Top 10 Films About Architecture and Interior Design

Description: Based on Ayn Rand's novel, this film explores the uncompromising vision of architect Howard Roark, who refuses to compromise his artistic integrity for commercial success. It's a dramatic portrayal of the clash between individualism and conformity in architecture.

Fact: The film was directed by King Vidor, and the screenplay was written by Ayn Rand herself. The character of Howard Roark was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Description: While not solely about architecture, this political thriller features stunning modernist architecture, including a glass house that plays a crucial role in the plot, showcasing the transparency and vulnerability of its characters.

Fact: The film was directed by Roman Polanski, and the glass house was inspired by the real-life Philip Johnson's Glass House in Connecticut.

Description: Directed by Gary Hustwit, this documentary looks at the design of cities, featuring interviews with architects, planners, and thinkers on how urban spaces can be improved to enhance the quality of life.

Fact: The film includes contributions from renowned architects like Rem Koolhaas, Alejandro Aravena, and Jan Gehl, providing a global perspective on urban design.

Description: Set in Columbus, Indiana, known for its modernist architecture, this film tells the story of a young woman who forms an unlikely bond with a man visiting the town. The architecture becomes a character in itself, influencing the narrative and the characters' lives.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Columbus, featuring real modernist buildings designed by architects like Eero Saarinen and I.M. Pei. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: A documentary that follows the career of Rem Koolhaas, one of the most provocative architects of our time, showcasing his innovative designs and his philosophy on architecture.

Fact: The film includes interviews with Koolhaas and features his iconic projects like the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing.

Description: This film explores how urban planning and architecture can be designed to better fit the scale of human life, focusing on the work of Jan Gehl and his approach to creating livable cities.

Fact: The documentary was screened at numerous international film festivals and has influenced urban planning discussions worldwide.

Description: This documentary examines the relationship between the architecture of Nazi Germany and the ideology of the Third Reich, providing a chilling look at how design can reflect and influence societal values.

Fact: The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It features interviews with architects who worked under the Nazi regime.

Description: This documentary investigates the rise and fall of the Pruitt-Igoe housing project in St. Louis, exploring the social, economic, and architectural reasons behind its failure, offering a cautionary tale for urban planners.

Fact: The film uses archival footage and interviews to tell the story, providing a nuanced view of public housing policy and architecture.

Description: This documentary delves into 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 poignant exploration of architecture as a reflection of personal identity and legacy.

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

Description: A pioneering documentary that explores urban planning, housing, and the impact of city living on people, highlighting the need for thoughtful architecture and design in urban environments.

Fact: The film was produced by the American Institute of Planners and was shown at the 1939 New York World's Fair. It was directed by Ralph Steiner and Willard Van Dyke.