Maximum comfort and minimal energy consumption - integral building systems which simultaneously benefit clients, users, and the environment. Why not actively incorporate the natural climate in the design of a building? Why not exploit the potential of natural ventilation? Why not use materials which have a beneficial influence on the thermal features of a building? Why not use sun blinds to collect solar energy? Such questions form the focus of an intelligent climate-engineering concept, which aims to develop buildings with optimized thermal and visual comfort in addition to maintaining low energy consumption and reduced production costs. One of the most successful climate engineering firms is Transsolar Energietechnik in Stuttgart. Acting as consultants, Transsolar has worked together with a number of prominent architects such as Ben van Berkel, Murphy / Jahn, Frank O. Gehry, Auer+Weber, Behnisch & Partner, and James Carpenter to achieve integral building systems. This book provides an aestheticoverview of Transsolar's integrated building and energy concepts. It shows in detail the different areas of application which include the load-bearing structures, heat and ventilation systems, light planning, and facade construction. Building owners appreciate the great potential for saving investment costs without compromising the aesthetic qualities whilst building users appreciate the savings to be made in operation costs. This book includes contributions by architects who have made use of Transsolar's concepts as well as project characteristics with the scope of the climate's integral approach, aims and tools. An extensive glossary of technical terms concludes the volume.