Environmental knowledge and city perception: with a focus on the energy link to environmental aesthetics

Architecture exists to respond to environmental problems that affect human life, many of which are directly related to energy principles. In the early stages of man's adaptation, these challenges set the criteria for indigenous architecture. Certain formal solutions became recognised as more reliable in meeting environmental potentials and a deep appreciation of these emerged. This persisted even as the evolution of the intellect allowed man to move away from direct, survivalist responses to the environment into a more symbol -based and mutual relationship.The process of change, however, has developed into one of internationalisation. In Libya, the subject area of this thesis, building techniques are used that have no relevance to the environment. This fracture between the natural and artificial has created many problems. This thesis will research these accumulated problems by studying the city image, which lead the author to assert the role of energy in setting the criteria for environmental quality