Movies for Architectural Inspirations: Part-V

Hello Friends,

In this Blog, we are going to share some of the fantastic movies that must be on your watchlist if you are an architect or student from any design background. As movies can be good source of inspiration for your next project or just want to unwind after a long day of classes, these films will take you on a journey through time and space, exploring the many facets of architecture and design. From iconic landmarks to avant-garde creations, each movie on this list offers a unique perspective on the art and science of building. So grab some popcorn and settle in, as we take you on a cinematic tour of the world of architecture.

So here is the list of some movies for you to watch;

Movies for Architectural Inspirations: Part-V

 

1) Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future / Peter Rosen (2016)

"Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future" is a documentary film directed by Peter Rosen that examines the life and work of Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen. The film explores Saarinen's innovative and visionary approach to architecture, which helped shape the modernist movement in the United States during the mid-20th century.

The film features interviews with architects, historians, and family members of Saarinen, who provide insights into his personal and professional life. Through archival footage, we learn about Saarinen's early years in Finland and the United States, his training at Yale University, and his influential designs for buildings such as the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport in New York and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Saarinen's design philosophy emphasized a holistic approach to architecture that sought to integrate form, function, and technology. He was known for his use of innovative materials such as steel and concrete, as well as his bold sculptural forms that challenged conventional notions of architectural aesthetics.

The film also explores Saarinen's struggles and failures, including the premature deaths of his father and first wife, as well as his own battle with cancer. Despite these setbacks, Saarinen continued to push the boundaries of architecture until his untimely death at age 51.

Overall, "Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future" offers a compelling portrait of an architect whose visionary designs continue to inspire and influence architects today. The film provides valuable insights into the creative process behind some of Saarinen's most iconic structures, and highlights his enduring legacy as one of the most innovative architects of the 20th century.

2) The Destruction of Memory / Tim Slade (2016)

"The Destruction of Memory" is a documentary film that explores the intentional destruction of cultural heritage during times of conflict and war. The film was directed by Tim Slade and based on the book of the same name by Robert Bevan.

The movie covers several historical events, including the Taliban's destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, the looting and destruction of cultural sites in Syria and Iraq by ISIS, and the bombing of the National Museum in Baghdad during the Iraq War.

Through interviews with experts, footage from conflict zones, and animation, the film demonstrates how cultural heritage is often a target during warfare. People who have firsthand experience of this phenomenon are interviewed, including museum curators, archaeologists, and journalists. They speak candidly about their experiences in danger zones and how they have seen legacy sites vanish before their eyes.

Moreover, the film delves into how cultural heritage planning and protection has evolved over time, as well as the work that is being done currently to protect threatened sites. It emphasizes that cultural heritage is not just about ancient temples or priceless artifacts but is an essential part of a community and its social fabric.

"The Destruction of Memory" also portrays how the efforts to rebuild damaged sites can help communities heal after war. The reconstruction of cultural heritage sites plays a vital role in both physical and psychological recovery post-war. The film shows how these sites serve as symbols of hope, perseverance, identity, and resilience for communities affected by conflict.

Overall, "The Destruction of Memory" is an important documentary that highlights the need for increased global awareness and protection regarding cultural heritage sites. The film conveys how these places tell the history and culture of communities, so their preservation should not be taken for granted. Finally, it shows through real-life examples what can be lost if these sites are not protected adequately during times of crisis.

3) Frei Otto: Spanning the Future (2016)

"Frei Otto: Spanning the Future" is a documentary film that explores the life and work of Frei Otto, an architect and engineer who revolutionized the field of lightweight design and construction. The film delves into the groundbreaking techniques and materials used by Otto in his structures, which include the Olympic Stadium in Munich and the Mannheim Multihalle. The documentary also takes a look at the personal life of Otto, including his time spent as a prisoner of war in World War II and how those experiences shaped his approach to architecture.

The film consists of interviews with architects and experts in the field as they discuss Otto's influence on modern architecture. The film also features archival footage of Otto himself, giving insight into his thought process and design philosophy.

Central to the documentary is Otto's development of the "breathing architecture" concept, which uses lightweight materials to create flexible structures that can adapt to changing environmental conditions. This idea was especially relevant given Otto's work on large-scale structures like stadiums that needed to withstand wind and other natural elements.

The documentary also highlights Otto's commitment to sustainability and ecological awareness in his designs, often drawing inspiration from nature. This includes his use of tent-like structures and biomimicry.

Overall, "Frei Otto: Spanning the Future" provides a comprehensive look into the life and work of one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, whose innovative use of lightweight materials forever changed the way we think about architecture and construction.

