Kindergartens

by Michelle Galindo

Published 1 November 2010
For too long, kindergarten architects have been seemingly preoccupied with the principles of durability, maximisation of space, and minimisation of cost. This, however, also meant forgetting that these environments should promote fun, learning and creativity. However, the field has been experiencing a revolution and this volume showcases 60 of the most outstanding recent innovations worldwide. The chosen projects prove especially that collaboration between educationalists and designers can be uniquely fruitful for the planning and building of kindergartens. From the contents: Kindergarten in Sighartstein, Austria (Kadawittfeldarchitektur) Els Colors Kindergarten in Barcelona, Spain (RCR Architectes) Taka Tuka Land in Berlin, Germany (Baupiloten) Bubbletecture M in Shiga, Japan (Shuhei Endo) Kindergarten in Ramat-Hasharon, Israel (Lev-Gargir Architect)

Playground Design

by Michelle Galindo

Published 11 June 2012
Playgrounds are places where children can slide, swing, jump, skate, climb and do all those things which their motor control development requires. Furthermore, the social skills which children acquire on the playground develop into capabilities which they take with them into adulthood. Studies show that playgrounds are among the most important locations for young people outside the settings of home and school. This title is dedicated to the international "kidscapes" of today and presents the most innovative concepts and current trends of this demanding area of design. The projects lead to the knowledge that constructive collaboration on the part of architects and designers, landscape architects and municipal planners, artists and toy manufacturers is the key to the well-being of the children. Skinners

Resort Design

by Michelle Galindo

Published 30 April 2012
This volume brings to mind visions of great locations: white sandy beaches and azure waters as well as spectacular mountain ranges provide the backdrop for these dream getaways. All of these resorts and settings are unique and share certain elements in common - a beautiful natural location, outstanding facilities, exceptional service and the perfect amount of rooms to ensure exclusivity and privacy. Whether nestled in peaceful seclusion under palm trees or in a romantic mountain village, the selected projects blend timeless simplicity with contemporary sophistication. Resort Design showcases the finest of its kind from around the globe in terms of architecture and interior design. All projects are presented by means of photos and text along with plans and drawings.

Signage Design

by Michelle Galindo

Published 12 December 2011
Since signage systems are created to provide orientation, they must be universally legible and understood by people of all ages and culture. Signs must show the way, and also present the proper information at the proper location. By making effective use of graphics, colors and shapes, a signage system helps to create an identity for spaces. Signage Designs showcases a great variety of current examples from across the world, indoor and outdoor, ranging from individual buildings like museums, hospitals and stadiums, to larger contexts like subway systems, town districts or entire cities. This title is an essential reference for designers involved in communications, architects, interior designers and indeed for creative persons in all sectors.

Doctors' Practices

by Michelle Galindo

Published 5 September 2011
This book compiles contemporary designs worldwide that break through the stereotype of doctors' practices as cold and often stressful environments. All projects aim at balancing medical technology and functionality with the need to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for the patients, visitors and staff. Apart from general practitioner's offices, those of dentists and a wide variety of specialists are also presented. The solutions range from practice design in an existing building to entirely new buildings for one or more offices. Doctors' Practices demonstrates today's architectural responses to the complex demands of healthcare - a very fast-developing field.