The design of housing blocks is without doubt one of the most interesting and attractive subjects of contemporary architecture. This is because in these projects the architects face some of the most serious conflicts generated by present-day society: the problem of high density development in large cities, the shortage of development land and the degradation of quality of life due to factors such as acoustic and environmental pollution.
During the second half of the 20th century, the use of vertical construction has proven to be the most logical and effective solution. However, real-estate speculation has led to serious new problems such as the building of large ring roods surrounded by mediocre construction, volumetric exaggeration and on impersonal life-style.
In the face at this situation, some architects are beginning to came out in favor of the recovery of quality and dignity in present-day society. This is the attitude underlying the projects that form the present volume of Architectural Design, a practical guide in which the professional will find the most attractive and functional solutions that have been applied by some of the architects who are most committed to these current problems.
The selection of works has not been made according to the prestige of the architects, but according to the quality of the projects. Therefore, in this volume some of the firmly established stars of contemporary architecture (Gustav Peichl, Martorell/Bohigas/Mackoy, Jean Nouvel) shore the limelight with some of those who are beginning to make a name for themselves. The present article also serves to offer a wide range of the latest tendencies in both community housing and single-family units, and to show the latest construction techniques that are now being incorporated into this area of architecture.