Lights, Camera, Architecture! 7 Movies that Celebrate the Beauty of Design

It may seem like the two have nothing to do with each other, but that is not necessarily true. Architects and artists share inspirations, while landscapes, cities, spaces, colours, textures, lights and shadows bring depth to visual storytelling. It thus stands to reason that movies can have a significant effect on architecture. What better way for architects to relax after a long day at the studio or site than a movie night? 

From documentaries about architecture projects to fiction films based on the lives of architects and futuristic sci-fi films, there is no shortage of interesting architectural films out there! To make picking out one easier, SURFACES REPORTER (SR) has compiled a list of 7 movies for both professionals and aspiring architects - not to mention those just looking for some impressive visuals. So if you're looking for film-night inspiration, look no further!

The Infinite Happiness (2015)

This documentary, The Infinite Happiness, examines the lives of tenants residing in the '8' housing development built by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels. It follows their humorous and mundane stories, as well as one resident's apprehension towards having tourists visit their building. Ultimately, eight attempts to bridge the gap between traditional public and private housing.

High Rise (2015)

High Rise is an outstanding futuristic architecture film that would astonish any architect! The film features a 40-story construction set against the backdrop of a magnificent tower block with stunning furnishings and amenities. It has first-rate amenities such as a grocery, swimming pool, gym, and even a primary school. In terms of architecture, this production highlights the modernization moment when designers attempted to discover how functional buildings may be.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

This Wes Anderson film celebrates the old-world grandeur of Europe gone by. It follows Gustave H, a famous concierge at a renowned European hotel between the wars, and his dearest friend Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy. The narrative encompasses the thievery and recovery of an irreplaceable Renaissance artwork and a quest for an exorbitant family inheritance.

The Architect and The Painter (2011)

Charles and Ray Eames are widely known as America's most revolutionary couple. This documentary explores the private lives, thought processes and design achievements of this husband and wife duo throughout their careers. Pivotal works explored in the film include splints for the injured military during WWII, photography, interiors, multi-media exhibits, graphics, games, films and toys - all of which had a major impact on modernism and the computer age. Get to know the remarkable couple behind some of the greatest design innovations in history.

Visual Acoustics (2008)

"Visual Acoustics", chronicled by Dustin Hoffman, is a captivating documentary on Julius Shulman, a renowned architectural photographer, and his incredible works of immortalizing modern American architecture. Through Julius's works, Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, John Lautner and Frank Gehry's creations were given global recognition and appreciation. The movie gives viewers a chance to explore the legacy of Julius Shulman, his ideologies and his photography accomplishments through Dustin's narration. His prominent works in Southern California Modernism are also highlighted in the film giving aspiring architects an eye-opening experience on what it takes to make a successful career in architecture by properly capturing its beauty with visuals.

Philip Johnson: Diary of an Eccentric Architect (1994)

Philip Johnson was a highly imaginative and influential architect. The film covers his projects, the critical role of architecture, and how structures interact with their surroundings - be it the changing colours of autumn leaves or a blanket of winter snow in New Canaan.

Blade Runner (1982)

Blade Runner, by Ridley Scott, presents a dystopian and not dreamy view of Los Angeles in 2019. His masterpiece showcases the technological advances which are in contrast with the gloomy and twisted sets. Visuals of engineered lifeforms seeking refuge to survive, along with many inspiring architectural designs, make this movie a must-watch for architects. A film full of innovative architecture and a future city in disarray, Blade Runner is one of the finest creations that cinema has ever produced.

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