Pharmacies constitute a special form of commercial architecture. This title features examples that show the design sophistication with which pharmacies, from a functional as well as atmospheric standpoint, set themselves apart from the historical chemists shelves and the competitors.

Product packaging has first of all to fulfill functional demands such as structural stability, air-tightness or air-permeability, information requirements and cost effectiveness. This title presents many examples of contemporary solutions that are on a par with some of the packaging legends like the sculptural shape of a Coca-Cola bottle.

Their function as a link between two or more places over otherwise impassable obstacles distinguishes bridges from all the other types of structures or buildings. In the history of mankind, they evolved with a great variety of profiles and construction methods. Today, new technologies allow the implementation of projects with previously unattainable shapes and sizes. Because bridges are very often particularly prominent and symbolic ventures, architects and engineers have to find the best balance possible between statics and design. From gigantic constructions that cross over huge bodies of...

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 where pedestrians have right of way over vehicles are becoming increasingly important in the modern city and have enjoyed growing popularity since the 1950s. Not only do they increase the quality of life of the residents, they also become an increasingly important locational factor. In general there are two types of pedestrian zones: the first serves primarily as an alternative transit route...

Concrete is an all-around talent, already in use in ancient Rome and since the second half of the 20th century one of the most important building materials. After a period of excess and architectural faux pas a renaissance of exposed concrete began in the 1990s. Whether the design would expressive-opulent or minimalistic-clear, the constant advance of technological developments, especially sophisticated new types of concrete, made possible phenomenal, previously unattainable constructions in high design quality. This volume provides an overview of contemporary realized projects. Their...