Introduction to building physics: Implications for opaque and transparent building components

As the human race has evolved, it has become more adept at controlling its living environment. From the Neolithic era, when people first began to live in permanent constructions, to modern times the building envelope has been transformed from primarily providing shelter to also preventing heat loss, providing ventilation, and controlling humidity and comfort, while at the same time being aesthetically pleasing. Today the modern building envelope controls the passage of heat, air, moisture, light, sound and even pollutants.