Book excerpt: Now in its third edition, this book provides the ideal and only reference to the physical basis of architectural design. Fully updated and expanded throughout, the book provides the data required for architects to design buildings that will maintain the users comfort in a variety of conditions, with minimal reliance on energy intensive methods like air conditioning. This is not a ‘how to’ book but answers the question why. It equips the reader with the tools to realize the full potential of the good intentions of sustainable, bioclimatic design. All sections have been revised and updated for this third edition including all the most relevant developments affecting heat, light and sound controls. The book responds to the need of understanding beyond ‘rules of thumb’.