Whilst a lot of us are doing our part and staying at home it can be difficult to be productive when you have a 9-5 or have a university degree to work towards. For a lot of students around the world, not just in the UK, a world crisis doesn’t dismiss an overwhelming workload. However, with schools and universities closed, the studio environment you may have found comfort in is no longer accessible for you anymore. With deadlines looming, the struggle to get anything done can become more stressful. No blog post, video or person can replace the stimulating experience of being in a studio environment. It might seem a little counterintuitive to simply binge watch Netflix, but I think we have to be realistic with ourselves. For your mental health and sanity, you do need some downtime and that can sometimes include a lot more screen time than you anticipated. One way to look at this is like recharging your creative juices, some of your best ideas come when you are not actually working. So do take the time to switch off when you can and be honest with yourself when you need to. Overworking is just as bad as under working for all sorts of reasons, after all, it is the two sides of the same coin. Whether you want to take some time out or have something to watch in parallel to some of the endless and sometimes passive tasks that drawing can be here are 4 Netflix shows and documentaries that will be both entertaining and educational to watch whether you are an architecture enthusiast or not.
1/ The Creative Brain
This is a documentary that initially seemed to be about rationalising art and sciences as one rather than separate entities. The particular focus of this documentary looks to explore the creative process that undertakes solving problems, whether it is for an individual or a larger societal issue. It showcases various disciplines and how they use creativity as a means of discovering fulfilment and a solution to the problems that we have within society. If you are looking to understand how you can get better at your creative process to achieve better outcomes in whatever you do, this documentary pinpoints the various creative processes that we should undertake to become better at what we do. This isn’t entirely architectural focused but uses many instances of architectural thinkers and various types of designers to explore the creativity that is applicable to everyone regardless of whether you deem yourself and your industry as being creatively driven. There are so many lessons to take from this documentary so I hope that by watching you may take on the same reflections to simply become better at what you do.
2/ Abstract - The art of design
Neri Oxman said it best in her episode in Season 2, episode 2 of Abstract
This is a Netflix series that goes behind the scenes for some of the most infamous design experts across the world. From Architects to Costume designers to UX Designers and many, many more individuals that I’ll let you discover on your own, I think there is so many industries covered in this series each fascinating in their own ways. Each episode take you on the journey of each designer as they undertake various projects. What was thoroughly enjoying about these series was the way in which each designers story was embedded in the filming and production in a cinematic representation of who they were. This playful manner made each story more interesting as you got to experience to a certain degree their art for through your screen. It really opened my eyes to the process of design that gave me an appreciation for each craft. It seems that design is at the heart of a lot of industries, not just architecture. The most exciting part of each episode was seeing the creative process that inspired me to look at design from so many different perspectives. If you are looking to be inspired this is definitely the show to watch as you embark on your own design journey it is useful to look at experts and their story to help you shape yours. I mistakenly watched the second season first but by no means are you missing out if you do the same thing I did, each episode can be admired on its own and regardless of which episode you start each is a great stand alone episode. This isn’t a documentary series specific for architects but rather for designers and those who admire the work that goes towards some of the creativity that has changed the way the world works and what the future holds for design. It is a Netflix documentary series that everyone can enjoy.
3/ The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes
As the title puts it, it is really is a series that is dedicated to uncovering and understanding some of the most extraordinary homes built across the world. Two British presenters Caroline Quentin and Piers Taylor go exploring each home, without giving too much away, you’ll be blown away but the selection of buildings. I have yet to complete this series as there is quite a few seasons and episodes to get through but the seasons I have watched have been worthwhile. This series reminded me of grand designs in many ways (mainly because of the presenters), so if that is the kind of series you enjoy to watch this has some likeness to it. Unlike the other two suggestions this a very much architecture focused but this doesn’t mean you won’t be entertained, especially when you see some of the landscapes and views that these homes are located. The presenters don’t overwhelm you with as much information as one might imagine fit for someone of expert architectural knowledge or experience. Instead, this is very much a show that is dedicated to showcasing some of the most uniquely designed homes that have forever redefined not only what a home is but what it can look like. Seeing as the homes are already built you get a glance at some of the architectural qualities that make these homes so different to what you would assume to be a house. It might even give you some ideas on your design projects as it can act as somewhat of a precedent for research for your design work if a particular home has caught your attention. Of course, I can’t make a promise that every project is to everyone’s taste but it will certainly give you something to think about as you get a chance to get the thoughts behind the build from the designers and the clients.
4. Lego HOUSE - HOME OF THE BRICK
This is a 47-minute documentary that demonstrates the architectural and constructional aspects of Denmark’s very own Lego House inspired by the popular lego bricks. If you are curious about an architecture project with complexity and distinctive design this is the documentary for you. The focus of this documentary looks at the different parts of the project – from the design competition to select the ideal architectural team to the competition and opening of the Lego House. You really get see the processes that takes place in order to build an experience that embraces the client and their goal, to maintain the quality and playfulness that marks the Lego House in an architectural interpretation. If you are a fan of BIG, the Bjarke Ingels Group you’ll get a glimpse of the design process they use for this particular project. I think I’ve already given too much away but if you aren’t familiar with the involvement of architects and designers alike you’ll be exposed to the collaborative process that takes place when designing. I have always been an admirer of Lego brick sets as a child so seeing this project and the attention and thoughtfulness to detail on what makes the Lego brick such a creative and versatile experience of all ages might encourage you to think differently about what architecture can be. This documentary captures snippets of the larger than life behind the scenes that takes place in the design and building of this phenomenal play experience.
There is a lot out there to watch on Netflix but I’ve come to realise for students especially that it can come with an envelope of guilt. I’m hoping this list of greatly educational and inspiring watches will curb your creative appetite and who knows maybe inspire you to think differently about design in a way that you can relate to. In testing times like this where we are confined to our daily tasks of simply living through your portfolio at home, going outdoors was a way for me to have a bit of clarity to see real design a little different. Now, I think it is the chance to change things up, to see that perhaps there is opportunity even in the mundane simplicity of being indoors and this time with create reason to explore what you have already.
Hope you are all doing well and staying safe.
Side note: Thank you to those who have signed up to my email newsletter, I have not forgotten you! I will be sending out a newsletter pretty soon so keep your eyes open for some regular content to keep you creatively recharged and fuelled for all your architectural endeavours wherever you are.