In this fascinating "un-guide book" Quintin Lake uses visual comparisons drawn from his extensive travels in more than 60 countries. From mega cities to the remotest villages, from man-made structures to natural forms, he takes us through series of pairings of photographs that that reveal hidden harmonies in the world around us and challenge our understanding of what constitutes architecture. Beginning with ‘shape and surface’, comparisons are drawn between forms and textures in the man-made and natural world. ‘Organising space’ reveals the layers, divisions and structure of both vernacular and contemporary urban space. ‘Shelter’ covers all aspects of the home and survival from favela housing to skyscrapers and suburbia. ‘Memory and architecture’ reflects on the powerful aftermath of war and natural disasters and the visible passage of time through weathering. And finally ‘Architecture as Stage set’examines the use or rather the mis-use of space for personal gratification, political drama or public narrative.