Dutch architect Jo Coenen is a man of many talents – architect, urban planner, teacher, governmental policy advisor, and a gifted drawer.

In six interviews with Jo Coenen and extensive documentation of his multi-faceted oeuvre – including the new NAi building (Rotterdam), the Oosterdok Public Library (Amsterdam), and his masterplans for Vaillantlaan (The Hague) and the KNSM-island in Amsterdam – this monograph presents his ideas on the fundamental importance of architecture for the creation of coherent urban and public spaces and a high quality of life.