Books by Gestalten

Sailing the Seas – A Voyager's Guide to Oceanic Getaways 

Discover the magic of sailing: from short trips with friends to epic solo ocean expeditions.

For centuries, sailing has symbolized ultimate freedom. There's no greater adventure than feeling the wind in your sails, the salty water on your skin, and discovering new islands, coastlines, and cultures. The coffee table book Sailing the Seas takes you on a world tour by water, from the American East Coast to the Caribbean islands, along classic routes in the Mediterranean, and exotic destinations such as Thailand and French Polynesia.

This photo book presents a fresh, modern perspective on sailing and introduces you to the beauty, sounds, tastes, and unique experiences that life on board offers.

With stunning photos of breathtaking locations, detailed itineraries, and practical "Captain's Notes" full of tips and insights, Sailing the Seas inspires both novice sailors and seasoned adventurers to brave the waves.

About Sailing Collective:
Sailing Collective is a dynamic team of captains, culinary artists, and explorers who sail the world together. With their passion for adventure, they organize unique sailing experiences to the most exotic destinations.

Preface and texts by Dayyan Armstrong and Ross Beane.

A must-have coffee table book for anyone who dreams of life at sea and unforgettable nautical experiences.

The New Mediterranean – Homes and Interiors Under the Southern Sun

Discover how to bring the warm, sun-drenched simplicity of Mediterranean style into your interior.

A new, accessible form of modernism is gaining ground, from California to Morocco, Portugal to Mexico. The coffee table book The New Mediterranean shows how traditional crafts and folklore from the Mediterranean region are combined with a contemporary aesthetic. The result is an interior that embraces warmth, light, and natural materials.

This inspiring photo book showcases beautiful homes and vacation houses from all over the world that reflect the Mediterranean lifestyle. Think earthy tones, colorful fabrics, handmade ceramics, rattan furniture, and Berber carpets, combined with whitewashed walls, concrete, bricks, terracotta tiles, and glass details.

The New Mediterranean takes you into the creative world of leading designers and architects and offers a glimpse into the traditional craftsmanship that forms the core of this style. Whether you want a completely new interior or are looking for small accents, this book inspires you to bring the sun into your home.

A perfect choice for lovers of interior design, warm colors, and timeless Mediterranean elegance.

Scandinavia Dreaming – Nordic Homes, Interiors and Design

Discover the evolution of Scandinavian design: a perfect balance of elegance, functionality, and tradition.

The story of Scandinavian design is one of contrasts. On the one hand, it exudes openness, light, and accessibility, while on the other, it possesses an understated, refined, and timeless allure. The coffee table book Scandinavia Dreaming takes you into this world of subtle craftsmanship, where natural elements such as clay, wood, and glass are harmoniously combined with large windows that welcome the winter light. This photo book allows you to discover the rich versatility and intensity of modern Scandinavian interiors, architecture, and design.

From young artisans who breathe new life into traditional materials such as ceramics and textiles, to design brands like Hay, Ferm Living, and Frama that combine classic Scandinavian aesthetics with contemporary energy and warmth. Scandinavia Dreaming highlights the influential names and brands that have put Scandinavian design on the map and shows how design can be both livable and logical.

Be inspired by the Finnish textile art of Klaus Haapaniemi and Kustaa Saksi, where the line between art and interior decoration blurs. Discover the elegant furniture pieces by Copenhagen’s Gubi, which give forgotten designs a new lease on life, or the nature-inspired sculptures by Kneip from Oslo, which perfectly illustrate the harmony between Scandinavian architecture and its environment.

The projects in this book offer ideas and inspiration that you can immediately apply in your own home. Through stories of residents and creative makers, you get an intimate look at a design style known for its effortless combination of classic simplicity and warm, natural materials.

A must-have coffee table book for lovers of Scandinavian design and anyone looking to transform their interior with the unique charm of Scandinavian style.

