Regarding concrete nowadays many of us are thinking of ugly motorway bridges in a green scenery and no one is pleased. But concrete is not an idea of our times, already the Egyptians and later on the Romans were using similar materials. As you know the world famous Pantheon in Rome is still in good condition.

Zaha Hadid - Pierresvives in Montpellier.  Foto Iwan Baan

Zaha Hadid – Pierresvives in Montpellier.
Foto Iwan Baan

A much better technology now is showing amazing building objects and many of the famous architects can’t resist to take concrete mostly as prefabrication and the results are simply to die for.

Ganz in Grau - der Titel zu Concrete Buildings

Ganz in Grau – der Titel zu Concrete Buildings

“100 contemporary  concrete buildings”, published in Taschen, gives a perfect overview of the actual possibilities building with concrete. Written in english, german and french.  www.taschen.com

David Chipperfield - Büro der Architekten Berlin-Joachimstraße. Foto Simon Menges

David Chipperfield – Büro der Architekten Berlin-Joachimstraße. Foto Simon Menges

I spent an afternoon on my terrace going through the two big volumes,  packed with amazing photos. Many objects  never heard of them and some of them I simply have forgotten.  As the sun went down, I was totally thrilled by the material concrete.

Terrasse - Santiago Calatrava- Opernhaus Valencia. Foto Palladium Fotodesign

Terrasse – Santiago Calatrava- Opernhaus in Valencia. Foto Palladium Fotodesign