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As architects or creative individuals, we might often find it best to learn from the blueprint laid by our predecessors. This is when watching the best architecture documentaries aids us in expanding our creative horizons. Whether you’re stuck in a creative block or looking for an educational movie night to rekindle your creative zest? You’re at the right place! Here is a list of 12 must-watch architecture documentaries that will keep you hooked and inspire you.
12 Best Architecture Documentaries:
1. Abstract- The Art of Design (2017)
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Abstract is a well-curated assortment of all things design. This binge-worthy architecture documentary series delves into the creative processes of esteemed designers across various design realms. Every episode of best architecture documentaries on Netflix teleports the viewer into the creators' minds as they narrate their journey of abstraction and creation of masterpieces.
Two seasons of this series cover everything from illustrations, graphics, stage design, product design, fashion, and of course interior and architecture design. It is a must-watch for every design enthusiast as it is awe-striking, intriguing, and definitely inspiring.
2. My Architect: A Son’s Journey (2003)
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Director: Nathaniel Kahn
My Architect is an explorative narrative based on the life of the legendary architect Louis Kahn from his son’s perspective. The film which bagged an Academy Award nomination and collected over 2.75 M $ is describes the ironic personal and professional life of Kahn.
Director Nathaniel attempts to decipher his world-renowned father and the legacy he left behind in the form of a few modern architectural wonders. This personal portrait of Louis Kahn has to be on your watch list as it gives inner glimpses into the life of this mastermind.
3. Eames: The Architect and the Painter (2011)
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Directors: Jason Cohn & Bill Jersey
This documentary gives a glimpse into the lives of the iconic duo, Architect Charles and painter Ray Eames. It sheds light on their multi-faceted careers and their penchant for making people’s lives better with their motto being “The best for the most for the least.”
The documentary portrays a look into the fun marriage of the couple, art, design, and the mark they left on modern history. It hence gives a back story that led to the creation of the famous ‘Eames chair’ that revolutionized the modern movement. Watch this to see the fun chemistry of art and architecture.
4. How much does your building weigh, Mr. Foster? (2010)
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Director: Norberto López-Amado and Carlos Carcas
This is a biographic account of the esteemed Pritzker-winning British architect Sir. Norman Foster also includes snippets of the star architect’s profound insights. The director with his incredible cinematography has painted visual poetry of Foster’s marvels. It covers his journey from humble Manchester beginnings to his rise as one of the most acclaimed architects of our time.
The documentary features interviews with some of the most renowned architects and thus provides ample food for thought to leave you inspired. Watch it for some awe-striking architecture cinematography or to understand the prolific architect’s philosophy that highlights how good architecture makes people’s lives better.
5. Frank Lloyd Wright (1998)
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Director: Ken Burns
This list of the best architecture documentaries would be incomplete without mentioning one of the greatest American architects that has ever lived, wouldn’t it? And it would be surprising if you expect it to be a short one.
This series is packed with information and inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s revolutionizing work that defined the American architecture style. But, at the same time, it also gives glimpses into the drama and irony of his personal life, be it the murder of one of his wife and children or the tragedy of the destruction of his much-adored home Taliesin. Watch this to be thoroughly intrigued by the life of this impactful genius.
6. The Pruitt-Igoe Myth (2011)
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Director: Chad Freidrichs
Next on the list is a documentary that is a one-of-a-kind radical tale of the failure of modern architecture. The Pruitt-Igoe myth is based on the now-demolished public housing project in Pruitt-Igoe, Missouri. This fantasy project proved to be catastrophic.
Designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, as a radiant example of Corbusier’s rationalism philosophy, this slum rehabilitation strategy miserably failed thereby leading to speculations on the whole concept of subsidized housing.
Not only that, the several reported cases of vandalism, homicide, theft, etc. that led to its demolition also made critiques remark that it was the death of modernism. The film that showcases the infamous complex is backed with commentary from former residents of the place. Watch it for thought-provoking insights into the nature of public housing and modern architecture.
7. Big Time (2017)
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Director: Kaspar Astrup Schroder
Looking for an inspirational account of contemporary architectural practice? ‘Big Time’ based on the life and works of Danish star architect Bjarke Ingels is a must-watch. This big and promising industry leader has an eccentric take on the challenges presented that lead to the creation of out-of-the-box architectural solutions.
His iconic works and the rather simple and fun personal life are portrayed in his documentary. Undoubtedly, this architecture documentary will leave you awe-struck and rekindle your creative problem-solving abilities.
8. Philip Johnson: Diary of an Eccentric Architect (1997)
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Director: Barbara Wolf
A guided tour by the master Philip Johnson himself! This architecture documentary is a real treat for architects and enthusiasts who wish to learn about the great works of the eccentric legend. Giving an inside look into his work and life and even his diary, this enthralling film narrates both the user and designer perspectives of Johnson.
It also sheds light on the master’s creative process as one looks into the different works curated by the architect. Watch it to expand your info-base on the modern architecture movement that remains relevant in contemporary architecture.
9. First person singular: I.M. Pei (1997)
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Director: Peter Rosen
As the name suggests, this architecture documentary is a prolific architect’s narrative. It is a broad discourse of the architect’s life and legacy. The documentary dives deep into the work and philosophy of the architect and throws light on the underlying principles that led to the creation of the architectural masterpieces.
Watch it to refine your design sensibilities as the master teaches how to create the perfect blend of visually striking yet seamlessly blending architecture with his famous work of the Louvre pyramid or the JFK Presidential Library.
10. Louis Sullivan: The Struggle for American Architecture (2010)
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Director: Mark Richard Smith
This architecture documentary of the legendary American architect often referred to as the ‘Father of Skyscrapers’ offers a lot for the history enthusiast. Louis Sullivan who also opined the famous phrase “Form follows function” was the pioneering architect that led to the modern movement in architecture.
The struggle for American Architecture shows how he played a defining role in shaping the architectural landscape of modern-day America.
11. Koolhaas Houselife (2013)
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Directors: Ila Bêka & Louise Lemoine
This quirky architecture documentary takes us into the house of Rem Koolhaas and the people living in his house. Perceived as one of the masterpieces of contemporary architecture, the simple tale of the daily activities of the people of the house is a fun spectacle that shows how people traverse around Rem’s masterpiece.
Watch it if you’re looking for a light, fun yet informative architecture documentary, it will leave you thoroughly entertained.
12. Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio (2010)
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Director: Sam Wainwright Douglas
“Architects have a social responsibility to make the world a better place, not just for high-paying clients but for 90% of the people in the world who can’t afford to”, explaining this is the motto of this documentary. Showcasing the work of Rural studio architect Samuel Mockabee, it sheds light on the often overlooked topics of architecture for all.
The documentary also features interviews with eminent architects like Michael Rotondi, Cameron Sinclair, and Peter Eisenman. Here, they discuss architecture for impoverished communities and how architects play a key role in shaping their lives among other things.
There are a plethora of films and documentaries out there that might just help you clear your creative block and leave you inspired, these were just some of our favourites.
Go on now, grab a bowl of popcorn and tune into some of these captivating must-watch architecture documentaries.
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Text provided by Namita Dhawan-
Namita Dhawan is an architect and a writer. She is extremely enthusiastic about architecture, design, history, research, and writing. She believes architecture is about power, it can provoke thoughts, and emotions, and control the actions of the users subtly.
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