The sun makes its own terms, and they must be acknowledged. The response to these terms is apparent in sections of solar buildings used for high-density development or homes. (Author/MLF)

Discusses records made of the London Weather Centre indicative of concentrated sunshine symmetrically about noon, which provides a probability of sunshine occurring on vertical surfaces to be greatest for south facing walls. Concludes that design recommendations should be based on available, rather than on theoretically possible, sunshine duration…

At the University of Southern California solar-access design research project, Barry Knowles and students have devised a solar envelope: the largest volumetric container over a land parcel that allows solar access to all adjacent neighbors within useful time constraints. (Author/MLF)

A leading passive solar heating expert advocates more extensive uses, outlines various familiar approaches, and evaluates many existing built examples. (Author/MLF)

In the current period of questioning of architectural values and directions, the implications of energy use on form must be confronted sooner or later. Efforts by various practitioners at combining art and technology are shown. (Author/MLF)

The design and effectiveness of a number of government/industry active solar demonstration projects. (Author/MLF)

Some quantitative methods are illustrated that might be used to select design elements that are appropriate year-round and matched to the annual climate profile, and, in addition, to apportion architectural and mechanical strategies so that they complement one another. (Author/MLF)

Formulas used in the calculation of cooling loads and indoor temperatures are employed to demonstrate the influence of various building parameters--such as thermal transmittance (U-value), solar absorptivity, and thermal storage--on the indoor thermal environment. The analysis leads to guidance on ways of limiting temperatures in naturally…