Sustainable Architectural Design: An Overview by Kuppaswamy Iyengar – A Comprehensive Guide to Green Building and Energy

Introduction

Sustainable architecture is no longer a niche interest—it is a necessity in a world grappling with climate change and resource depletion. Sustainable Architectural Design: An Overview by Kuppaswamy Iyengar offers a comprehensive, practical guide for students, architects, and designers who wish to embed sustainability into every stage of the building process. Published by Routledge, this hardbound edition is an essential addition to any serious design library.

Book Overview

This book presents a structured journey from foundational theory to real-world application. Iyengar demonstrates how to integrate design and technology to create buildings that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible. The text covers site analysis, energy strategies, building systems, and evaluation methods—all supported by detailed case studies. Whether you are designing a small home or a large hospital, this volume provides the tools to make informed, sustainable choices from the outset.

Key Highlights

• Holistic approach: Moves seamlessly from theory to site planning, energy use, building systems, and post-occupancy evaluation.
• Richly illustrated: Packed with charts, tables, drawings, and photographs that clarify complex concepts.
• Real-world case studies: Covers diverse project types including offices, residences, hospitals, schools, restaurants, and warehouses.
• Global perspective: Includes overviews of international assessment systems such as BREEAM, CASBEE, and GBTool.
• Practical strategies: Each chapter offers clear technical details, design summaries, and further resources for deeper study.

Inside the Book

The book is organized into well-defined sections that guide the reader through the sustainable design process. Early chapters establish the theoretical foundation, exploring principles of ecology, climate responsiveness, and human comfort. Subsequent sections delve into site selection, passive solar design, natural ventilation, and daylighting. Later chapters address active systems—heating, cooling, lighting, and renewable energy integration—and conclude with evaluation frameworks and case studies that tie everything together.

Key Topics

• Sustainable design theory and principles
• Site analysis and climate-responsive planning
• Energy-efficient building envelopes
• Passive and active heating, cooling, and lighting systems
• Integration of renewable energy technologies
• Water conservation and waste management
• Building assessment and certification systems
• Case studies across multiple building typologies

Reader Benefits

Readers will gain a clear, actionable framework for designing buildings that minimize fossil fuel use and maximize occupant comfort. The book helps you avoid costly mistakes by showing how to get it right the first time. You will learn to evaluate trade-offs between design aesthetics, cost, and environmental impact. The case studies provide inspiration and practical lessons that can be applied directly to projects in India and beyond.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the core principles of sustainable architectural design.
• Analyze site conditions to optimize building orientation and energy performance.
• Select appropriate passive and active systems for different climates and building types.
• Evaluate building performance using international assessment tools.
• Integrate sustainability into client briefs and project delivery.
• Apply lessons from real-world case studies to your own design work.

Who Should Read

This book is ideal for architecture and interior design students, practicing architects, urban planners, and engineers. It is also valuable for builders, developers, and anyone involved in the construction industry who wants to deepen their understanding of green building. The clear, jargon-free explanations make it accessible even to those new to sustainable design.

About the Author

Kuppaswamy Iyengar is a renowned architect and educator with decades of experience in sustainable design. He has taught at leading institutions and consulted on numerous green building projects worldwide. His expertise spans climate-responsive architecture, energy-efficient systems, and building performance evaluation.

About the Publisher

Routledge is a prestigious academic publisher known for its high-quality books in architecture, design, and the built environment. With a global reach, Routledge brings authoritative content to students and professionals, ensuring that every title meets rigorous scholarly standards.

Conclusion

Sustainable Architectural Design: An Overview is more than a textbook—it is a blueprint for creating buildings that respect the planet and serve people. By combining theory, technology, and practice, Kuppaswamy Iyengar equips readers with the knowledge to design responsibly and innovatively. Whether you are starting your career or seeking to update your skills, this book is an indispensable resource. Order your hardcover copy from Bookshops.in today and take the first step toward mastering sustainable architecture.