Disputed by laypersons and loved by architects – concrete is a highly versatile material. Its appearance can be influenced in an amazing number of different ways: from intentionally rough and coarse finishes, to smooth surfaces in various shapes and colours.

The selection considered in this issue focuses on structures in which visible concrete surfaces play an important role. Unusual ways of using the material – such as the creation of a sculptured public urban space in Innsbruck by LAAC Architekten, are included, as well as unusual building tasks – such as the new Islamic graveyard in the Austrian Vorarlberg region designed by Bernardo Bader. Each of the documented structures illustrates in its own special way, how architecture is created by a deliberate and sensitive use of the material.