5.3 | What is Climate?

According to the researchers and writers working on the climate control project, climate, above all else, was something to be manipulated for man's comfort and convenience. Researchers emphasized that climate was not universal throughout the nation, and in fact celebrated its diversity, exploring the architectural specificities appropriate for different regions of the country. However, the effort also took on the image of a national project, and the idea that intelligent, climate-inspired design was something uniquely 'American' soon took hold. Climate was approached in the following way;

Three Major Aspects of Environmental Focus
1.climatic conditions typical of an area; this refers to the assignment of one group of design guidelines to a particular region, or zone of the country
2.the micro-climate factors or specific climate characteristics of the site; how could the backyard of a particular home solve all problems of climate control for comfortable living?
3.exploitation of natural advantages (topography, vegetation, geology and materials); how could a house be sited, in the suburbs, country, or city, to best take advantage of sun, temperature, wind, precipitation, and humidity?

Aspects of climate which where of concern:
1.insulation against excessive heat and cold
2.rain
3.wind
4.sun
5.privacy and protection from animals and intruders


Title page from House Beautiful article in 1949.