Valode & Pistre Architectes is a much-awarded international firm, founded in 1980 by the current managing partners and long-standing friends, Denis Valode and Jean Pistre. For these talented practitioners, an architectural project is a social act for both client and user, an act based upon continual research and original ideas, an act of creation in response to a specific programme and site.

One of the firm's strengths is its ability to transfer ideas and innovations from one field to another, examining essential concepts applicable to other projects. Its preoccupations concern quality of workspaces, relationships between new and old (for rehabilitation projects), and the use of the latest technologies (structures, building materials and environmental controls). Valode & Pistre's frequent participation in numerous national and international competitions has led to innumerable awards and critical acclaim for its work.

This book examines a number of projects in the corporate, industrial, healthcare, retail, leisure, educational, and cultural categories and includes the Museum of Contemporary Art at Bordeaux, the L'Oréal Factory at Aulnay sous Bois near Paris, the Renault Technocentre, the Shell and Air France Headquarters, the Leonardo da Vinci University at La Défense, the Cours Saint-Emilion at Bercy in Paris and the more recent T1 Tower at La Défense in Paris. Each featured design is presented with outstanding photography, insightful text and plans, together presenting an in-depth view of the project.

A stimulating introductory interview with Messrs Valode and Pistre provides an illuminating look inside into the workings of a high profile, international architectural firm.