This volume from the new series STADT BAUEN by the Deutsche Akademie für Städtebau und Landesplanung offers a balance of urban-planning achievements in Germany. Besides the presentation of selected – and award-winning – projects illustrating quite different starting points, it raises questions concerning planning “between commuter belt and islands of poverty” and the current controversy “European cityversus interim city”. Responses from planners, politicians, journalists and academics – often very personal – make this book fascinating reading, not only for experts in urban development, but for all those with an interest in the future of our cities.