Josef Paul Kleihues (1933–2004) was one of the most prolific architects of postwar Germany, famous both as the planning director of the International Building Exhibition Berlin in 1984, and for his design of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

This first volume presents projects from prior to 1980, including the highly acclaimed Berlin Sanitation Department and the Neukölln Hospital. Even in these early works, his problem-solving approach is evident and vividly demonstrates his readiness to echo traditional approaches of modern architecture and initiate contemporary impulses that sought to move beyond them.

The book was designed by Josef Paul Kleihues himself, creating something of a unique authorized autobiography.