking for inspiration in their own home design.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.