Documentaries on Great Architects

Description: This film focuses on the husband-and-wife team, Charles and Ray Eames, who revolutionized design and architecture with their innovative furniture and buildings. It highlights their collaborative spirit and the cultural impact of their work.

Fact: The Eameses were known for their playful approach to design, often incorporating elements of humor and surprise in their work.

Description: Directed by Sydney Pollack, this documentary provides an intimate look at Frank Gehry, known for his deconstructivist designs like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. It delves into his creative process, his struggles, and his impact on modern architecture.

Fact: Gehry himself was initially reluctant to be the subject of a documentary, but Pollack's personal connection and admiration for Gehry's work won him over.

Description: This documentary follows Samuel Mockbee, who founded the Rural Studio at Auburn University, where students build innovative, affordable homes for impoverished communities. It showcases his philosophy of architecture as a social service.

Fact: Mockbee's work was deeply influenced by his belief in "designing for the 98%," focusing on those often overlooked by traditional architecture.

Description: Featuring Jan Gehl, this film looks at how cities can be designed to better fit human needs, focusing on urban planning and architecture that prioritize people over cars and commerce.

Fact: The film was inspired by Gehl's book "Cities for People," which advocates for urban spaces that enhance human interaction and well-being.

Description: Focused on Albert Speer, Hitler's architect, this documentary investigates how architecture was used as a tool for propaganda and control in Nazi Germany, providing a chilling insight into the manipulation of space and form.

Fact: The film uses archival footage and interviews to paint a picture of Speer's influence on the Third Reich's aesthetic.

Description: This BBC series explores the evolution of design and architecture over the last 300 years, featuring key figures like Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, offering a broad perspective on architectural history.

Fact: The series was praised for its comprehensive approach, covering everything from the industrial revolution to contemporary design.

Description: This film examines the rise and fall of the Pruitt-Igoe housing project in St. Louis, exploring the social and architectural implications of its failure. It's a critical look at urban planning and the architects' role in societal issues.

Fact: The demolition of Pruitt-Igoe is often cited as a symbol of the failure of modernist architecture and urban renewal policies.

Description: This documentary follows the life of Oscar Niemeyer, the Brazilian architect known for his curvaceous concrete designs. It explores his political views, his love for curves, and his impact on modern architecture.

Fact: Niemeyer continued to work into his 100s, designing buildings until his death at age

Description: This documentary explores the life and work of Louis Kahn, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, through the eyes of his son, Nathaniel Kahn. It's a personal journey that uncovers the complexities of Kahn's personal life alongside his architectural genius.

Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in

Description: This documentary provides an in-depth look at the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America's most famous architects, known for his organic architecture and the iconic Fallingwater house.

Fact: Wright's personal life was as tumultuous as his architectural career, with multiple marriages and scandals that often overshadowed his professional achievements.