'Kinetic Architecture: Designs for Active Envelopes' is an essential resource for architects, engineers, students, and researchers seeking an in-depth study of how architectural facades dynamically respond to interior and exterior conditions in a manner that saves energy, without sacrificing human comfort. The book specifically focuses on facades with dynamic components, such as active shading devices and hydronic systems, which form an emerging and significant new development in architecture. Russell Fortmeyer and Charles Linn's essays weave together the historical roots of these very special facades, informed by the authors' unique theoretical insight. This original thinking is buttressed by detailed case studies of the facade technology and design expertise figuring in 27 buildings from around the globe, including many important structures whose envelopes have never been documented before.

Author Biography

Charles D. Linn, FAIA, is an architect who has specialized in architectural journalism for nearly 30 years. He worked for McGraw-Hill Construction between 1991 and 2010. While there he was a senior editor at Architectural Record magazine, and a consulting editor for GreenSource magazine, and was the leader of Architectural Record's Innovation Conference. Currently he is the director of communications for the University of Kansas School of Architecture, Design, and Planning. He has won numerous awards for editorial excellence, and was selected for the AIA's College of Fellows in 2002. He is licensed to practice architecture in several states, and earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University. Russell Fortmeyer is a design journalist, electrical engineer, and sustainable technology specialist with the Los Angeles office of the global engineering firm, Arup. He is a member of the applied studies faculty at the Southern California Institute of Architecture and lectures in several architecture schools. His writing has appeared in Architectural Record, Architectural Review Asia Pacific, and Contract, among many other publications. His design work includes the Seattle Public Library, Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Los Angeles, 8 Chifley Square in Sydney, and the master plan for the COFCO Beijing Agricultural Eco-Valley. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University and Master's in Architecture from the University of California at Los Angeles.