Windows to Walls: 6 Must-Watch Architecture Documentaries

Words by: Hanan Khair

Design and architecture, though rooted in function, have always been an expression of art, history and culture. Whether it’s the Japandi style, modern minimalism or brutalism, every design era tells a story; a story of its people, their aspirations and their visions.

Documentaries about architecture do not just portray buildings and designs, but the soul that goes into making them. These films explore the philosophy behind them, the conflicts that shaped them and the impact they have on the people who use them. They remind us that architecture isn’t a solo act. Rather, every project is a balancing act between vision, challenges and breakthroughs.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, passionate about design or just an excuse to see some incredible spaces, this list of documentaries provide a rare glimpse into the world of architecture.

Eames: The Architect & The Painter (2011)

This documentary gives a glimpse into the lives of the iconic duo, Architect Charles and painter Ray Eames. Narrated by James Franco, the film offers an inside look at their studio, their marriage and the unique way they blended art and function. Their work, which spanned architecture, industrial design, photography and filmmaking, was rooted in curiosity and a relentless drive to explore new ideas.

Available to watch on Netflix and Mubi.

My Architect: A Son’s Journey (2003)

Directed by Nathaniel Kahn, My Architect: A Son’s Journey follows the life and career of the influential architect Louis Kahn from his son’s perspective. This documentary provides a dual perspective, merging architectural contributions of Louis Kahn with Nathaniel Kahn’s personal journey as he grapples with the enigmatic nature of his late father. Throughout the film, Nathaniel interviews his father’s colleagues, students and lovers in a quest to better understand both the man and the architect.

Available to watch on Netflix, Vimeo and Mubi.

Moriyama-San (2017)

Directed by Ila Bêka and Louise Lemoine, Moriyama-San is an hour-long documentary about a Tokyo man named Yasuo Moriyama, who lives inside a house designed and built by Ryue Nishizawa. The film reveals Moriyama’s day-to-day life and depicts him reading, listening to records, watching silent movies and entertaining guests. Like good architecture, the film makes you notice space in new ways.

Available to watch on Mubi and Vimeo.

Abstract: The Art of Design (2017)

This docuseries is a deep dive into the world of design, offering viewers an insight into various design domains, including architecture. Directed by various filmmakers across its episodes, viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look at the design process, the challenges faced by designers and the inspirations that drive their work. One of the standout episodes features renowned architect Bjarke Ingels, who delves into innovative architectural solutions for today’s world.

Available to watch on Netflix and Mubi.

City Dreamers (2018)

City Dreamers shine a light on four women in the field of architecture, urban planning and landscape architecture – Phyllis Lambert, Denise Scott Brown, Cornelia Hahn Oberlander and Blanche Lemco van Ginkel, who shaped modern cities in ways that still influence design today. Through interviews and archival footage, the documentary delves into the challenges and triumphs they faced in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Available to watch on Apple TV, Prime Video and Mubi.

Unfinished Spaces (2011)

Focusing on Cuba’s National Schools of Art, the film delves into the school’s creation post-revolution, why it was deserted and the later attempts to reconstruct it. The documentary captures the intricacies of design and politics intertwining through interviews with the architects behind the design of the school.

Available to watch on Neflix, Vimeo and Mubi.

5 Notable Brutalist Buildings in Kuala Lumpur You Need To Visit

How Weaving Shaped the Architecture of Ombak KLCC