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Current design of apartment buildings is facing challenges of philosophy and form. Past approaches no longer sustain new demands and require innovative thinking. The need for a new outlook is propelled by fundamental changes that touch upon environmental, economic, cultural and social aspects that led to the writing of this book.
The depletion of non-renewable natural resources and climate change are a few of the environmental challenges that prompted designers to reconsider conceptual approaches in favour
of ones that promote a better suitability between buildings and their environments. Concepts that minimize the building´s carbon footprint, passive solar gain, net-zero structures and water harvesting system are some of the contemporary strategies that architects and builders are integrating into their thought processes and design.
Increasing costs of material, labour, land and infrastructure have posed economic challenges with affordability being paramount among them. The need to do with less brings about concepts that include adaptable dwellings, and smaller-sized yet quality designed housing. Social challenges are also drawing attention. As the "ba-
by-boom" generation plans now for retirement, housing an elderly population will take priority. Walkable communities, aging in place, live-work residences, and multigenerational living are some of the concepts considered.
The book offers information on contemporary design concepts and illustrates them with plans and photographs of outstanding international examples.
Avi Friedman received his Bachelor´s degree in architecture and town planning from the Israel Institute of Technology, his Master´s degree from McGill University, and his Doctorate from the University of Montréal. He co-founded the Affordable Homes Program at the McGill School of Architecture where he teaches. He also holds an Honorary Professor position in Lancaster University in the U.K. Avi is known for his housing innovation and is the author of 18 books. He is the principal of Avi Friedman Consultants Inc. and the recipient of numerous awards including the Life Time Achievement Award from Sustainable Buildings Canada and the World Habitat Award. In 2000 he was selected by Wallpaper magazine as one of ten people from around the world "most likely to change the way we live".

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Friedman, Avi
lehrt an der McGill University in Montréal, Canada

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