Integration and formal development of solar thermal collectors

The paper presents selected results of an investigation over possible ways to improve Building Integrated Solar Thermal systems (BIST) on the formal level. It shows the results of a European survey intended to help defining quality in the architectural integration of BIST. A few criteria of integration are derived and presented as guidelines intended to support architects in their integration design work. Finally the paper describes a methodology for the formal development of solar thermal collectors responding to both energy and architectural needs.