The Extraordinary Buildings series features sets of one hundred detailed studies documenting one hundred works of outstanding contemporary architecture in geographic areas across the globe. These buildings, either recently completed or under construction, define the state of architecture in different regions, showcasing the current fashions being followed by architects today and identifying future trends. The works studied range from individual private projects directed by small architectural studios to major public undertakings overseen by large practices. The books focus on a wide range of subjects such as commercial headquarters, urban infrastructure, cultural centers and social projects, placing each building in its cultural, geographic and social context, and making their significance clear on both local and national scales. The first set in the Extraordinary Buildings series will be focused on China – the scene of an unprecedented boom in construction and architecture in recent years; the result of the sustained economic and social progress the country has made in the 21st Century. The first buildings to be showcased will include the Giant Interactive Group Headquarters, the Vanke Center, Grand Moma Beijing, the Guangzhou Opera House, the National Center for Performing Arts and the Canton TV Tower.

• Edited by Rodolphe el-Khoury and Oscar Riera Ojeda