Scattered sources and limitless choices,

What to watch?

As society socially distances!

We bring a curated list of interesting movies and documentaries related to design and architecture. One for each day - to cruise you through the extended lockdown.

1. Koolhaas House Life

A rare peek into an architect’s personal space, his home. A space can tell a lot about the person who inhabits it. Figure out Rem Koolhaas for yourself as you immerse yourself in this documentary.

2. Big Time

Big Time was shot by Kaspar Astrup Schroder over a span of 7 years and premiered at Copenhagen’s Grand Theatre in 2017. The film takes the viewer behind the scenes - revealing the struggles and pressure in the life of Bjarke Ingels, while he made his mark in the field of architecture.

3. Prophets of Science Fiction

Ridley Scott’s documentary series delves into the parallels between science-fiction and subsequent innovations in design and lifestyle.

4. Sustainable City

A video documentary taking us through the energy models adopted in the design of Masdar City in UAE. Check it out on the fullychargedshow’s youtube channel

5. Microtopia

While we build new cities from scratch, Microtopia documents the explorations of possibilities and challenges for accomodating the increasing population sustainably with unconventional ideas.

6. Rotterdam 2040

A documentary film tracing architecture and urban renewal through a series of images. The film focuses on the subjective experiences of the people and suggests ideas for the future.

7. The Human Scale

Directed by Andreas Dalsgaard, the documentary criticizes human-centric planning and development, focusing on how we build and use our cities.

8. The City Dark

A story about light pollution and the various implications of the usage of electrical lights during night time. The City Dark was conceived after its maker, Ian Cheney moved from rural Maine to NYC and observed the absence of a night sky in the city life.

9. Elevation

A short documentary by Dezeen, Elevation explores drones and how they will impact the day-to-day life of people. One of the many digital integrations to happen in our lives.

10. Block by Block

This documentary follows the experiences of the construction workers who built Palais Royale, India’s tallest building. Often overlooked amid the glamour of the completed building, construction workers are the protagonists of this film.

11. Abstract: The Art of Design

As its description on Netflix says, ‘ Step inside the minds of the most innovative designers in a variety of disciplines and learn how design impacts every aspect of life.’ A Netflix original with two parts – do check it out.

12. How much does your building weigh, Mr. Foster?

A journey tracing the works of British Architect Norman Foster in his quest for improving life through design.

13. Kochuu: Japanese Architecture

An insight into the traditional Japanese building traditions and how the modern Japanese architects endeavour to incorporate these principles in contemporary work.

14. Rem

A documentary made by Tomas Koolhaas, the son of architect Rem Koolhaas, over a span of 10 years. The film revolves around the impact Rem Kolhaas’ architecture on the users as well the architect himself. A glimpse into the workings of an architect’s mind.