Architecture and Solar Energy: ARCHISOL

Summary

ARCHISOL has the goal of advancing the introduction of energy-conscious building into the mainstream of architectural design. It seeks to introduce both practising architects and students of architecture to energy-efficient building and passive solar design in a stylistically neutral manner, to facilitate the construction of passive solar buildings and to establish energy efficiency as a criterion of architectural criticism. Methods include competitions, awards and exhibitions, and co-operation with European architectural periodicals. A series of national review tasks has been completed and an analysis of the findings prepared. An expert team of national sub-contractors is being appointed both to form the basis of an information network and to act as an advisory group for the project as a whole. There is also a series of related tasks. Priority areas of work include: extending contacts with journalists and critics; compiling an exhibition and catalogue of European regional vernacular energy-conscious buildings; developing competition calculation procedures and performance indices, and launching the Third CEC Passive Solar Design Competition; and initiating a series of regional competitions emphasising energy criteria. Close linkages exist between the ARCHISOL and SOLINFO projects.