In order to design a building with a sensuous connection to life, one must think in a way that goes far beyond form and construction. In these essays Peter Zumthor expresses his motivation in designingbuildings, which speak to our emotionsand understanding in so many ways, and possess a powerful and unmistakable presence and personality.

This book, whose first edition has been out of print for years, has been expanded to include three new essays: "Does Beauty Have a Form?, "The Magic of the Real, and "Light in the Landscape. It hasbeen freshly illustrated throughout with new color photographs of Zumthors new home and studio in Haldenstein, taken specially for this edition by Laura Padgett,and received a new typography by Hannele Gronlund.