EAST – Laboratory, EPFL Lausanne (eds.) [3]
Greenhouses
Studies on Type
Book design: Omnigroup, Lausanne
English, ca. 96 pages, ca. 120 images and plans, 17,1 × 24 cm, linen softcover
Euro [D] 29.–, Euro [A] 29.90
Pre-order. Release date: September 2026
ISBN
978-3-03863-112-5
• A typological analysis of the greenhouse: as a home extension, conservatory, buffer zone or thermal shell
• Examples section featuring reference projects from all over Europe and an overview of typologies
• The greenhouse as a low-tech approach to smart building concepts
A greenhouse is far more than a simple extension or a standalone building. The wealth of possible concepts ranges from life-sustaining environmental conditions to structures for cultivating plants. In this context greenhouse refers to both atmospheric conditions and the building type. Greenhouses.
Studies on Types explores this topic in greater depth by considering the greenhouse not as a fixed model but rather as a series of architectural principles.
Studies on Types explores this topic in greater depth by considering the greenhouse not as a fixed model but rather as a series of architectural principles.
From a typological perspective, the book explores how greenhouses introduced a new logic of space – be it in the form of buffer zones, thermal shells, conservatories or additional living space. These in-between spaces reconfigure living and communal areas and alter microclimates, thus contributing to current debates on climateresponsive architecture.
Following the concept of the “Studies on Types” series, the book begins by examining the typological concept of the greenhouse type – as a historical manifesto, as a central element of 1970s solar architecture and as food for thought about thermal control – and goes on to analyse a wide selection of case studies portrayed and redrawn by students of the EAST design studio in order to provide a detailed insight into the various manifestations of this type.
The book rounds off with a visual atlas that brings together all of the case studies and historical reference buildings. Conceived as a reference work and systematic overview, it illustrates the relational and transformative role of twentieth-century greenhouse typologies and their potential to enrich architectural space.
About the editors
EAST – Laboratory of Elementary Architecture and Studies of Types, EPFL Lausanne
While the function of a building may change over time, its architecture remains. In lessons, EAST examines the aspects of construction that determine the use, morphology, and spatial structure of buildings. The history and change of these aspects serve as a basis for analyzing the design of new buildings as well as for reusing and transforming existing buildings. Urban settlements are thus a laboratory for architectural ideas, which are further developed using the technical means and spatial concepts of our time. The joint project work in the studio space facilitates a continuous discussion of different design approaches and helps the students to develop their own ideas.
While the function of a building may change over time, its architecture remains. In lessons, EAST examines the aspects of construction that determine the use, morphology, and spatial structure of buildings. The history and change of these aspects serve as a basis for analyzing the design of new buildings as well as for reusing and transforming existing buildings. Urban settlements are thus a laboratory for architectural ideas, which are further developed using the technical means and spatial concepts of our time. The joint project work in the studio space facilitates a continuous discussion of different design approaches and helps the students to develop their own ideas.
Tiago P. Borges is an architect, postdoc and associate professor at EPFL. His work focuses on typological studies, with special emphasis on typological transfers and the historical and conceptual connections between greenhouses and living spaces.
Anja Fröhlich is associate professor of Architecture and Design at EPFL and codirector of the EAST Laboratory. Pursuing a typological approach to urban architecture, she draws on her PhD thesis to investigate how form
serves to organise communal life and articulate spatial relations.
serves to organise communal life and articulate spatial relations.
Martin Fröhlich is associate professor of Architectural Design at EPFL and codirector of the EAST Laboratory. He is cofounder of AFF Architekten (Berlin / Lausanne) and AFFECT, a research project on the subject of circular building.
