Hans Scharoun (1893-1972) first achieved international recognition in 1927 with his controversial house for the Stuttgart Weissenhofsiedlung. His experiments with free planning and dynamic interior space continued in his native Germany through the difficult wartime years, from which he emerged with renewed energy and a consolidated architectural philosophy.

As an important exponent of Organic Architecture, Scahroun developed a radical new kind of architectural space, and his disdain for imposed form and emphasis on open-minded discovery have proved increasingly influential among a younger generation of architects. Peter Blundell Jones's exhaustive study provides a comprehensive overview of Scharoun's life and work and explores his theoretical stance in relation to contemporaries such as Hugo Haring, Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier.

Generously illustrated throughout with plans and drawings, and specially commissioned photographs by Dennis Gilbert, this book presents a timely re-evaluation of Scharoun's unique contribution to architectural theory and design.