Happytecture is the photography art book of Anna Devís and Daniel Rueda, two architecturally trained artists who have a knack for turning what may initially appear to be ordinary architectural elements into striking, playful images.

The book consists of three mini collections: What the Hat, Curiocities, and Pink-a-Boo! What the Hat introduces the use of props: interesting and unique hats become the centerpiece of each photo, rather than large architectural backdrops. In Curiocities, everyday urban elements like doors, windows, and facades are reframed to look extraordinary. Pink-a-Boo! is centered around a post-modern apartment complex in Calpe, Spain, called La Muralla Roja, which was designed by Ricardo Bofill. Anna and Daniel describe this collection as a sort of “visual hide-and-seek,” moving through all the different corners of the building and photographing from all different angles to reveal new perspectives.

Anna and Daniel met while studying architecture in Valencia, Spain. They bonded over their love and appreciation for the craft, and as they began traveling together, they happened upon architectural moments they felt deserved to be shared with the world. Some are grand feats like La Muralla Roja, while others are as simple as a square window on a pink building.

Through Happytecture, rather than building buildings, they’re building photographs. Instead of using Photoshop, though, they compose scenes in real life using everyday objects, colored paper, and curated outfits. The results are eye-catching, often geometric images that draw readers in. Visually, it’s clean, it’s colorful, and above all, it’s incredibly interesting. Happytecture invites readers to see the world through another set of eyes, and in this case, those eyes have a particular fondness for architecture that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Published in 2023 by Counter Print, Happytecture is available for purchase on Amazon or Anna and Daniel’s website. If you’re looking for a coffee-table book that you and your guests will actually want to flip through, look no further than Happytecture.