First ever manual to systematically delve into public aquariums as an architectural typology, examining the history of aquarium maintenance, planning parameters, and a selection of ground-breaking buildings and structures in an international context.

Meuser examines five generations of zoological structures in order to show that the architecture of zoos has always incorporated social values, fostering the coexistence of humans and animals, ever since the opening of the first scientifically run zoo.

Exploring nursery schools and childcare facilities from an architectural perspective, this publication provides a cultural-historical account of their development, defines design tasks, and formulates quality standards for playing-learning architecture and environments.