Book excerpt: Understanding the relationship between design and technology is critical to the understanding of architecture. This book clearly explains the core aspects of architectural technology: structural physics, structural elements and forms, heating, lighting, environmental control and computer modelling. The third edition includes six new case studies, more on structural types, new information on construction detailing, passive building principles and designing for different climatic conditions. This essential introduction to architecture will help students to integrate their design thinking with the appropriate structural and environmental solutions.