Circular Materials – Innovation and Reuse in Design and Architecture

Shaping tomorrow's world with creative reuse in interiors and architecture.

With growing environmental concerns, reducing material consumption is becoming increasingly important for a sustainable future. The coffee table book Circular Materials demonstrates how reused, recycled, and upcycled materials are employed innovatively in architecture, design, and fashion. This photo book offers practical solutions to lessen environmental impact and inspires a new way of thinking.

Featuring no less than 50 projects, Circular Materials showcases creative strategies to give waste a second life and replace traditional materials with sustainable alternatives. Each chapter delves into the origin of materials and includes a fascinating case study on circular design.

With impressive visuals and inspiring insights, this book provides a deep dive into how design and architecture can embrace circular innovations. It encourages designers, architects, and creatives to re-evaluate material use, balancing aesthetics with environmental consciousness.

What to expect:

• Projects where materials such as plastic waste, metal scraps, leftover fabrics, factory waste, and production surpluses are repurposed.
• Reflections on the future of sustainable design practices and the potential of recycled materials.
• Insights from designers, architects, and experts on the challenges and benefits of reused materials.

Joe Gibbs, a British architect with experience in Barcelona, Rotterdam, and London, shares his expertise in this book. His work includes research for The Centre for Architecture and Built Environment Research (CABER) and projects with a strong focus on social and environmentally conscious architecture.

Circular Materials is a source of inspiration for anyone passionate about sustainable innovation and redefining the possibilities of design and architecture.

American Icons Vol. 2 – The Architecture of the United States: Elegance and Progress

Discover the icons and innovators shaping America's architectural heritage.

American architecture has been a symbol of progress and identity for centuries. While modern design trends continue to transform the United States skyline, the coffee table book American Icons Vol. 2 offers an in-depth look at the evolution of American architecture. This impressive photo book presents 50 iconic projects and includes four essays focusing on the International Style and mid-20th-century modernism.

With breathtaking photographs and detailed analyses, the book shows how American modernism, influenced by the Bauhaus movement, emphasizes simplicity, transparency, and timeless elegance. American Icons Vol. 2 is an indispensable resource for architecture enthusiasts and a tribute to the impressive achievements of American architecture, offering inspiration for the future.

What to expect:

• Projects showcasing the diversity of American architecture, each with unique design and construction details.
• Reflections on the development of architectural practices in the US, from traditional to contemporary styles, and a look at potential future trends.
• A visually immersive journey through American architectural history, brought to life with stunning photography and engaging stories.

Sam Lubell, author of 12 books on architecture, has written for The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Architectural Digest, and Dwell, among others. For gestalten, he co-edited the first volume of American Icons, published in 2024.

American Icons Vol. 2 offers an inspiring look at the unique balance between elegance and innovation in American architecture. Perfect for anyone fascinated by design and urban development.

Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel

Experience the magic of Marvel in an entirely new way with this special coffee table book, revealing the intriguing details of the themed rooms at Disney Hotel New York.

Disney Hotel New York at Disneyland Paris houses one of the largest collections of Marvel art in the world, making it a dream destination for every fan of the Marvel Universe. From walls adorned with posters, comic covers, and artworks, to rooms decorated with recognizable colors and objects from Marvel Studios films – here you'll feel like a true superhero.

This photo book offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the hotel, where beds are inspired by Thor's city of Asgard and furniture references Spider-Man's iconic costume. Additionally, you'll discover the stories behind the artworks that adorn the rooms and hallways.

What to expect:

• An exclusive look into the interiors of Disney Hotel New York, featuring one of the largest Marvel art collections in the world.
• More than 350 artworks from 110 different artists.
• 50 original pieces, specially designed for the hotel, featuring all your favorite Marvel heroes.

Marvel is one of the world's leading entertainment companies, with an impressive archive of over 8,000 characters that have appeared in various media over the past 75 years.

Be inspired by the stunning combination of design and superhero magic with this unique book – a must-have for Marvel fans and design enthusiasts!

