So where were we? Oh yes, in the past, in Ancient Mesopotamia, cradle of civilization (a curious conceit), building with recycled bricks made of regional mud. There also, they invented the parabolic solar reflector, a polished bronze serving bowl turned sideways likely, possibly to light their lamps, or heat some bath water, or both. The point is their technology is of a scale that is “balanced” with their community life. It stands in such sharp contrast to the mentality of our modern age – … [Read more...]
The Global Warming Context
August 5, 2008 By 1 Comment
It would certainly be possible to talk about green building with no reference to global warming. Energy efficiency in itself is a laudable goal. It provides incentive enough on the personal level to stimulate an abundance of activity. Everyone likes to save money. Innovation is fun. Solar heating is cool. Renovating is hot. The list goes on. Self-sufficiency may often be an underlying motive. The romantic desire to live like Thoreau, close to nature, by simple means, seems to be deeply embedded … [Read more...]
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