Download or read book California Academy of Sciences written by Susan Wels and published by Chronicle Books. This book was released on 2008-10 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Acclaimed architect Renzo Piano's vision for the new California Academy of Sciences is one of hope and grand ambition: to create a model for sustainable design at an unprecedented scale. This is the story of an architectural masterpiece detailing the intricacies of form and function: its 2.5-acre rooftop garden, the 60,000 photovoltaic cells designed to power the building, and its use of natural light and ventilation. This celebratory book serves as both resource and reminder of how humans can live and work in harmony with nature.