Courtside Candy - The Culture and Influence of Basketball

Discover how basketball redefines creativity and influences art, fashion, and design within contemporary subcultures.

From its early days on urban courts and playgrounds to a global phenomenon, basketball is much more than a sport. The rhythm of the ball, the elegance of a perfect shot, and the camaraderie on the court have transformed our view of creativity in the modern world.

The coffee table book Courtside Candy explores the fascinating intersection between basketball and creativity. It shows how the sport inspires street art, fashion, urban design, and graphic innovation. Through iconic basketball courts, players, and artists, the book reveals how basketball influences and transforms the culture in which it thrives.

This visually stunning edition combines dynamic images with in-depth stories, offering a fresh perspective on basketball's role as a creative engine. Photo book Courtside Candy challenges readers to think beyond the court and highlights basketball's influence on contemporary art, design, and urban life.

What to expect:

• In-depth exploration of basketball's influence on art, fashion, and urban culture
• Impressive visuals that capture the essence of basketball in creative subcultures
• Inspiring stories about how basketball influences contemporary cultural expression
• Focus on urban identity and how basketball shapes the character of specific locations
• A unique look at the cultural significance of basketball beyond the playing field

For basketball and culture enthusiasts: Courtside Candy is a must-have book that presents basketball in a whole new light.

The Book of Temples – Spiritual Places Around the World

Journey to sacred places that touch the soul, from ancient temples to Gothic masterpieces, and discover how these spiritual spaces have shaped our world.

Since the dawn of civilization, people have created temples and sacred places to connect with the divine. Across continents and centuries, these sites symbolize faith, unity, and creativity. They offer a unique glimpse into humanity's spiritual essence.

The coffee table book The Book of Temples takes you on a visually stunning journey through 30 centuries of spirituality spread across five continents. From Ethiopian synagogues and French cathedrals to Mayan temples and Japanese shrines – this book offers a rich collection of diverse sacred places. It is a tribute to the diversity of faith and devotion worldwide.

With breathtaking photography and inspiring essays, The Book of Temples immerses you in the architectural and spiritual wonders of the world. This photo book invites you to explore these sacred places and reflect on their lasting impact on our spirituality.

What can you expect?

• Visual spectacle: Beautiful photography and detailed illustrations of sacred places
• A global and inclusive perspective: Religions and spiritual movements from all over the world are covered
• Informative essays: Enriching context and deeper insights into the meaning of each location
• Focus on spirituality: An invitation to reflection, irrespective of religious beliefs

About Marianne Julia Strauss:
Marianne Julia Strauss is an award-winning journalist, known for her captivating stories about global destinations. Her work highlights the beauty of travel and explores the rich history and traditions of different cultures. Previously, she collaborated with Gestalten on books such as Do You Read Me?, Think Big—Shop Small, and Temples of Books.

Discover the power and splendor of spiritual places with The Book of Temples. A perfect coffee table book for lovers of architecture, travel, and spirituality.

Rice and Shine – Recipes and Delicacies for Every Occasion

Discover the versatility of rice and be amazed by the endless taste possibilities.

Rice is much more than a side dish. It often takes center stage in dishes and offers a range of culinary experiences, depending on the type of rice used. Whether sticky, creamy, fluffy, crispy, nutty, fragrant, or tender, rice has a unique ability to fully absorb the flavors of herbs and broths. No wonder every culture has its own unique way of transforming rice into a regional or national dish.

Rice, Rice, Baby! takes you on a culinary world tour and presents about 100 accessible recipes, from risottos to paellas and from bowls to rice dishes suitable for every occasion. Discover rice varieties such as basmati, jasmine, brown rice, round-grain shari, black rice, arborio, red rice, carnaroli, japonica, and bomba.

In addition to recipes, this book offers fascinating insights into the harvest, different rice varieties, and the rich history of this beloved grain in kitchens around the world. Let yourself be inspired and make rice the shining centerpiece of your meal!

What can you expect?

