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 component of a corporate identity. Architecture and design are used to control the interior and exterior image of company headquarters and office buildings, to production sites and store interiors. Corporate architecture includes both individual projects ranging from high rises to trade fair booths, as well as company-wide design schemes such as that of the Apple stores around the world. The vitalizing and expressive power of architecture as a business card made of stone intends to reflect the self-image of a company and a brand s identity with the aim of expressing the corporate philosophy through architectural symbolism and constructional cultural qualities. Representing very different approaches, the examples from around the world gathered in this book present the whole scope of this extensive topic.

Individual life scripts are most clearly reflected in a persons home. The home s envelope and the arrangements within it represent its inhabitants character and identity; sometimes each component on its own, sometimes as a complementary or contradictory combination, and sometimes as a synthesis of both. The focus can be on the spaces created by the walls, the ceilings, the floors, to the distribution and partition of rooms, to the furnishings and details like sorting the spines of the books on the shelves by color. This volume presents single-family houses, apartments, villas, chalets, townhouses and lofts for singles or couples, for small or big families, or other forms of cohabitation. Featuring more than 100 projects, the most different kind of habitats from around the world are displayed. It shows that indeed every home and every living style is very special and unique.

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 represent the cities and towns themselves. On the one hand they are transit spaces or crossroads, while on the other hand they provide opportunities to linger or stage events. This volume features recent projects from all continents, showing the different approaches and solutions to this sophisticated design task at the intersection of architecture, landscape design and urban planning. Hardly any other area of spatial design offers so much freedom and such functional and formal diversity as does the design of urban spaces.

From Olympic training pools to relaxing spas, child-friendly swimming complexes to private bathing facilities, this area offers a diversity of function matched only by the architectural diversity showcased in this volume. The demand in each case is met by contemporary and innovative designs that explore the medium of water as both a powerfully creative and a calming force. Swim! Best of Pool Design introduces a global array of private and public pools, many representing daring experimentation with location, form and material, pushing the boundaries of creativity and functionality in the design of distinctive and sophisticated facilities. From the contents: Les Bains des Docks in Le Havre, France (Jean Nouvel) The Tank at the Golden Nugget Hote in Las Vegas, USA (Kirksey Architecture) San Alfonso del Mar in Algarrobo, Chile (Fernando Fischmann) Rooftop pool at the Joule Hotel in Dallas, USA (Adam Tihany) Beijing National Aquatics Centre, China (PTW Architects, Arup, CSCEC, CCDI).

Wood has always been a strong contributing factor in the creation of interesting architecture. Because of its special physical characteristics, its many possibilities of application and combination with other construction materials, since human beings began building houses, wood has been one of the main building materials. In addition, because of the increasing sensitivity for the protection of resources, the ecological potential of wood as a renewable raw material wood has gained in significance. To build with wood has been for years and is still a trend topic, this volume is a road tour of contemporary wood architecture. The many possibilities for use of this natural building material are shown with texts, photos, facts and drawings, as well as the innovative construction techniques which have extended these possibilities. The architectural species diversity ranges from energy efficient passive homes to wide span supporting structures, to multi-story productions halls.

Elegant, innovative or even extravagant design can hardly exist on its own today. The ecological and sustainable aspect of a product is the argument that clinches the sale especially where one is prepared to pay something more for design. That principal applies as well to the manufacture of products, for example those which are resource sparing, as well as their application, if they are low-emission and finally their disposal, if they are compostable. Green Design, Vol. 2 shows the most varied strategies of environmentally compatible design. Especially notable is the recycling of unusual materials, fair production and fair trade, low-emission use and finally the principal of conversion instead of disposal.

Dogs are considered mans best friends in most parts of the world. Consequently, dog lovers want their canine friends to have the most optimal living conditions possible beyond the minimum requirements of healthy food, regular movement and toys for training body and brain. This volume shows the amazing breadth of selection and creativity of products to warm the hearts of dogs and owners alike. The smart furnishings and affectionately created accessories presented here are decorative as well as functional, from royally ornamented dishes, to exclusive toy, to comfortable pillows. Some wrap their dogs in elegant coats and protective shoes, whereas others grant them fancy luxury couches and inviting palaces. This original collection is an ideal source of inspiration for anyone wanting to do everything for their most signifigant four-legged friends.

Sacred buildings are among the oldest types of edifice produced in human civilisation. The construction of churches, synagogues, mosques and other building which are used for sacred, ritual or ceremonial acts is still considered the most prestigious of construction tasks. Next to functional demands, which are heavily ritualized in liturgical practice, the architects must concentrate particularly on the aesthetic expression. The space must operate as a framework for belief, with specific reference to the religion to be served. It must also be an appropriate stage for the experience of the divine service and concomitant spirituality. This volume shows exceptional examples of buildings from the various religions and denominations which often attain the status of works of art.

Toys, fulfilling as they do one of mankind's most basic needs, have existed for as long as we have. From the earliest times both adults and children have used toys to simulate reality or simply to pass time. Renowned designers, artists and architects have always tried their hand at creating toys: from Frank Lloyd Wright's work with Frbel'S building blocks to Josef Hartwig's Bauhaus chess set that is still produced today. Gerrit Rietveld, Pablo Picasso, Marcel Breuer and Andy Warhol also designed toys. However, most often it was craftsmen and women--such as the seamstress Margarete Steiff (Steiff teddy bears), the carpenters Christiansen (Lego), or the cabinet-maker Hans Beck (Playmobil)--who designed the most successful and enduring toys.

