Against the backdrop of years of experience as an architect and urban planner, Stefan Kurath explores in this extensive essay the questions of why cities are the way they are and what role architects have or do not have in this state. Architects often have clear ideas about what a "proper city" and "good architecture" should look like. However, observations of today's urban landscapes reveal a significant discrepancy between these ideal visions and the realities of urban life.

Building on examples of planning from the European context, Kurath describes a history of the impact of architectural practice. He addresses and critiques reductions in theory, history, and practice, highlighting the necessity for a more reality-based way of thinking to improve the chances of realizing architectural and urban planning ideas. He supports the thesis that the political value of architecture lies not only within itself but also in the critical and proactive thinking and actions of architects. Successful examples from his perspective include Gion A. Caminada's contributions to the renewal of the village of Vrin, Luigi Snozzi's planning and buildings for Monte Carasso, Peter Zumthor's Therme Vals, and the planning by Feddersen & Klostermann for Lausanne West, as well as the long-term impacts of the IBA Emscher Park, current developments in the Bregenzerwald, or the transformation of the Vienna West Ring Road, which serve as illustrative material for him.