This second volume in the Technologies of Architecture series -- the only series of books tuned to the architectural technology syllabus -- explores the environmental influences on building design. Looking particularly at sustainable building, a holistic view is taken, so that the influence of any one set of choices on other areas -- such as the trade-off of daylighting against thermal insulation, or the balance needed between heating and ventilation -- are not overlooked. The authors discuss available technologies for establishing a suitable microclimate within buildings, for managing the transmission of sound and for minimizing the exploitation of scarce energy and of other resources. Using the perspective of a designer who needs a sound scientific basis for arriving at the optimum outcome, this valuably informative volume is ideal for architectural technology students, as well as first and second year architecture students.