In these times of social upheaval and climate change, it makes sense to publicly discuss the possibilities offered by architecture beyond investment opportunities and vanity projects. If well executed, architecture can create space for social cohesion, stimulate the senses, make political statements, and contribute to climate protection. Drawing on current issues and citing examples of well-known buildings, journalist Sabine von Fischer has shown how the concerns of architecture, in all of their everyday intricacies, are anchored in society. A selection of such texts is contained in the present volume, framed by introductory comments. What emerges is the understanding that while architecture may be to blame for some social ills, it can also be part of the solution. - Contains interviews with Saskia Sassen, Rem Koolhaas, Jacques Herzog, Francis Kéré, Manuel Herz, Anne Lacaton, Franz Füeg, Peter Zumthor, and others. Planning and architecture as a reflection of politics and society Fluently written and highly readable texts in a handy layout

Sabine von Fischer, architect (ETH) and journalist