Documentaries about architecture and design are answers to the curious thoughts about the process, inspiration, evolution and struggle that defined the journey of remarkable projects around the globe and the creative minds behind it. Looking at the star architects, here are 10 such examples which are a much watch.
1. Frank Gehry – Sketches of Frank Gehry by Sydney Pollack
Capturing some of the significant projects designed and executed by Frank Gehry including his own residence, the documentary is thoroughly descriptive of Gehry’s signature design process, describing the journey of Gehry’s sketches to design evolution. It was directed by Sydney Pollack, also a friend of Gehry’s, who presents the movie as a dialogue embedded in curiosity.
2. Norman Foster – How Much does your building weigh, Mr. Foster?
Tracing the journey of the eminent architect, the documentary discusses the contributions of Norman Foster to the field of art, architecture and design. Through some of his remarkable projects such as the Beijing airport, the world’s tallest bridge in Millau, France, Swiss Re HQ in London, his vision and excellence are portrayed in the documentary.
3. Bjarke Ingels – Big Time
The most influential contemporary architect Bjarke Ingelsis documented through his process of creating and building extra-ordinary structures of 21st century. With an insight into his struggle, gradual rise to stardom and personal life, the documentary grasps the essence of his ambitions about leaving an impression in the field of architecture.
4. Rem Koolhaas – REM
Directed by Tomas Koolhaas, Rem’s son, the documentary is virtually a ‘behind the scene’, sneak peek into Rem Koolhaas life which maneuvers through different cities and projects. The portrayal is an amalgamation of Rem’s thought-provokingarchitecture and the way users experience it.
5. Stephen Holl – The body in space
The documentary puts forth the core of Stephen Holl’s reasoning and imagination which is deeply rooted in phenomenology. Through his most commended projects, one is presented with juxtaposition of architecture and philosophy.
6. Peter Zumthor – Different Kinds of Silence
The biographical documentary navigates through Peter Zumthor’s childhood years, further studies and practice. Establishing his foundation and ideology that developed over the years through different kinds of silence, it presents a thorough explanation of Peter’s architecture.
7. Santiago Calatrava–Nowness Architect Santiago Calatrava
The artist, sculptor and architect, Santiago Calatrava talks about his groundbreaking work for the transit hub in New York. The design envisaged through his sketches, developed as a sculpture is discussed with intricate details about his thought process.
8. Alvaro Siza-Transforming Reality
With architectural historian Kenneth Frampton, Alvaro Siza tours his 15 significant projects, explaining the idea behind the designs, setting the building integral to the design and using structural design to reinforce its potential.
9. Renzo Piano – The Architect of Light
A conversation between the prominent architect Renzo Piano and famed film-maker Carlos Saura explores the design of the iconic project by Piano, the Botín Center, Spain.
10. Tadao Ando – From emptiness to infinity
Navigating through the inspiration and motivation of one of the most renowned architects, Tadao Ando, the documentary follows him through his work, routine and ideology.
