edited by Bob Easton
This classic compendium of sustainable designs is as relevant now as it was at the time of
its publication. In it, you will find numerous examples of indigenous as well as low-cost
solutions to sustainable living.
by R. Buckminster Fuller
Fuller had a unique vision of industrial design, seeing the impending shortage of natural
resources and the need to come up with energy-saving devices in order to maintain our
"Spaceship Earth." In this seminal book, Fuller outlines the concerns facing our society
and the methods necessary to overcome these concerns. You might also want to look at
Your Private Sky, a wonderful compendium of his life and work.
edited by Peter Warshall
More a catalog of ideas than it is of products, the Whole Earth Catalog is the reference point
for sustainable design catalogs today, including the Real Goods Solar Living Source Book
which gives you a very good ideas of the sustainable design products available on the market.
by Christopher Alexander
The seminal book in a series of books by Alexander, which drew upon classic examples in
coming up with A Pattern Language for sustainable design. Other books in the series
include The Oregon Experiment and The Production of Houses.
by Ian McHarg
McHarg was one of the foremost landscape architects of the 20th century, stressing the need
for architecture to form a closer fit with nature. His method of overlays became a standard in
his field, as did his commitment to sustainable planning.
by James Wines
A very engaging overview of the leading green architects today, with numerous illustrations,
and their commitment to site-specific design.
by Marcelo Villegas
Villegas draws attention to the remarkable structural properties of bamboo and its ability to
suit almost any need in this beautifully illustrated book.
by Victor Papanek
Papanek was a leading industrial designer who worked extensively in the developing world
coming up with sustainable design solutions that suited everyday life. In many way, his work
was an extension of Buckminster Fuller.
by Andrea Oppenheimer
Mockbee created a unique working studio in rural Alabama, in conjunction with Auburn University
that has left a rich legacy in these poor communities. You might also want to check out other
books in the series, including Proceed and Be Bold : Rural Studio After Samuel Mockbee
by Sim van der Ryn
This book offers one of the more complete visions of sustainable design today, using his own
built examples, such as the Real Goods Solar Living Center to illustrate his ideas.
by Ken Yeang
Perhaps one of the most innovative ecological solutions, Ken Yeang has come up with a
skyscraper that works with the environment from the ground up to create a high-rise sustainable
living environment.
