Public urban spaces vary widely in type, form and size, encompassing plazas, squares and streetscapes. They serve pedestrians and flaneurs, accommodate street life in all its vibrant variations and re
The evolution from yesterdays’s bathroom to today’s wellness oasis continues to open new frontiers. New spa areas as such can hardly be distinguished at first glance, and could as easily be taken for
Pharmacies constitute a special form of commercial architecture. The market for medicines, which is heavily regulated in most countries, has led to a veritable competition of the “atmosphere of space“
Since signage systems are created to provide orientation, they must be universally legible and understood by people of all ages and culture. Signs must show the way, and also present the proper inform
Light is the prerequisite for spatial perception, which is why it is an integral component of architecture. Light design in architecture has become more lively and also more colourful in the last few
Architectural competitions date back centuries, today they play an important role in architectural practice as they offer architects vital opportunities to pitch their work across the globe. Competiti
School building architecture has greatly gained in pedagogical significance during the last years. Students of the 21st century have access to increasingly more workspaces customized for various studi
Economic and societal transitions have left many buildings redundant and numerous structures are waiting to be put to new uses. Due in part to an increasing awareness of ecological issues, but mainly
Combining sustainability with trend-setting design is one of the great challenges of contemporary architecture. Resource sparing living space is one of the most important themes. In addition to the in
This book compiles contemporary designs worldwide that break through the stereotype of doctor?s practices as cold and often stressful environments. All projects aim at balancing medical technology and
Street furniture is the secret star of urban outdoor design. Though rarely noticed at first glance, it significantly contributes towards the urban experience. Benches, fountains, street lamps, rubbish
Green areas of all kinds have gained significance for contemporary urban planning. In addition to the importance for the structure and appearance of urban spaces, these areas have very different socia
Ecological rethinking and sustainable building concepts have become important topics in contemporary architecture. The use of renewable resources and the intention to build in harmony with nature are
Citizens in retirement age are becoming an ever greater but also more active part of society. Along with this demographic and socio-cultural shift a new emphasis is placed on living quality and atmosp
Playgrounds are places where children can slide, swing, jump, skate, climb and do all those things which their motor control development requires. Furthermore, the social skills which children acquire
Like once the main towers of the cathedrals, skyscrapers are the dominant landmarks in the cityscape of today and thereby one of the most prestigious building assignments of creative architects. The d
This volume brings to mind visions of white sandy beaches; leafy palm trees and azure waters provide the backdrop for these dream getaways. All of these resorts and settings are unique and share certa
The facade is the “skin” of a building. It forms the boundary between interior and exterior, form and function, between user and passersby. In addition to aspects of function, construction, design and
In 2009 plans by New York mayor Michael Bloomberg to transform part of Broadway including Times Square into a pedestrian area caused a sensation, not just in the city but internationally. Urban areas
Successful exhibition design is more than the presentation of products, objects and ideas, going beyond the mere conveyance of information related to them. A functioning concept must contribute to a d
From the 1930s, Olivetti, the manufacturer of business products, was widely regarded as the pioneer of corporate architecture. During the 1990s, the concept became firmly established as a basic compon
At the beginning of the 20th century, the department store developed from the markets and arcades, from which the shopping mall evolved in the post-war period. The operators of department stores and s
Protection has always been the most genuine function of architecture. In the context of global warming one of the most needed type of protection is from and against the sun. This necessity has led to
As life expectancy is extended, medical procedures continually advance and competition between health care providers intensifies, hospital design becomes increasingly important. The idea that patients
Although convention centers are in high demand, the competition is tough, and new concepts are constantly in demand. Convention centers come in a range of forms, shapes, sizes and contexts. They can f
Architecture for rescue services has come a long way in the past decade. Buildings for the police, fire brigades and ambulance stations have lost their often primitive and shed-like appearance and hav
Airports today are much more than gateways to cities, countries or continents. They have developed into city-like complexes and multifunctional systems, which while being set up to serve the needs of
The automobile has shaped the appearance of our streets for 100 years now. At the same building types have been created to serve it. Parking garages and gas stations as new species of architecture and
What is needed to create a home and how much does it cost to do it in style? This volume pursues the answer to this question by presenting around 60 projects from around the globe. Unconventional buil
For too long, kindergarten architects have been seemingly preoccupied with the principles of durability, maximisation of space, and minimisation of cost. This, however, also meant forgetting that thes
University buildings pose an interesting challenge for contemporary architecture. The seven liberal arts have long ago been joined by countless other faculties and departments. This branching out of k
Serving as gateways to the cities, train stations were the most important urban building developments at the turn of the 20th century. One century later this building mission is experiencing a fascina
The variety within the hotel industry has been considerably increased over the past years, fascinating concepts have been developed beyond just more and more luxury. Yet, despite all variations, the i
Contemporary interior design is largely defined by the creation of diverse spaces that can be experienced with all of the senses. One aspect in this regard is the original use of materials. This also
Contemporary interior design is largely defined by the creation of diverse spaces that can be experienced with all of the senses. One aspect in this regard is the original use of materials. This also
Travel has become an integral part of modern life. Being far from home does not need to be a barrier to travelers feeling at home in a foreign environment; as a matter of fact hotels have become the p
