Braun Publishing AG

What will architecture be like in the coming years and decades? Who are the future protagonists? What will be their goals and what values will they represent? This title presents architects ranging in age from their mid-twenties to their mid-forties who with a few already implemented buildings, they have caught the attention of the sector experts and opened the eyes of the general public to what is coming. They are focussing on the future, creating their own individual style and ideas while tackling the challenges of our times. Short portraits of the protagonists and their respective design principles are complemented by the presentation of individual works. This gives the reader an insight into the architecture of tomorrow along with an understanding of the design principles on which it is based.

From cozy, loft-style homes to palatial mansions, elegant retreats to functional family homes, this illustrated volume displays a breathtaking series of inspirational exotic settings from Brazil to the Carribbean, from Bali to Singapore. These are timeless spaces where refined aesthetics and local materials, simplicity and grandeur, nature and architecture reside together in peaceful co-existence. Each architect featured here, renowned designers as well as innovative newcomers, has produced an architectural masterpiece. It is an invitation to dream - and to believe in the possibility of that dream becoming reality.

Brutalism is back. Vilified for decades as the stepchild of modernism, brutalist architecture is now enjoying a comeback as the latest discovery among digital trendsetters: uncompromising and incredibly daring, the colossal structures of the 1960s and 1970s both stand as testament to the postwar years and inspire contemporary architectural language. This volume offers a sophisticated comparison of historical and contemporary brutalist buildings. Similarities as well as differences are explored and analyzed using a series of impressive architectural projects. Large-scale sculptural forms, coarsely finished materials and floor plans that defy convention merge with contemporary design to generate enthralling new creations. Bunker-like bungalows reveal classy interiors, vast religious buildings disclose innovative perspectives and gigantic concrete structures surprise with delicate, artistic elements.

"The Book of Drawings + Sketches“ is dedicated on the individual handwriting of the most important and influential architects of our time. The hand-drawn vision highlights the main features and characteristics of a building, which is overshadowed by the seemingly perfectly realistic approach of a rendering. Despite the nearly unending possibilities of computer-based methods, drawings and sketches remain the most intuitive expression method of architects. Beyond the pure conveying of information through a mechanical drawing, the various techniques of manual drawing can convey individual sentiments and impressions. The result is a larger degree of authenticity coupled with an emphasis of the human dimension of architecture. The volume combines the most diverse drawing and painting methods, juxtaposing implemented sketches with selected photos of the final result, allowing readers to comprehend the connection between the intention and outcome themselves.

Architecture and the architectural discourse have become ever more important for the creative hub of Berlin. Whether new constructions or building redevelopments, interior design, landscape architecture or urban planning, projects related to the German capital stand for sophisticated concepts and high quality. The variety of ideas, the technical perfection with which it is implemented and the attention to aspects of sustainability are essential factors characterizing the building culture in and from Berlin. The presentation of the 60 to 70 projects in eight chapters is accompanied by essays on current trends and developments making headlines. These range from the architectural significance of Berlin for for tourism, new interior design trends for bars and restaurants as well as a look at the newly developed city quarters and their relationship to neighboring local subculture scenes.

The adaptive reuse approach is gaining ground also in the hotel industry. The careful and respectful handling of the building fabric is as important in this process as the creative extension. Converting old structures is a great way to offer an authentic experience for guests, while also conserving land, reducing urban sprawl and preserving the originality of historic buildings. The featured architects show different possibilities how stations, warehouses, churches and offices can be coverted into hotels. Whether through striking contrast with the new creation or reinterpretation of the existing architecture – or indeed both together – all featured projects are defined by their respectful and thoughtful stance towards the sites they occupy and establish an enthralling relationship between the old and the new.

In almost no other European region the connection between nature and design is as pronounced and at the same time as varied as in the Scandinavian countries. The rugged wilderness and dark days require comfortable interiors with warm colors; while lovely landscape scenarios and long mid-summer nights are juxtaposed to functional-minimalist and timeless design. This title presents the impressive wealth of Scandinavian interiors, locally inspired and international successful. It shows for example how designers rely on the tradition of using local materials and natural shapes which they apply in a successful mix, often with current building technologies, to develop design concepts that make the Nordic style so popular and unique.

The evolution from yesterday's purely functional and usually soulless bathroom to today's private oasis that comes in all shapes and sizes – sometimes almost like a piece of art – continues to open up new horizons for newly planned houses and apartments as well as remodeling projects: from introducing elements of ancient bathhouse cultures to the latest materials and products. With a careful choice of projects from all across the globe, this volume showcases an exceptional spectrum ranging from small and intimate baths to wide open spa landscapes – from size S to XL. They all have their own special way of extending an invitation to immerse, relax, and let go. The multitude of concepts presents the coming together of solid and fluid elements in architecture and interior design as an inspiration.