• About 100 recipes: From risottos and paellas to bowls and more.
• Unique insights: Learn more about the cultivation, varieties, and cultural history of rice.
• For every skill level: Suitable for home cooks of all experience levels.

About the author:
Tove Nilsson Jakobson is a renowned Swedish cookbook author and food stylist. In addition to her work as an author, she has been a television chef on Swedish television for 15 years, active in radio programs, and co-host of the popular podcast Jordkommissionen together with Lotta Lundgren. Her work as a food stylist has been published in Elle Decoration and Vogue Living, among others.

With Rice, Rice, Baby! you put rice in the spotlight and discover new culinary delights for your own kitchen.

Abraham’s Kitchen – Israeli and Palestinian Food Culture and Recipes

A visually stunning collection of recipes inspired by local markets, Arab traditions, nomadic tribes, and Tel Aviv's trendy food scene.

For centuries, Israel and Palestine have been a crossroads of cultures and culinary traditions. The region's cuisine is steeped in history and diversity, and the coffee table book Abraham’s Kitchen takes you on a culinary journey of discovery. From the fertile northern plains to the vibrant kitchens of Tel Aviv, each dish tells a story of trade routes, migrations, and shared heritage.

Discover the classic dishes of Jerusalem and be inspired by the southern deserts, where nomadic traditions create earthy, inventive flavors. With recipes for shakshuka, challah, and baklava, among others, this photo book offers an in-depth look at the origins of beloved dishes and brings the rich flavors of the Middle East to your kitchen.

What can you expect?

• An authentic mix of recipes: From local markets and Arab traditions to the nomadic tribes of the desert and the modern food culture of Tel Aviv.
• Accessible for every home cook: Thanks to clear and simple instructions.
• A culinary journey: Discover the flavors and stories of the Middle East.

About the author:
David Haliva, author of several cookbooks, art director, and publicist, collaborated with a carefully selected group of chefs, restaurateurs, and photographers to create Abraham’s Kitchen. He is also the founder of 42 Degrees magazine, which has had a lasting impact on Tel Aviv's creative scene.

With Abraham’s Kitchen, you bring home not only special recipes but also a story of connection, tradition, and innovation. Perfect for lovers of Middle Eastern flavors and cultural richness!

Living in a Dream, Dreamscapes, Imagined Architecture, and Interiors 

Be inspired by the boundless power of imagination and the transformative effect of design.

In recent years, artificial architecture has undergone enormous development. Thanks to advanced AI tools, designers, professionals, students, and passionate enthusiasts have been given the opportunity to create stunning indoor and outdoor worlds. From idyllic beach houses and utopian skyscrapers to playful, imaginative interiors—this technology opens the door to perfectly executed dream worlds.

The coffee table book Living in a Dream is a breathtaking collection of architectural and interior wonders. This carefully curated photo book takes you through the halls of unlimited creativity, where each page unveils a new world of aesthetic innovation. It transcends the traditional boundaries of design and offers a unique insight into the visionary minds of artists who dare to dream beyond the everyday.

Whether you are an admirer of architecture, design, or creativity, Living in a Dream inspires you to discover the possibilities of human imagination and to shape your own dreams.

Stillness, An Exploration of Japanese Aesthetics in Architecture and Design

Discover the refined beauty of Japanese aesthetics through the unique Scandinavian lens of Norm Architects.

After more than a decade of travel, study, and creative collaboration with Japan, Norm Architects shares their vision of the Japanese traditions that have shaped their contemporary projects. The coffee table book Stillness offers a visually rich account of visits to Japanese landscapes, architecture, and cultural sites. It reveals how Japanese influences have become an integral part of projects such as the Äng restaurant in Sweden and the Heatherhill Beach House in Denmark.

The photo book uncovers an intriguing dialogue between images of Japan and the work of Norm Architects. This visual combination highlights the age-old connections between the design traditions of Japan and Scandinavia, with mutual respect and shared philosophies at their core. Enriched with insights from experts from both regions, Stillness offers a deep understanding of essential design principles and an ode to Japanese beauty.

