A Natural History of Architecture

In this book, architect Philippe Rahm reframes the evolution of architecture through the lens of climate, biology, and energy, revealing how natural forces have shaped our built environment.

How did the human need to maintain a body temperature of 37°C lead to the emergence of architecture? How did a simple grain store become a city? Why did oil cause the urbanization of deserts?

In this book, architect Philippe Rahm highlights the physical, biological, climatic, and health factors that have influenced architectural history and led to the emergence of its various forms, from prehistory to the present day. Re-reading the history of architecture from the perspective of these natural factors, long ignored by 20th-century historiography, enables us to tackle the major environmental challenges of our century and to build better in the face of the climate emergency.