Concrete takes a fresh look at the world’s most versatile and abundant building material. Collating fascinating and beautiful concrete buildings by some of the most celebrated architects of the last century, it features familiar projects from Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright alongside work from some of the leading lights of contemporary architecture including Zaha Hadid, Herzog & de Meuron, and many lesser-known newcomers.

Arranged to promote comparison and discussion, the selected projects take the reader on a global tour of inspiring and intriguing structures: a German skatepark sits beside an Italian rooftop test track, a Japanese crematorium alongside a Portuguese swimming pool, and a Brazilian government building next to a Chinese opera house.

Published by Phaidon, Concrete is a beautiful and informative visual exploration of a material often considered dull and cold, but actually full of spectacular potential. If you love concrete architecture, this will be a fascinating read for you.

The book is authored by William Hall. Hall trained at Central Saint Martins and began his career in the office of the minimalist architect John Pawson. Formerly a Design Director at Phaidon Press, Hall now runs his own design practice in London, working with clients such as Calvin Klein, Henry Moore Institute, and Tate.

Where to buy

• Phaidon
• Amazon
• Opumo