Berlin. The Architecture Guide

New exciting and surprising design approaches how great living quality can be wonderfully made possible in small spaces. 

A tiny house is much more than just a very small residence. It is a living concept that reflects the challenges of the future – from the fundamental question of how to finance the dream of home ownership to more complex considerations, such as whether doing without material luxury means more freedom, to social issues such as how we deal with our planet's resources. 

This volume presents remarkable examples of masterfully implemented solutions for tiny houses. The designs of these micro-wonders show that even – or especially – well thought-out room concepts can be realized in the smallest of spaces, without sacrificing excellent design. Intelligent floor plans, multifunctional rooms and ingenious nesting of furnishing components create not only compact living spaces, but also unique habitats.

New approaches to the function design's role to brand success

In his new book, the award-winning author examines the value of brands and the essential role of brand design. He provides a scientifically sound understanding of the underlying methods, modes of action, processes and objectives. His approach represents a shift in perspective: rather thancharging a brand with exclusive meanings, but the primary goal should be to reach as many people as possible and increase their willingness to purchase the brand's product.

Good design significantly contributes to the success of a brand by making it perceptible, recognizable and memorable, and thereby facilitating the purchasing process. The question of impact is, to a large extent, a question of form – the physical reality of the design and how it is communicated. Christoph Zielke presents the overall context in a compact way and provides well-founded insights for developing effective design strategies that sustainably increase brand value.

An exploration of the shift towards work environments that foster creativity, well-being and meaningful growth – reimagining the future of work as a place where people really want to be.

Although more and more tasks are being taken over by machines and artificial intelligence, humans remain the central element to the working world. For knowledge workers in particular, the choice of workplace will increasingly depend on where they can best utilize their skills, find meaning in their work, and experience a positive working environment. Where Future Grows explores this transformation of work and examines how future workplaces should be designed. An environment that considers both functional and aesthetic aspects will become increasingly important. 

The authors present a vision of a working world where the boundary between life and work dissolves, allowing human potential to be fully realized. Through detailed analyses of future work environments and a series of interviews, best-practice examples illustrate how workplaces should be designed to foster both professional and personal growth.

Practical insights and clear principles: offering a fresh perspective on designing for a future that is constantly changing

Artificial intelligence, automation and ever new data-driven tools are reshaping the creative world, and the roles of design and communication are evolving rapidly. The true innovation in this context is to create authenticity that endures beyond fleeting technological shifts. The Generative Mind encourages to rise above short-lived trends and view design as something alive and constantly evolving – in a world that refuses to stand still. 

The author combines systems thinking, generative design and a human-centered perspective to offer a new approach to working with technology to generate ideas, design and tell stories. In eight clear principles, he demonstrates how design can be understood as a process that challenges boundaries to transcend the visible and influence perception: a book for all those who understand creativity as a journey and not just a destination and aspire to actively shape the future of design.

Redefining healthcare design: cutting-edge contemporary hospital architecture for the future of healing and recovery

In recent years, the vital role of hospitals and healthcare buildings has become vividly apparent. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has reshaped the demands placed on these facilities worldwide, highlighting the importance of forward-thinking design to better prepare for crises. This volume showcases exceptional contemporary hospital projects and explores the innovative concepts that have been developed and implemented to make healthcare facilities more resilient, efficient, and welcoming for patients, doctors, and nursing staff. Adapting architecture to the specific needs of everyone involved is now more crucial than ever.

Key solutions include modular structures, designated infection control areas, and flexible care units. Additionally, the book examines how thoughtfully designed waiting areas, patient rooms, and treatment spaces can enhance patient well-being while simultaneously improving the safety and working environments of medical staff. Despite their diversity, all the new constructions and conversions featured in this book share a commitment to high-quality design that puts people and their needs at the center.

Insightful texts on book design that explore the visual, tactile, and cultural aspects of books through the perspective of graphic designers

Fifty readings on book design, authored by Siri Lee Lindskrog and Amanda-Li Kollberg of Formal Settings, unfold across the pages of this volume. Drawn from a curated selection of titles in the private collection of the Hopscotch Reading Room – a conceptual bookshop and event space in Berlin – each text focuses on a single book, examining its visual and tactile qualities, from materials and layout to binding and typography. “Our aim is to understand the role and potential of books through a design lens, mapping what they communicate through their physical form.” 

The authors guide readers through the intricacies of book design, showing how form can become message – how a book can serve as a vessel, a statement, and an object of beauty in its own right. They explore and examine each book as a design object, situating it within the cultural movements, political climates, and economic conditions in which it was produced. This publication reveals how book design can foster shared languages and cultures, create space for the exchange and exploration of ideas, and underscore the social and cultural dimensions of design itself. 

With an afterword by designer, author, and teacher Prem Krishnamurthy, providing further context and insight into the project.