In formulating a design concept into a viable plan, architects oscillate constantly between two planes of observation: the actual design task in the context of planning typologies such as residential buildings, office buildings, museum, or airport, and the individual room, meaning the kitchen, office, classroom, sanitary rooms, storage rooms, and so on. Planning Architecture offers architects and students a thought-out planning tool, in which two main sections reciprocally complement one another: the "spaces" and the "typologies" between which the planner can flexibly oscillate depending on his or her plane of observation. All relevant planning information is presented in a detailed clear fashion, and in context. These two sections are flanked by an introductory chapter explaining the basis and framework for typological design, as well as a "reference section" at the end of the book that clearly lists general dimensions and units, regulations and standards.

Bert Bielefeld, Professor für Bauökonomie und Baumanagement, Universität Siegen; Inhaber bertbielefeld&partner, Dortmund.