More than a coffee table book: Stillness is a personal journey, an aesthetic manifesto, and a tribute to one of the most admired creative cultures in the world.

About Norm Architects
Norm Architects, based in Copenhagen and founded in 2008, is a leading agency in architecture, interior design, product design, and photography. Their work is characterized by a balance between richness and simplicity, order and complexity. Through years of close collaboration with Japanese designers and building upon centuries of cultural exchange between Japan and Scandinavia, Norm Architects has developed a unique design philosophy that brings together serene beauty and timeless elegance.

With Stillness, Norm Architects invites you to discover the harmonious connection between two worlds and be inspired by the timeless principles of Japanese aesthetics.

Cooking Greens on Fire, Vegetarian Recipes for the Dutch Oven and Grill

Discover the charm of open-fire cooking and enjoy dozens of delectable vegetarian recipes for outdoor cooking.

Cooking over an open fire is not only exciting, but also a unique experience. It's as much about the preparation as it is about enjoying the food. This authentic cooking style brings people of all ages outdoors, and the possibilities for preparing vegetables in creative ways are endless.

The coffee table book Cooking Greens on Fire offers 60 vegetarian recipes, varying in difficulty, specially designed for campfire cooking. The photo book teaches you how to build and light a fire, and provides practical tips on the best equipment, safety measures, and cooking techniques to optimally prepare vegetables over open flames.

About the authors
Eva and Nicolai Tram have their roots in the culinary world: Eva as a sommelier and culinary reviewer, Nicolai as a chef in top restaurants and TV producer. In 2017, they exchanged Copenhagen for the Swedish forests, seeking a better work-life balance. Their passion for campfire cooking led to the establishment of restaurant Knystaforsen, where open-fire cooking is central. This restaurant was awarded a Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star for sustainability in 2022.

Cooking Greens on Fire is the successor to their first successful book Cooking on Fire and combines their expertise with inspiring recipes and beautiful stories. Let yourself be carried away on a culinary journey that goes back to the essence of cooking and enjoying nature.

Prefab and Modular, Prefabricated Houses and Modular Architecture

Discover the innovative possibilities of prefabrication and modular construction, praised by many as the future of modern architecture.

Prefabrication and modular building methods are rapidly gaining ground and are seen as a major pillar of tomorrow's architecture. Although this concept has existed for over a century, more and more construction projects are using these efficient and sustainable techniques.

The coffee table book Prefab and Modular is an inspiring collection of residential and public projects, as well as brand architecture, container construction, cabins, and extensions. This photo book not only offers a wealth of information for professionals looking for innovative building solutions, but is also a practical guide for homeowners who want to buy, renovate or expand their home using prefab and modular methods.

Whether you are an architect or a private individual with building plans, this book opens the doors to a world of stylish, functional and future-oriented designs.

Geoparks, The UNESCO Global Geoparks 

Preserving natural wonders for future generations

UNESCO and gestalten join forces to create an impressive coffee table book about the spectacular landscapes of our planet. In Geoparks: The UNESCO Global Geoparks, you will discover the natural wonders of 46 countries, focusing on extraordinary geology and breathtaking landscapes.

With stunning world-class photographs, this photo book takes you on a fascinating journey through these geoparks. Each park tells its own story: what makes this place unique? Why does it deserve protection? And what will it look like in 100 years?

The book offers in-depth and accessible information, supplemented with fun facts, practical tips, and geotouristic guides. This combination makes the book not only educational but also inspiring and engaging. A perfect guide for anyone who wants to experience and understand the grandeur of nature.

About UNESCO
With 194 member states, UNESCO is committed to peace and security through multilateral cooperation in education, science, culture, and information. UNESCO manages over 2000 World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks and has offices in 54 countries.

"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed." – UNESCO Constitution, 1945

More information: www.unesco.org