Phaidon Concrete: A Comprehensive Guide to the Material and Its Applications

**Concrete: A Visual Journey Through the World’s Most Versatile Building Material**

Discover the remarkable versatility and beauty of concrete through this captivating exploration of iconic structures from the past century. Featuring works by renowned architects such as Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Zaha Hadid, Herzog & de Meuron, and emerging talents, this book showcases a diverse range of projects that highlight concrete’s transformative potential.

Organized to inspire comparison and conversation, the selections take readers on a global architectural tour, juxtaposing a German skatepark with an Italian rooftop test track, a Japanese crematorium with a Portuguese swimming pool, and a Brazilian government building with a Chinese opera house. Each project is beautifully illustrated with stunning photographs and accompanied by detailed captions that provide insight into the design and significance of the building.

A thought-provoking essay by Leonard Koren, author of the bestselling *Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets, and Philosophers*, offers a unique perspective on concrete, drawing from his experiences studying architecture in California and living in Tokyo.

This visually stunning and informative book redefines concrete, revealing its dynamic and awe-inspiring qualities, often overlooked as merely dull or cold. A must-read for architects, designers, and anyone fascinated by the art of building.

**Style:** PH978-0-7148-6354-2