
Thermal Delight
99% Invisible
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The Evolution of Air Conditioning and Its Societal Impact
This chapter traces the journey of air conditioning advertisements from the 1950s to the modern day, illustrating its shift from a luxury item to an essential household feature. It examines how air conditioning influenced urban migration, transforming the desirability of regions like the Sun Belt and altering architectural practices to prioritize aesthetics over climate-specific designs. Additionally, the chapter discusses the environmental implications of widespread air conditioning use, highlighting its contribution to energy consumption and greenhouse emissions.
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