Since Carl Benz’ 1886 patented three wheeled motorcar the automobile has changed public space more than any other invention. New building types had to be created to house the car when immobile, so when it is purchased, serviced or parked. From the beginning architects have transformed the purely functional buildings into landmarks, places of wonder and experience. Automobile Architecture presents the most interesting contemporary showrooms, gas stations and parking structures. It becomes clear that a new paradigm has emerged, one that places functionality, aesthetics and sustainability at the center of the conceptualization of automobile architecture. The most interesting design concepts are featured from prominent as well as upcoming architects.

As the focal point of everyday life, living spaces in residential buildings offer limitless design possibilities. The variety inspired by influences from all over the world ranges from minimalist concepts employing concrete, glass and steel, to traditional, nature-conscious construction using wood. The volume Home. Best of Interior Design of the new Best of series presents 40 outstanding projects that feature all aspects of home. The interplay of functionality and aesthetics, combined with the harmonic interaction of color, form and material are at the center of this 400-page illustrated book.

Libraries are no longer simply storage facilities for books. In the last decade they have expanded beyond their physical structures to become multimedia portals, through which entire communities gain access to new methods of research, communication and entertainment. Architects worldwide have responded to this developing need, balancing lively and functional interior spaces and distinctive facades, marking out these buildings as points of access to a modern world, with spaces that continue to promote the reading of books in a calm, focused environment. This volume from the Masterpieces series presents outstanding examples of revolutions in library design and renovation, an architectural challenge to strike the finest balance between functionality and aesthetics. From the contents: Amsterdam University Library, The Netherlands (Studio Roelof Mulder and Bureau Ira Koers) Philological Library, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany (Foster & Partners) André Malraux Library in Strasbourg, France (Jean-Marc Ibos and Myrto Vitart) The Consortium Library, University of Alaska, USA (RIM Architects) Francis Martin Library in New York, USA (1100 Architects).

This title shows the wide variety of contemporary German interior design, which is centered between the poles of tradition and globalization. Germany's present-day global image is defined by modern technology, rural traditions and solid craftsmanship and is reflected in the design of public and private spaces: retro styles are revived and take on new shapes. The timeless elegance of classical modernism in the tradition of the Bauhaus is brought back to life and new materials and technologies entail previously unknown dimensions of design. This volume presents the stylish world of German interiors, which ranges from one-off custom-built designs to an accomplished array of serial products.

The design of a bar plays one of the most crucial roles in defining its identity and atmosphere. Drink! Best of Bar Design presents 40 contemporary projects from New York via Berlin to Shanghai, from innovative young designers as well as established architects. Bar design has considerably widened its scope, making it an exciting field of creativity. Outlandish and colorful interiors or minimalist and reduced concepts, the projects presented show an amazing diversity how the space is organized, which materials are used and what individual style is developed.

Everybody knows Athens? Acropolis, Paris? Notre Dame or the Victory Column in Berlin? and nobody can imagine any of it without its impressive pillar constructions. Pillars always act as a symbol of grandeur and power but often they also have crucial func.

Plastic has moved from a supporting role to being a new star among construction materials. It is versatile, light-weight, flexible and moisture resistant. Plastics are easy to handle, durable and attractive at the same time – they are used for whole construction units as well as for selected decorative elements. The recent innovations in this field have inspired designers and architects to experiment with the wondrous properties of plastics. Pure Plastic is a richly illustrated volume that features some of the most impressive projects presenting a creative use of plastic and synthetic composites in latest architecture from all over the world.

Balconies are an architectural accent of a special kind. Forced to looking up from below while passing by on the street the balcony serves as an eye-catcher. However, regarded down from the perspective of the balcony it is providing a refuge.

Zunachste einmal Treppen sind eine notwendige Konstruktion um Hohenunterschiede zu uberwinden. Ob dynamisch oder elegant, ob modern oder traditionell, ob schmal oder groraumig ein Treppenaufgang fuhrt uns nicht nur von einer Ebene zur nachsten. Abgesehen von dieser fundamental wichtigen Funktion sind sie jedoch auch immer ein Ausdruck einer speziellen Lebensart innerhalb eines Gebaudes, eines Viertels, einer Stadt. Als ein bevorzugter Treffpunkt oder als Kulisse fur offentliche Veranstaltungen, Treppen gewahrleisten und symbolisieren Kommunikation und Bewegung. Dieser umfassende Bildband prasentiert die architektonische Vielfalt stadtischer Treppen. Von gekurzten Treppenstufen uber raffinierte Treppenkonstruktionen, die in schwindelerregende Hohen fuhren, bis hin zu imposanten Freitreppen eine Fulle an eindrucksvollen Fotos dokumentieren die ganze Bandbreite des Treppendesign in europaischen Grostadten. Das Buch ist dabei Teil einer Reihe, die sich den raffinierten und aubergewohnlichen Details in der europaischen Architektur verschrieben hat und sie in den Fokus der Betrachtung ruckt.

Contemporary architecture between Lithuania and Portugal, between Iceland and Roumania is not united by their style but by the existence of a unique and individual architectural expression in each of the European countries. Around 200 of the most interesting buildings from all parts of the continent have been selected for this volume of this new series Collection. The volume features the best of Europe?s most recent architecture covering all kinds of typologies from office buildings to airports, from churches to factories, from houses to schools. The focus is on the diversity to be found in Europe?s architecture today ? by the best known internationally acclaimed architects as well as the best that are at the beginning of their careers.