Design Document IV ARCHITECTURE

Marta Krivosheek — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 22:42:36 +0000

Architecture is all around us, but do we know, who creates the buildings we live in? Do we really know the stories behind the scenes? How the buildings were created? Where the inspiration came from? Was the architect alone? What were the aspirations? All these questions can be answered in following documentaries about ARCHITECTURE.
Another interesting documentary, which tracks the history of modern architecture is Visual Acoustics about Julius Schulman in Design Documentary III: PHOTOGRAPHY.

If you are interested also in Fashion, Graphic Design, Typography, Origami, Films and influential people in the design field, check out Design Documentary I: DESIGN & GRAPHICs, Design Documentary V: DESIGN & GRAPHICs and Design Documentary II: FASHION.

Frank Lloyd Wright [1998]

Documentary focusing on the most influential architect of his generation is illustrating and discussing turbulent life full of innovative building designs. A fascinating story of ambition, lies, adultry, arogance, a brutal family tragedy, free spirit, beautifully angled shots of Wright’s best structures and Beethoven music, since Wright thought musical composition had affinities with architecture. Fascinating man = fascinating documentary.
I haven`t found any trailer, but below is an interview with the director, which includes parts of the documentary.

Sketches of Frank Gehry [2005]

A man that is never satisfied by his own work. Ghery is engaged in dialogue with Sydney Pollack about his ever-evolving philosophies on art, personal life, approach to work, recalling early influences & experiences, creative process of his work mapped by sketches & models. But his creative productions remains mystery (how the ideas are turned into real buildings and laws of physics, budget restraints, zoning codes, etc. are applied). However, it still gives an idea of Ghery`s evolution as an innovator and story of sculptor’s sensibility.

My Architect : Son`s Journey [2003]

Intriguing documentary unravels the complicated private life, searching for truth and examining career of a revolutionary architect Louis I. Kahn through an investigation of his son Nathaniel. Brief interviews with leading architects, family members and visits of the buildings will tell a story of a man, who as professional created intensely powerful and spiritual architecture and whose personal life was filled with secrets and chaos. Nathaniel on “My Architect”.

Rem Koolhaas: A Kind of Architect [2008]

Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas has created many outstanding works around the globe, but his work extends beyond, as he is also a writer, filmmaker, and social commentator. An engaging portrait of a visionary man, which shows the heart of his ideas, theories about architecture, urban society and urban landscape, why is language so important and how he approaches creative process.

Oscar Niemeyer : A Vida É Um Sopro | Life is a Breath [2007]

A man both hailed and criticized as a “sculptor of monuments.” Pritzker Prize-winning architect Oscar Niemeyer reflects on his long life (in 2007, he turned 100 and still working). In a relaxed atmosphere, the architect tells the stories of his main projects, talks about politics, friends, women, and speaks out vehemently for invention and creativity. He is still very active and at the age of 98, he married his 60 year old secretary.

Kochuu: Japanese Architecture / Influence & Origin [2003]

KOCHUU [translates as "in the jar"] is visually stunning film, which illustrates key components of traditional Japanese architecture through images of gardens and details of traditional and contemporary buildings. Shows how the past, present, and future architecture is affected by ‘invisible’ traditions and shows juxtapositions of ideas. Includes interviews with some of Japan’s leading architects as well as Scandinavian contemporaries [Tadao Ando, Sverre Fehn, Toyo Ito, etc.].

I.M. Pei : First Person Singular/The Museum on the Mountain [1998]

Set of two documentaries both produced and directed by Peter Rosen, filmed in America, Europe and the Far East. This documentary gives a fascinating insight into the creative design process and construction of Pei. Part 1, “First Person Singular” focus on his childhood, education, experience and philosophy. Part 2 “The Museum on the Mountain” discuss the conception, design, and building of Japan’s majestic Miho Museum. Bonus feature project portfolio (up to 1998), what makes this documentary a must for any student of architecture, but anyone would appreciate!

How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr Foster? [2010]

Premiered in Berlin in February 2010. Written and narrated by Deyan Sudjic. Filmmakers Norberto López-Amado and Carlos Carcas trace the career of British architect Norman Foster from his origins to the top of his profession, visiting some of his most iconic structures, and exploring how has he been influenced by the art world and incorporates art into his designs. Tells the story through images in cinematic style, aiming of speaking to everybody.

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