Pfaff's colour interventions in architecture are not just a matter of art in buildings, rather they are an exciting dialogue between colour and space. The chromatic modifications allow materials to assume a different appearance, to seem insubstantial, and they are a vital factor in the visual interplay between inside and outside spaces. Areas of dynamic colours alternate with indirect colour effects and reflections which enrich the ambiance of the building. With expressive photographs and enlightening texts, Heinrich Helfenstein reveals the quality and range of Jean Pfaff's interventions, using examples including Peter Zumthor's Kapelle Sogn Benedetg, Meili und Peter's School for Forestry, Biel, and Schrodt Architects' office building at Iserlohn.

Jean Pfaff, born in 1945, studied in Munich and Hamburg before travelling widely. In 1981 he began working together with architects. Since 1992 he has been living inVentallo, Spain. There have been several exhibitions on his work including exhibitions in Munich, Zurich and Barcelona.