The aim of this collection is to offer a series of short monographs which, though brief, nevertheless deal with all aspects of the master's personality: works, constructed or otherwise, primary written sources, critiques and photographic interpretations. The underlying aim is to offer an in-depth, comprehensive overview targeted at anyone interested in learning about architecture including students, professionals or simply those who are interested in the subject, by providing not only basic information but also guidance in terms of gaining more insight into the subject. The volumes are dedicated to some of the best known modern and contemporary architects.

Santiago Calatrava offers in his numerous buildings, engineering projects, sculptures and furniture designs, a cultural vision that unifies art, science and technology. This work presents the Spanish architect's oeuvre and ideas in the context of contemporary architecture and society. His demanding technical projects are shown to spark off highly abstract sculptural essays, which in turn serve as a research laboratory for the development of innovative engineering. After tracing the roots of Calatrava's design in Spanish traditions and 20th-century intellectual struggles, the author focuses on the development of major infrastructure projects and urban complexes where pragmatic efficiency and technical rationality are combined with engineering and aesthetics. The book discusses approximately 25 projects, including his most recent work, fully documented with photographs, drawings and sketches. Calatrava's work can be interpreted as a paradigm for contemporary design: this book shows that to achieve more integrated cities and landscapes, current boundaries between art, architecture and engineering must be blurred.