Rural regions and their local architecture receive far too little attention. This book aims to change that. The variety of realized projects shows the hidden potential of these areas and how architecture can contribute to a good life in the countryside. This is illustrated by residential houses, agricultural buildings, village shops, workshops, office buildings, wineries, hotels, museums, chapels, sports facilities, and public buildings. The geographical focus is on Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with the addition of exemplary projects from other European countries. Also, regions and places are shown that have accompanied their overall development in a special way—from shrinkage to growth. This attractive volume is enhanced by essays on the realization process of projects, on important building types, on infrastructure, and on what can be learned from building in the countryside.