Rising dramatically above the spectacular Swiss landscape surrounding the well-known resort Flims - Laax - Falera, Jürg Conzett's unique mountain trail contains seven bridges crossing a wild stream. An internationally renowned civil engineer, Conzett has brought his considerable talent and experience to this project and the results are groundbreaking and visually appealing. Each bridge uses a different type of construction and building method depending on the specific geographic features of its location. Wilfried Dechau has catalogued the project with over one-hundred previously unpublished images of the bridges and their surrounding landscape. His atmospheric photographs provide readers with a beautiful and up-close look at both the striking architecture amid the beautiful wilderness. Also included in this book are sketches and plans by Conzett and a series of essays by Dechau, Conzett, Ursula Baus, Christian Dettwiler, and Jürg Marquart.

Film stills of "Trutg dil Flem Seven Bridges | Jürg Conzett", a documentary film of seven bridges called 'Trutg dil Flem' in Flims, designed by Swiss engineer Jürg Conzett in 2013.

Bridges are one of the most important artefacts constructed by man, the structures having had an incalculable effect on the development of trade and civilisation throughout the world. Their construction has led to continuing advances in civil engineering technology, leading to bigger spans and the use of new materials. Their failures, too, whether from an inadequate understanding of engineering principles or as a result of natural catastrophes or warfare, have often caused immense hardship as a result of lost lives or broken communications. In this book, a sister publication to his earlier An Encyclopaedia of British Bridges (Pen & Sword 2019), David McFetrich gives brief descriptions of some 1200 bridges from more than 170 countries around the world. They represent a wide range of different types of structure (such as beam, cantilever, stayed and suspension bridges). Although some of the pictures are of extremely well-known structures, many are not so widely recognisable and a separate section of the book includes more than seventy lists of bridges with distinctly unusual characteristics in their design, usage and history.

Film stills of "University of Alicante Rectory Building | �lvaro Siza Vieira", a documentary film of the University of Alicante Rectory Building in Alicante, designed by Pritzker Prize winner Portuguese architect �lvaro Siza Vieira in 1997.

Film stills of "Shelter for Roman Ruins I Peter Zumthor", a documentary film of Shelter for Roman Ruins in Chur, designed by Pritzker Prize winner Swiss architect Peter Zumthor in 1986.

The Swiss engineer Jurg Conzett designs bridges in wood, steel and concrete. He also collaborates with Switzerland's leading architects including Peter Zumthor and Meili & Peter. This book concentrates on the engineering of such structures as an art.

Landscapes and Structures is a striking visual tour of Switzerland's public structural landmarks through the personal view of the internationally renowned civil engineer Jürg Conzett. The book is published in conjunction with the Swiss pavilion at the Twelfth International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, which Conzett curated. Civil engineering structures comprise bridges, tunnels, passageways, and other built transport routes; and Conzett and photographer Martin Linsi aimed to showcase examples that demonstrate architectural aspirations and a special relationship to the landscape. The book's twenty chapters highlight such works as the Sittertobelrailway bridge and the Susten mountain pass that contribute to pertinent discussions in design and engineering--including questions of design within the cultural heritage movement, the reciprocal relationship between a townscape and its structures, and the tradition of relying on local materials and craftsmanship. As a whole, the book serves as an insider's tour of how Switzerland's most notable public structures highlight and compliment the landscape.