Collective housing has played a major role in architectural advances of the twentieth century. Social changes in the western world have forced architects to take note of the new priorities. In a western world that has reached a certain standard of health, energy efficiency and the need for an urban cohesion around the buildings are the new burning issues. A careful choice of materials and continues variation of the type of residence, be it single-room studios, multiple-bedroom flats, or open-plan lofts, also characterize this contemporary housing movement. This book brings together some of the most outstanding projects of recent years including luxury skyscrapers, innovative social buildings, restorations and volumetric experiments of world renown. Illustrated with more than 400 photographs and plans, the projects in this book represent a wonderful example of the current desire to update collective housing.