Orient your building to optimise the power of the sun

tip of the hat:  http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/buildings/homes/windows/shading.htm - for this image.

Simple ideas that were so popular in design schools in the 70's that were ignored because oil was cheap, are coming back into the mainstream now - it was so difficult all these years, to watch designers ignore the basics

Small energy efficient steps, simple, wisely thought out designs and research about what we already know will help you design your building or addition and make it sustainable.

                                 Just in case you think the future of libraries is a dead topic...think again and follow these links!

I found Michiel Laan today on Twitter, this energetic and passionate young librarian is interviewed on This Week In Libraries (link below).  I discovered TWIL through a discussion on LinkedIn.

Here is Ms.Laan's conversation with Erik on TWIL:LibrarianInBlack

And so the spiral of world wide discussions about libraries and their futures continues!  gives us hope and stimulates the brain. Watch this lovely interview: cycling unconference out of IFLA

We are particularly interested in the space planning and architectural programming aspect of how the physicall environment provided in new libraries and renovations meet the needs of communities that want their service needs met with spaces that serve as a community Commons.

Good news. 

New York Court Declares That Libraries Are Educational Institutions.

"The judge said it perfectly: libraries are an inherent public good," said Kevin Verbesey director of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System.

"This decision recognizes that libraries are not cultural amenities. They are educational institutions and are an essential public service," said Michael Borges, the executive director of the New York Library Association (NYLA).