COLLECTION : EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE - EUROPAISCHE ARCHITEKTUR - ARCHITECTURE EUROPEENNE.

Contemporary architecture in the U.S.A. today presents a fascinating interplay of a multitude of regionalisms and architectural traditions with current national and international trends. Accordingly, Collection: U.S. Architecture presents projects by smaller offices with a regional focus, as well as by globally operating stars. From the portraits of a variety of construction projects, including high rises, museums, country estates, sports complexes, and sacral buildings, emerges a picture that presents the special and unique characteristics that distinguish the architecture between Pacific and Atlantic. From the contents: Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, CA (Daniel Libeskind) Switch Building in New York, NY, (nARCHITECTS) Des Moines Public Library, IA (David Chipperfields Architects) Cube Tower in Miami, FL (Oppenheim) The Prayer Chapel in Phoenix, AZ (DeBartolo Architects)

The exciting diversity of culture, climate and economics across the vast continent of Asia is matched only by the fascinating architectural diversity showcased in this volume. Influenced both by global architectural trends and dynamic developments within the region and the different countries, Asian design has experienced an explosion of creativity. From environmentally sensitive structures that draw on traditional images to high rises ascending from crowded urban areas, the inspiring architecture of Asia is a product of people, place and tradition. Ancient ritual and images merge seamlessly with cutting edge technology in apartment blocks, offices, ceremony halls and airports. This generously illustrated volume provides an overview of the transformation of Asian architecture as cultures move towards a synthesis of ideas and styles reconciling tradition and modernity. Top new contemporary projects also by architects from other countries were selected to show the extent of Asian influences on other cultures.

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 these environments should promote fun, learning and creativity. However, the field has been experiencing a revolution and this volume showcases 60 of the most outstanding recent innovations worldwide. The chosen projects prove especially that collaboration between educationalists and designers can be uniquely fruitful for the planning and building of kindergartens.