Greenhouses

From a typological perspective, the book explores how greenhouses introduced a new logic of space – be it in the form of buffer zones, thermal shells, conservatories or additional living space. These in-between spaces reconfigure living and communal areas and alter microclimates, thus contributing to current debates on climateresponsive architecture.

Following the concept of the “Studies on Types” series, the book begins by examining the typological concept of the greenhouse type – as a historical manifesto, as a central element of 1970s solar architecture and as food for thought about thermal control – and goes on to analyse a wide selection of case studies portrayed and redrawn by students of the EAST design studio in order to provide a detailed insight into the various manifestations of this type.

The book rounds off with a visual atlas that brings together all of the case studies and historical reference buildings. Conceived as a reference work and systematic overview, it illustrates the relational and transformative role of twentieth-century greenhouse typologies and their potential to enrich architectural space.