I think all great artist’s thirst for inspiration and being a visual artist I often look to inspiration in the form of other visual information. I began collecting photography books in college, when a professor stated that an artist’s library is his most valuable asset. My first purchases back in 1985 was the 4 volume set, The Work of Atget but that is a post for another day. The other place I look for inspiration and knowledge is often the documentary film and, increasingly, these films have become readily available via Netflix streaming or through you local library. I will list these films with links to where you might find them and I hope you too may gain some wonderful inspiration from them as I have.
Sam Mockbee was an incredible architect who sadly, recently passed away. This movie lends wonderful insight into Sam & the Rural Studio and celebrates architecture as a social art.
Though not available via Netflix Streaming, it is available for rental and can likely be found at your public library. A link for you to find it at Netflix here: http://tinyurl.com/62hs7hr
7. Philip Johnson: Diary of An Eccentric Architect
An entertaining and engaging documentary into the life of this incredible, and sometimes controversial architect.
Sadly, not available via Netflix at this point but potentially at your library or for purchase from Amazon or Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/4lw585t
8. Sketches of Frank Gehry by Sydney Pollack
Not as insightful as one might hope, into the life of the great Frank Gehry but certainly entertaining.
Though not available via Netflix Streaming, it is available for rental and can likely be found at your public library. A link for you to find it at Netflix here: http://tinyurl.com/4gdezrc
9. Antonio Gaudi (1984)
A beautiful look into the life of the great innovator of the Spanish art nouveau movement.
Though not available via Netflix Streaming, it is available for rental and can likely be found at your public library. A link for you to find it at Netflix here: http://tinyurl.com/4na3ga6
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10. I.M. Pei – First Person Singular/The Museum on the Mountain
An inspirational look into the life of this seminal American Chinese architect.
Though not available via Netflix Streaming, it is available for rental and can likely be found at your public library. A link for you to find it at Netflix here: http://tinyurl.com/5sf8y69
& one always must have one to grow on.
11. Rem Koolhaas: Kind of Architect
Dutch architect, Rem Koolhaas is undoubtedly one of the most influential architects working today. Any insight into him and his work is inspirational, as is this wonderful documentary.
Available for purchase through Amazon, etc. and soon will be available on Netflix so, put it in your queue here: http://tinyurl.com/4h8bvp8
I hope this list, with links, is helpful to some of you and leads you in the direction of great inspiration. Architecture is my muse and these wonderful films help bring that muse to me when I am not out there shooting it.
All the Best,
Brad
2 Responses to “10+1 GREAT FILMS ABOUT ARCHITECTURE”
Bane says:
10. I.M. Pei – First Person Singular/The Museum on the Mountain
“An inspirational look into the life of this seminal Japanese architect.”
I.M.Pei is an American Chinese architect originally from mainland China not Japanese.
Bane Lim
banelim@gmail.com
Brad Feinkopf says:
ArchDaily Recently compiled at list of 30 Films that is worthy of note:
http://www.archdaily.com/324255/the-30-architecture-docs-to-watch-in-2013/?utm_source=ArchDaily+List&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=4b0eb897a6-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN