Book excerpt: This book explores aspects of the historical and theoretical basis for temporary and transportable environments and provides an insight into the wide range of functions that they are used for today, the varied forms they take and the concerns and ideas for their future development. Themes in the book range from wide-ranging topical issues like the ecological implications of building to more focused investigations such as shelter after disaster. The book will be of interest to both students and practising architects, engineers and those involved in the creation of the built environment. It will also be of value to those involved in areas of product design, design history, building component manufacture and urban design.