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Wild buildings and bridges : architecture inspired by nature  Cover Image Book Book

Wild buildings and bridges : architecture inspired by nature

Kaner, Etta (author.). Wiens, Carl, (illustrator.).

Summary: "Many architects today are looking to plants and animals to help solve their design challenges. Inspired by how nature already works, these architects are coming up with innovative ways to cool buildings, withstand earthquakes and save energy. In Wild Buildings and Bridges, Etta Kaner explores these wild and wonderful feats of architecture. Kids will discover buildings and bridges inspired by cactuses, beetles, termite towers, trees, grass - and more! In some cases, nature has thought of it first, like a flood-proof house that floats like a water lily leaf. Nature's beauty has also inspired buildings that look like a lotus flower, a bird's nest and even an armadillo. Filled with kid-friendly examples, interactive activities and eye-catching illustrations, this book will fascinate budding architects and makers who love to build and know how things work."-- Provided by publisher.

Record details

  • ISBN: 9781771387811 (library binding)
  • Physical Description: 40 pages : colour illustrations ; 29 cm
    regular print
    print
  • Publisher: Toronto : Kids Can Press, 2018.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Subject: Architecture -- Environmental aspects -- Juvenile literature
Building -- Environmental aspects -- Juvenile literature

Available copies

  • 9 of 10 copies available at BC Interlibrary Connect. (Show)
  • 1 of 1 copy available at Prince Rupert Library.

Holds

  • 0 current holds with 10 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Holdable? Status Due Date
Prince Rupert Library J 720.47 Kane (Text) 33294002075836 Juvenile Non-Fiction Volume hold Available -

  • Horn Book Guide Reviews : Horn Book Guide Reviews 2019 Spring
    An informative introduction to the way the natural world can influence the built environment features discussion of global architecture and design that intentionally (and unintentionally) copies nature. Photos of real-life structures sit alongside appealingly straightforward hand-drawn images and diagrams. Several manageable activities demonstrating eco-design principles along with design-it-yourself prompts will inspire budding architects to consider the ways nature can help solve design challenges. Bib., glos., ind. Copyright 2019 Horn Book Guide Reviews.
  • Kirkus Reviews : Kirkus Reviews 2018 July #2
    A world-spanning look at connections between structures and patterns in nature and those designed by modern architects. Kaner introduces some prominent figures—among them "aquatect" Koen Olthius, Frank Gehry, and the granddaddy of "organic" architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright—as she leads readers past houses that float or rotate, a truss bridge in Japan and an earthquake-resistant one in Greece, some buildings made from tires or other recycled materials, others that collect rainwater or shed excess heat, Norman Foster's London "Gherkin" (which was inspired by a type of sea sponge), and other examples of architectural biomimesis. In keeping with the premise, Wiens mixes schematic views of foundations and gracefully curving roofs or other structures with close-ups of roots, flowers, the trusses that lighten and strengthen a vulture's metacarpal bones, hexagons in a beehive, and fractal patterns in leaves and in stone walls. A pair of simple hands-on projects demonstrat e design principles, and a set of images of flora and fauna followed by a spread of actual buildings that resemble them offer a final invitation to budding designers to get going. Tiny human figures in a few of the painted illustrations display a range of skin tones. An eye-opening survey for makers and observers alike. (index, resource list) (Informational picture book. 7-10) Copyright Kirkus 2018 Kirkus/BPI Communications. All rights reserved.
  • School Library Journal Reviews : SLJ Reviews 2018 October

    Gr 3–7—An informational picture book that will fit perfectly into STEM units on nature and sustainability. Kaner provides a global examination of the ways that architects have learned from, and been inspired by, nature. Each example uses a combination of drawings and photographs of the building or bridge, along with detailed cross-sections to accompany the technical details in the text that explain the rules of nature applied by the architect. Kaner includes biographical information about the architects behind these masterpieces, with in-depth "Meet the Architect" insets on figures like Koen Olthuis and Frank Gehry. The book also considers the topics of recycling, energy efficiency, fractals and truss patterns as applied in engineering, and architectural design. There are a number of simple, fun activities that give children (and teachers) a hands-on way to better understand the concepts presented in the book. The work concludes with a design challenge that asks readers to get creative and construct their own structure using inspiration from a lotus flower, armadillo, jellyfish, and other elements of the natural world, followed by a spread of drawings and descriptions of actual buildings. This section, along with a number of other features, would undoubtedly inspire further research, career explorations, and many creative ideas. VERDICT An essential STEM addition that will inspire the curiosity of budding architects and also provide a wealth of extended activities for educators.—Theresa Muraski, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Library

    Copyright 2018 School Library Journal.
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