Solar Architecture

Architectural Dreams Concepts - Realities

Students of Professor Jeffrey Cook at Arizona State University's College of Architecture feel very positive about energy conservation. Their design concepts show a strong feeling of sympathy with the natural environment. Solar energy related courses in engineering, liberal arts, and architecture are so popular that A.S.U. now offers a program of graduate architectural studies in arid region design. Models by students of Professor Cook suggest how exciting and original solar-heated and cooled structures can be. Right and below are bird's-eye views of designs by student Guy Stiles. Both are models for neighborhood shopping centers using the "Skytherm" method of heating and cooling. The principal for "Skytherm," which was successfully developed and tested in Arizona, uses bags of water covering the entire roof surface which radiate warmth and coolness to the interior. Temperature of the water bags is modulated by sliding insulation panels. In summer the panels are pulled back at night to allow nocturnal radiation plus evaporative cooling to bring the temperature well below that of the ambient air temperature. The procedure is reversed during the winter.

Multi-storied hilltop designs by Guilford Rand have received much publicity. Rand hopes to build his own solar home in the Prescott area.