John Portman: A Life of Building (2011)
• January 1st, 2011 • 0h 52min
Documentary
Overview
Once a maverick who was nearly run out of the American Institute of Architects, John Portman is now recognized as one of the most innovative and imitated architects ever. Over 45 years, Portman's iconic urban statements and eye-popping interiors have risen in 60 cities on four continents to redefine cityscapes in America, and skylines in China and the rest of Asia. The film captures Portman's approach in an intimate portrait that, by turn, assesses and appreciates Portman's work. Dramatic time-lapse footage shows off Portman's buildings at their best- often in moving sunlight that washes over his facades and spaces.
Make sure to check your pop-up blocker!!
Trailer
Similar Movies
Secrets of the Parthenon
Released on: 2008-01-29
Documentary, History, TV Movie
For 25 centuries the Parthenon has been shot at, set on fire, rocked by earthquakes, looted for its ...
St. Peter's and the Papal Basilicas of Rome 3D
Released on: 2016-05-06
Documentary
The unveiled treasures in the year of the Extraordinary Jubilee. The Papal Basilicas of Rome seen as...
Berlin Babylon
Released on: 2001-09-27
Documentary, History
A documentary focusing on the rebuilding projects in Berlin after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
When Brazil Was Modern
Released on: 2025-06-26
Documentary
Brazilian architecture in the 20th century influenced generations of architects worldwide. But there...
Chambord: The Castle, the King and the Architect
Released on: 2015-12-05
Documentary, History, TV Movie
Chambord, the most impressive castle in the Loire Valley, in France, a truly Renaissance treasure, h...
Fernand Pouillon, Une architecture habitée
Released on: 2017-01-01
Documentary
In this documentary, Marie-Claire Rubinstein reveals to us, through the testimonies of the inhabitan...
Silver Memories
Released on: 2000-04-08
Documentary, History
Heralded as a palace among minor and major league baseball stadiums, Silver Stadium set a standard o...
Night Descends on Treasure Island
Released on: 1940-01-20
Documentary
A travelogue celebrating the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition and highlighting its exhibition of classica...
Under Tomorrow's Sky
Released on: 2021-06-02
Documentary
Winy Maas, co-founder of MVRDV architects, always has 100 projects going at once. Documentary filmma...
Diller Scofidio + Renfro: Reimagining Lincoln Center and the High Line
Released on: 2013-11-11
Documentary, History
Diller Scofidio + Renfro has long been at the forefront of design with provocative exhibitions that ...
Roger D'Astous
Released on: 2016-03-11
Documentary, History
A documentary about montreal architect Roger D'astous, who battled all his life to create a nordic a...
Bird's Nest - Herzog & de Meuron in China
Released on: 2008-01-22
Documentary
Schaub and Schindelm’s documentary follows two Swiss star architects, Jacques Herzog and Pierre de M...
Four Shorts on Architecture
Released on: 1975-10-10
Documentary
A visual essay on contemporary Kiwi architecture.
Talking Architecture, City: Hall
Released on: 2013-10-24
Documentary
A documentary film about Seoul City Hall Construction. The construction project has a hard going in ...
The Spirit in Architecture: John Lautner
Released on: 1990-06-15
Documentary
The Spirit in Architecture examines the work of John Lautner, one of the most visionary and profound...
Arquitetura de Morar
Released on: 1975-01-01
Documentary
An enchanted journey through three extraordinary houses built by Master José Zanine on the seaside h...
Aalto
Released on: 2020-09-04
Documentary
Aalto is one of the greatest names in modern architecture and design, Aino and Alvar Aalto gave thei...
This Means More
Released on: 2020-03-18
Documentary, Animation
Images of crowd simulation are faced with testimonies from Liverpool Football Club’s supporters who ...
Valldaura: A Quarantine Cabin
Released on: 2022-07-24
Documentary
A group of young architects, confined to a forest in Barcelona during the COVID crisis, explore the ...