4) Within Formal Cities (2016)

"Informal Cities" is a documentary film that explores the lives of people living in informal settlements around the world, and the challenges they face daily due to a lack of basic infrastructure and services. These settlements, often referred to as slums or shantytowns, are home to over one billion people globally and are growing at an alarming rate.

The documentary takes a look at how government policies, societal attitudes, and economic conditions have contributed to the growth of these informal settlements, and how residents have adapted to live in these environments. It also explores the various solutions that are being implemented to improve living conditions in these communities, including providing access to basic services such as water and sanitation, healthcare, education, and affordable housing.

Central to the film is the issue of land tenure, with many residents of informal settlements facing eviction or relocation due to a lack of formal land ownership. The film highlights how this poses a significant challenge to improving living conditions in these communities, as access to basic services is often dependent on formal land tenure.

The documentary features interviews with residents of informal settlements, as well as experts and activists working to improve living conditions in these communities. It also showcases innovative solutions being implemented in different parts of the world, including community-led initiatives and partnerships between government and non-governmental organizations.

Overall, "Informal Cities" provides a thought-provoking insight into the complex challenges faced by residents of informal settlements around the world, and the solutions being implemented to create more sustainable and liveable communities. It sheds light on the resilience and creativity of individuals within these communities, while also highlighting the urgent need for more action to address this global issue.

5) The Man Who Built Cambodia (2017)

"The Man Who Built Cambodia" is a 2017 documentary film about the life of Vann Molyvann, an architect who played a significant role in shaping Cambodia's architectural landscape in the 20th century. The film explores Molyvann's life and work, detailing his contributions to Cambodia's mid-century modernist movement and his efforts to establish a unique identity for Cambodian architecture.

The film begins with Molyvann's early life in pre-war Cambodia and his studies in Paris, where he was exposed to modernist architecture and the work of Le Corbusier. Back in Cambodia, Molyvann's designs quickly gained attention, and he was soon enlisted by Prince Norodom Sihanouk to help shape the country's urban development. Over the following years, Molyvann designed a wide range of buildings and institutions that reflected his unique vision for Cambodian modernism, including the Independence Monument, the National Olympic Stadium, and the Chaktomuk Conference Hall.

The documentary delves into Molyvann's creative process, highlighting his use of traditional Khmer motifs alongside modernist materials and techniques. It also discusses the challenges he faced during Cambodia's turbulent political climate in the 1960s and '70s, when many of his buildings were destroyed or left in disrepair.

Despite these setbacks, Molyvann remained committed to his vision for Cambodian architecture and continued to design even after he was forced into exile during the Khmer Rouge regime. In later years, he returned to Cambodia and worked tirelessly to restore and preserve some of his most iconic buildings, including the Vann Molyvann Project.

Overall, "The Man Who Built Cambodia" offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Cambodia's most important architects. The documentary celebrates Molyvann's contributions to modernist design and his commitment to preserving Cambodian culture through innovative architecture.

6) Citizen Jane: Battle for the City (2016) 

"Citizen Jane: Battle for the City" is a 2016 documentary film that provides a vivid and informative account of the fight between two formidable urban forces in post-war America, namely the activist writer Jane Jacobs and the city planner Robert Moses. The film, directed by Matt Tyrnauer, explores the power struggles and political intrigue that shaped America's urban landscape during the 1950s and 60s.

At the center of the story is Jane Jacobs, a journalist and author whose book "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" challenged traditional urban planning principles and advocated for more vibrant and diverse communities. In contrast, Moses, a powerful figurehead in New York City politics, pursued a top-down approach to urban planning that favored large-scale infrastructure projects and freeways over human-scale neighborhoods.

Through archive footage, interviews with experts and stakeholders, and animations, "Citizen Jane: Battle for the City" paints a dynamic and engaging portrait of the debate around city planning that was waged in those decades. The film explores Jacobs' ideas and how they were influenced by her observations of everyday life on the streets, as well as how Moses mobilized his powerbase to implement his grand vision.

The documentary also shows how these opposing visions played out in real-world situations such as the fight over Washington Square Park and Moses' efforts to build a highway through the heart of Manhattan. It highlights how the legacy of this battle has influenced urban planning practices around the world and remains relevant to modern-day debates around equitable urban development.

Overall, "Citizen Jane: Battle for the City" provides a comprehensive insight into the struggle between two different approaches to city planning and architecture in post-war America. It is a must-see movie for anyone interested in urban design and architecture.

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We hope that this list has given you a taste of the incredible potential for inspiration that can be found in cinema. May these films inspire you to explore the world of architecture further, whether as a hobbyist or professional.