Learning to construct is the objective of the architecture student, who seeks to bring sketches, sophisticated visualisations, material and component choices, and detailed plans and diagrams together in a single grand composition.

Plans & Images offers insight into how architects are trained by examining the teaching and research approach of the Laboratory of Elementary Architecture and Studies of Types EAST (Laboratory EAST), a satellite studio of the EPFL School of Architecture in Lausanne. Going beyond the traditional notion of functionally determined typologies, Laboratory EAST is concerned more broadly with the principles of typology in architecture. Richly illustrated with drawings and plans by Laboratory EAST's students, the book also includes essays by faculty and other experts, and an interview with the renowned Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, who discusses the research topics pursued at Laboratory EAST. Four photo essays by Swiss photographer Joël Tettamanti round out the book.