Urban planning is a fascinating field that shapes the environments we live in, influencing everything from our daily commutes to our social interactions. This curated list of documentaries delves into the complexities of city design, showcasing the triumphs and challenges of urban development. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a city planner, or simply curious about how cities evolve, these films offer a deep dive into the world of urban landscapes, providing both inspiration and education on the subject.
Urbanized (2011)
Description: Directed by Gary Hustwit, "Urbanized" examines the issues and strategies behind urban design and planning in cities around the globe. It features interviews with architects, planners, and policymakers, offering a comprehensive look at urban challenges.
Fact: The film was shot in 24 cities across 5 continents, providing a truly global perspective on urban planning.
Watch Now 
Citizen Jane: Battle for the City (2016)
Description: This documentary tells the story of Jane Jacobs, an urban activist who fought against the urban renewal policies of Robert Moses in New York City. It highlights the importance of community involvement in urban planning.
Fact: The film includes archival footage of Jacobs and interviews with contemporary urban thinkers, making it a compelling narrative on urban activism.
Watch Now 
The Human Scale (2012)
Description: This documentary explores how cities can be designed to better fit human needs, focusing on the work of Danish architect Jan Gehl. It provides a fresh perspective on urban planning by emphasizing the importance of human scale in city design.
Fact: The film was screened at the 2012 Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival and has inspired urban planners worldwide to rethink city layouts.
Watch Now 
My Playground (2009)
Description: "My Playground" looks at urban skateboarding and how it influences and is influenced by city design. It's a unique take on urban planning through the eyes of skateboarders.
Fact: The film features interviews with professional skateboarders and urban planners, showcasing the intersection of sports and city planning.
Watch Now 
The Pruitt-Igoe Myth (2011)
Description: Focusing on the infamous Pruitt-Igoe housing project in St. Louis, this documentary explores the reasons behind its failure and the broader implications for public housing and urban planning.
Fact: The demolition of Pruitt-Igoe became an iconic moment in urban planning history, often cited as an example of failed modernist architecture.
30 Days Free 
The Endless City (2010)
Description: This film investigates the concept of the 'endless city' through the lens of global urbanization, looking at cities like London, Mumbai, and Shanghai, and how they manage growth and sustainability.
Fact: The documentary was inspired by the book "The Endless City" by Ricky Burdett and Deyan Sudjic.
30 Days Free The Power of Place: Urban Landscapes (1994)
Description: This series, hosted by Winifred Gallagher, explores how different cities around the world have shaped their environments, focusing on the cultural, economic, and political forces at play.
Fact: It was one of the first documentary series to systematically examine urban landscapes from a psychological and sociological perspective.
30 Days Free The City Dark (2011)
Description: While not strictly about urban planning, this documentary discusses the impact of light pollution in cities, touching on how urban design can mitigate or exacerbate this issue.
Fact: The film was featured at the South by Southwest Film Festival, highlighting the often overlooked aspect of urban environments.
30 Days Free Urban Roots (2011)
Description: This documentary follows the journey of urban farming in Detroit, showing how community gardens and urban agriculture can revitalize neighborhoods and contribute to sustainable urban planning.
Fact: It showcases the transformation of vacant lots into productive green spaces, providing a model for urban renewal.
30 Days Free The Architecture of Doom (1991)
Description: Although primarily about the aesthetics of Nazi architecture, this film delves into how architectural design was used as a tool for urban planning and control in the Third Reich.
Fact: The film includes rare footage of Hitler's speeches on architecture and urban planning, offering a chilling insight into the manipulation of urban space for ideological purposes.
30 Days Free 
