Modern Theoretical and Observational Cosmology

The collection of presentations in this volume represents a satisfying balance between the rich subjects into which cosmology has matured over the past decades. First, the contributions of the `Architects' discuss fundamental cosmology, focusing on the topology and geometry of our Universe and the fundamental physical laws and processes in the Very Early Universe. Next, the `Constructors' discuss the ultimate realization of the cosmic framework with the recent determinations of the cosmological parameters which characterize the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric. Finally, the `Interior Decorators' take care of the cosmic infrastructure, some concentrating on the work of gravity, some responsible for the formation of the megaparsec cosmic structure while others are heroically trying to combine gravitational, hydrodynamic, radiative, stellar, and a variety of other dissipative processes into a courageous attempt towards understanding the lights in the cosmos.