As a building material, precast concrete allows a wide range of sculptural forms and design options. By treating the surface in various ways, fascinating textures and fine finishes can be produced.This book provides a systematic overview of the variety of applications for such concrete elements throughout Europe. Author David Bennett provides in-depth information on newly developed, especially lightweight forms of concrete such as GRC (Glass-Fibre Reinforced Concrete), Ductal and CRC (Compact Reinforced Composite). A selection of some 24 projects which are of particular significance, are documented in detail and provide a wealth of inspiring design ideas. The appendix comprises an overview of the building practices in the individual European countries and the availability of concrete elements. Amongst the buildings documented are the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh by Enric Miralles Benedetta Tagliabue, the Synagogue in Dresden by Wandel, Hoefer, Lorch + Hirsch, and the Mexican Embassy in Berlin by González de León.

"As a building material, precast concrete allows a wide range of sculptural forms and design options. By treating the surface in various ways, fascinating textures and fine finishes can be produced."

Precast Materials and Methods of Manufacture.- Precast Materials and Methods of Manufacture.- Denmark.- Spæncom Visitor Centre and Main Office, Aalborg.- Grammar School, Nærum.- SID Building, Århus.- United Exhibits Group Headquarters, Copenhagen.- Finland.- Main Building, University of Oulu.- Saterinrinne Housing Development, Helsinki.- Rastipuisto Apartment Block, Helsinki.- Mustakivi School and Community Centre, Helsinki.- France.- 9 Avenue René Coty, Paris.- École Maternelle, Paris.- A16 Motorway Toll Booths, Picardy.- Germany.- Headquarters of Sozialverband Deutschland, Berlin.- Scharnhauser Park, Ostfildern.- Synagogue and Community Centre, Dresden.- Mexican Embassy, Berlin.- Great Britain.- 10 Crown Place, London.- 35 Homer Road, Solihull.- Experian Data Centre, Nottingham.- Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh.- Sweden.- Arlanda Control Tower, Stockholm.- Henry Dunkers Cultural Centre, Helsinborg.- Katson Building, Stockholm.- Geological and Geographic Sciences Building, Stockholm.- Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete.- Stadtvilla Apartments, Kassel.- 25-35 Park Lane, London.- Compact Reinforced Composite.- Spiral Staircase, Copenhagen.- Ductal®.- Seonyu Footbridge, Seoul.