Manuel Herz Architects present two decades of practice in ten countries, reflecting on the potentials of architecture and its influence on society today

This first monograph on the widely acclaimed Basel-based firm Manuel Herz Architects features 19 built and unrealized projects from their portfolio since 2004. Developed for highly diverse locations in ten countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia, they vary greatly in terms of building program, scale, character, and vision. The projects include housing, cultural and public buildings, exhibition and furniture designs, as well as architectural and urban research.

Conceived as a critical retrospective, this book traces all stages of a project from initial sketches to completion, looking also at the afterlife of realized buildings. As the title Unfinished Atlas suggests, architecture should never be considered to be entirely completed: there is always room and potential for later interventions by and with others. Five thematic chapters highlight the ever-changing challenges for a designer that arise from working in complex environments and different socioeconomic conditions.

Contributions by distinguished international authors and by the firm's founder Manuel Herz reflect on the need to negotiate between differing requirements of all actors involved, cultural traditions and forms of expression, as well as the correction of mistakes and adaption to setbacks en route to a realized building.

• First monograph on internationally acclaimed Basel-based firm Manuel Herz Architects
• With contributions by distinguished international authors including Nick Axel, Jean-Louis Cohen, Ingo Niermann, Marina Otero Verzier, Robert Jan Van Pelt, Ines Weizman, and Eyal Weizman, and images by celebrated photographers such as Iwan Baan and Alexia Webster
• Offers insights into the highly distinctive practice of Manuel Herz Architects, who deal with highly topical issues such as migration, local working methods, and sustainability
• Highlights the potentials of architectural action that are visible in the work of Manuel Herz Architekten

• Manuel Herz Architects designed the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka (April 13 to October 13, 2025)

  Autorentext

  Ludovic Balland lebt und arbeitet als grafischer Gestalter, Herausgeber und Entwickler kompletter Buchkonzepte in Basel.

Francesca Mautone hat in Rom Architektur und in Lugano Philosophie studiert. Derzeit arbeitet sie bei Manuel Herz Architekten als Verantwortliche für Kommunikation, redaktionelle Projekte und Ausstellungen.