One of the most prominent aspects of a design, if not the most important, is the consideration of the context and environment in which the proposed design will be found. In the case of the Dutch House by Rem Koolhaas, the unique and very challenging environmental conditions and topography of the site led to a design with interesting conditions that respond to these conditions.

More on the Dutch House in The Netherlands after the break.

An inspiration to all, the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the University of Minnesota stands as an intriguing building that glows during the late-night working hours of its inhabitants. Completed by Steven Holl Architects in 2002, the building has received much recognition for it’s enlightening and unifying qualities, an example being the Progressive Architecture Award in 1990.

More on the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and Steven Holl Architects after the break.

“In order to design buildings with a sensuous connection to life, one must think in a way that goes far beyond form and construction.” This quote from Peter Zumthor rings true in his design of Bruder Klaus Field Chapel, where a mystical and thought-proving interior is masked by a very rigid rectangular exterior.

More on Bruder Klaus Field Chapel and Peter Zumthor after the break.