Since his stunning Institut du Monde Arabe opened in Paris in 1987, French architect Jean Nouvel has designed buildings throughout Europe that share a personal vision which highlights an urban and architectural awareness, a fluidity of form and approach, and a sensitivity to context and function.

Based on the primary architectural elements that inform Nouvel's work - light, color, grid, and detail - this book presents over twenty-five buildings, competition entries, and furniture design projects seen by Jean Nouvel as the clearest representations of his design philosophy.

From new work, such as the Culture and Convention Center in Lucerne, Switzerland, and the Cite Justiciaire in Nantes, France, to contemporary classics, including the Fondation Cartier in Paris and the unbuilt Tour Sans Fins, each building is presented in detail, with drawings and beautiful photographs.

Project descriptions by the author and commentary by Nouvel are complemented by a general discussion of Nouvel's career, his architectural purpose, and his future vision, to provide a complete portrait of the work of one of the most creative and challenging architects in the world today.