Between standards, technology, and cost pressures, building threatens to become purely functional. But when do we feel comfortable in spaces? Why do the walls of some new buildings remain bare? How does one actually design? And is there a hell for architects? This book seeks answers to big and detailed questions about contemporary architecture. Contributions from practitioners, craftsmen, and residents provide insights into everyday design and planning. The focus is on the work of roedig.schop architekten + partner, who have been shaping residential construction in Berlin for 25 years with a consistently user-oriented approach. Their simple but radical claim is that every apartment must be designed in such a way that the designers themselves would want to live in it.

With contributions by Julia Dahlhaus, Ulrich Kuhnt, Alexander Schmid, Helga Schmidt-Thomsen, Andrea Roedig, Benedikt Crone, Thomas Sparr, Marc Richter, and Gerd Brendel

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• Entertaining essays on contemporary architecture
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• Insights into everyday design and planning, not only for architects
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• Monograph on the award-winning Berlin-based firm, which became known for its co-housing projects and cost-effective residential buildings
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