Are you a fan of movies and architecture? If so, then you'll love this blog post! In this post, we're going to take a look at some of the coolest movies featuring architects. From inspiring documentaries to thrilling dramas, these movies showcase the creative and innovative work of architects and the impact they have on our built environment. So, whether you're an architecture student, a design enthusiast, or just a movie buff looking for some inspiration, you won't want to miss out on these must-see films. Get ready to sit back, relax, and be inspired by the captivating stories of these architects and their groundbreaking work on the big screen.

Here are some movies featuring architects:

1. "My Architect" (2003) - a documentary about the life and work of Louis Kahn, directed by his son Nathaniel Kahn.

2. "The Fountainhead" (1949) - an adaptation of Ayn Rand's novel, starring Gary Cooper as an individualistic architect fighting against conformity and mediocrity.

3. "Playtime" (1967) - directed by Jacques Tati, this film features a memorable scene in a modern office building designed by a team of architects.

4. "Blade Runner" (1982) - while not explicitly about architecture, this science fiction classic features stunning set design and futuristic buildings.

5. "The Belly of an Architect" (1987) - directed by Peter Greenaway, this film follows an American architect struggling to complete a project in Rome while dealing with personal issues.

6. "The Matrix Reloaded" (2003) - the character of the Merovingian, played by Lambert Wilson, is a self-described "traffic control" for the Matrix who also happens to be an architect.

7. "Inception" (2010) - while not specifically about architecture, the film's plot revolves around the manipulation of dreams and includes scenes of intricate cityscapes.

8. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014) - while not centered on architecture, this Wes Anderson film features many of his trademark whimsical buildings and interiors.

9. "The Architect" (2006) - starring Anthony LaPaglia and Viola Davis, this film explores the relationship between an idealistic architect and a troubled family who hires him to design their dream home.

10. "Ex Machina" (2014) - a science fiction film that features a remote research facility with stunning modernist architecture.

It's worth noting that in some cases, the architect is a major character in the film, while in others they may only appear briefly or be mentioned in passing:

• "The Fountainhead" (1949)
• "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" (1948)
• "The Lake House" (2006)
• "The Architect" (2006)
• "The Last Tycoon" (1976)
• "The Belly of an Architect" (1987)
• "The Towering Inferno" (1974)
• "The Time Traveler's Wife" (2009)
• "The Iron Giant" (1999) - features an architect as a minor character
• "Mirrors" (2008)
• "The Island" (2005)
• "Her" (2013)
• "The Four Seasons" (1981)

The development of computer-aided design (CAD) systems in the 1960s and 1970s marked a significant turning point in the field of architecture. With the introduction of digital platforms, technical drawings could be created with greater speed and accuracy than traditional hand drafting methods. This eventually led to the replacement of manual drafting with computer-aided drafting, which is now the standard practice in the industry.

In subsequent decades, CAD systems continued to evolve, with 3D modeling becoming a key feature in the 1980s. By the 1990s, CAD had advanced to the point where complex geometry, forms, and surfaces could be created through parametric capabilities and topology-based modeling. This, coupled with advancements in computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) tools, made it possible to fabricate complex architectural designs with data that was output directly from digital models.

These technological advancements paved the way for some of the first built works of architecture that were designed primarily within 3D models. The Yokohama International Passenger Terminal, for instance, designed in the mid-1990s by Foreign Office Architects, was conceived primarily in section as a series of digitally modeled surfaces that curved and folded to create an architectural topography.

CAD drawings also include technical drawings produced through building information modeling (BIM) tools. These parametric modeling capabilities link three-dimensional geometries with two-dimensional drawings, allowing changes made in the 3D model to automatically update the associated 2D technical drawings, and vice versa. BIM software has become a useful digital workflow for managing the design and construction of large-scale architectural projects that are complex.

One such example is the Marqués de Riscal Winery in Elciego, Spain, designed by Gehry Partners, LLP, which utilized Gehry Technologies’ Digital Project BIM software to create 3D models that are associated with 2D projections. In addition to embedding data in the 3D model, BIM software allows for greater consistency and reduced errors between the 3D models and 2D technical drawings.

Marqués de Riscal Winery in Elciego, Spain

Marqués de Riscal Winery in Elciego, Spain - CAD Drawings

Gehry Partners, LLP, Marqués de Riscal Winery, Elciego, Spain, 2003-2006. Floor plan drawing.

The Art of Observational Drawing: Improving Your Eye for Detail

If you're someone who's always had an interest in the visual arts, design, or architecture, then you know how important it is to have an acute eye for detail. That's where observational drawing comes in! By using contours and tones, you can train yourself to replicate shapes and forms accurately, and bring your art to life.

Contour drawing is a technique that lets you create a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object by drawing only its outlines. By focusing on edges where surfaces meet, and sudden shifts in light reflection, such as the edges of highlights and shadows, you can create accurate drawings that capture the essence of what you're observing. When you add tones to your contour drawing, you can further enhance the perception of form by capturing its relationship to light.

Observational drawing isn't just a great way to develop your artistic skills, it's also an excellent way to enhance your perceptual acuity. By honing your ability to perceive and comprehend shapes, surfaces, forms, and light, you'll be able to recognize visual patterns in both the surrounding and built environment. This is a valuable skill that architects and designers use to represent formal and spatial information accurately in their work.

Observational drawing is an art that can be learned by anyone. It's an excellent way to develop your eye for detail, and it's a valuable skill that you can use in your professional life. So why not grab a pencil, start observing your surroundings, and see what you can create?

Álvaro Siza, Architect, Sketch of Machu Pichu.