Top 10 Documentaries About Architects

Description: While not a documentary, this film adaptation of Ayn Rand's novel features Gary Cooper as Howard Roark, an architect who battles against conformity in his profession, making it a compelling watch for those interested in architectural philosophy.

Fact: Ayn Rand wrote the screenplay herself, insisting on maintaining the integrity of her philosophical ideas. The film's portrayal of architecture has been both praised and criticized for its idealism.

Description: Directed by Gary Hustwit, this documentary looks at the design of cities and the role of architects in shaping urban environments, featuring interviews with architects like Rem Koolhaas and Jan Gehl.

Fact: It's part of Hustwit's design trilogy, which also includes "Helvetica" and "Objectified." The film was shot in 24 cities around the world.

Description: This documentary explores the lives and work of Charles and Ray Eames, a husband-and-wife team whose innovative designs in furniture and architecture have left an indelible mark on modern design.

Fact: The film was part of the American Masters series on PBS. The Eames Lounge Chair, featured in the film, is still in production today.

Description: Directed by Sydney Pollack, this film provides an intimate look at the life and work of Frank Gehry, known for his deconstructivist designs like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. It's a rare insight into the creative process of an architectural icon.

Fact: Gehry's sketches are shown throughout the film, revealing his thought process. Pollack, a friend of Gehry, was initially hesitant to direct the documentary.

Description: This film documents the work of Samuel Mockbee, who founded the Rural Studio, an architectural program that brings design solutions to underserved communities in Alabama.

Fact: Mockbee's work was recognized with a MacArthur "Genius" Grant. The Rural Studio continues to operate, providing affordable housing and community buildings.

Description: Focusing on the work of urban planner Jan Gehl, this documentary explores how cities can be designed to better accommodate human needs and interactions, offering a critique of car-centric urban planning.

Fact: The film was inspired by Gehl's book "Cities for People." It includes case studies from cities like Copenhagen and New York.

Description: This Swedish documentary explores the relationship between the arts, particularly architecture, and the rise of Nazism, focusing on how Hitler's architectural ambitions influenced his political ideology.

Fact: The film uses archival footage and interviews to paint a chilling picture of the Third Reich's aesthetic vision. It won the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This film examines the rise and fall of the Pruitt-Igoe housing project in St. Louis, Missouri, and its implications for urban planning and architecture. It's a critical look at how architectural design can impact communities.

Fact: The demolition of Pruitt-Igoe is often cited as a symbol of the failure of modernist architecture. The documentary includes interviews with former residents.

Description: This documentary follows the construction of the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, designed by Zaha Hadid, showcasing her unique architectural style and the challenges of bringing her vision to life.

Fact: Zaha Hadid was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize. The film captures the complexity of constructing her fluid, organic forms.

Description: This poignant documentary follows Nathaniel Kahn as he explores the life and work of his father, Louis Kahn, one of the 20th century's greatest architects. It's a personal journey that intertwines family secrets with architectural brilliance.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Louis Kahn's work includes the Salk Institute and the National Assembly Building of Bangladesh.