Top 10 Documentaries on Urban Infrastructure

Description: Focused on the Golden Gate Bridge, this film explores not just the structure itself but also the social and psychological aspects of its existence, touching on urban infrastructure's impact on human behavior.

Fact: The film was controversial for its depiction of suicides from the bridge, sparking discussions on mental health and urban design.

Description: Directed by Gary Hustwit, "Urbanized" examines the design of cities and the role of urban planning in shaping our environment, featuring interviews with architects, planners, and policymakers from around the globe.

Fact: The film was shot in 24 cities across 5 continents, showcasing a diverse range of urban challenges and solutions.

Description: This film explores how cities can be designed to better fit human needs, focusing on urban planning and the concept of "human scale" architecture. It's a must-watch for understanding how infrastructure impacts daily life.

Fact: The film was inspired by the work of Danish architect Jan Gehl, who has influenced urban planning worldwide.

Description: This documentary looks at the rise and fall of the Pruitt-Igoe housing project in St. Louis, exploring the social and economic factors that led to its infamous demolition, highlighting the complexities of urban housing infrastructure.

Fact: The film includes interviews with former residents, providing a personal perspective on the project's history.

Description: This documentary follows the construction of a new highway in Canada, highlighting the engineering feats, environmental considerations, and community impacts of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Fact: The film includes time-lapse footage of the construction process, providing a visual narrative of the project's development.

Description: "The Endless City" investigates the future of urban living, focusing on how cities can adapt to growing populations and the need for sustainable infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on megacities.

Fact: The film was part of an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

Description: This documentary explores the effects of light pollution on urban environments, wildlife, and human health, offering insights into the infrastructure of city lighting and its broader implications.

Fact: The film was screened at numerous film festivals and won the Audience Award at the South by Southwest Film Festival.

Description: "The Invisible City" delves into the underground infrastructure of New York City, revealing the hidden networks of tunnels, pipes, and cables that support the city's daily operations.

Fact: The film features interviews with workers who maintain these unseen systems, giving viewers a rare look at their daily lives.

Description: While not exclusively about urban infrastructure, this documentary shows how Cuba adapted its urban and rural systems post the Soviet Union collapse, offering lessons on resilience and sustainable urban planning.

Fact: The film has been used in educational settings to discuss sustainable development and community resilience.

Description: This documentary chronicles the transformation of an abandoned elevated railway into one of New York City's most beloved public spaces, showcasing innovative urban infrastructure repurposing.

Fact: The High Line project has inspired similar urban park projects around the world.