California Dreaming - Modern Architecture In The Golden State
2022 · Documentary · Reality
Since the 1940s, dreams of modern architecture have taken shape in California and are still influential today. Their innovative power consisted in making the landscape an integral part of the buildings. The predominantly European architects thus set global standards. The documentary series tells the story of four of the legendary houses between Palm Springs and San Francisco in impressive pictures. The series uses fascinating aerial photographs and postcard motifs to stimulate interest in architecture among a wide audience. How did this architecture come about, why is it called modern and is it still style-defining today? The answer to that cannot be pinned down to just one house. Four different houses from four decades are presented in an entertaining and informative way, representing different stylistic directions
Episodes
1. The Raymond Loewy House: A Pool in the Living Room26m · The 1940s: The Raymond Loewy House, Palm Springs, built: 1946-47 | Palm Springs is home to some of the most extravagant and interesting modernist homes. For French-born industrial designer Raymond Loewy, Swiss-born architect Albert Frey created a curving glass pavilion set amidst the desert landscape with an illuminated pool that extends into the living room.
2. The Silver Top: Living Like James Bond26m · The 1950s: The Stahl House, Los Angeles, built: 1959 | John Lautner (1911-1994) was one of the most important contemporary American architects of the last century. His architectural designs are characterized by a sense of drama, powerful geometry and warmth, and a deep respect for the landscape. His buildings are functional sculptures. They are unique structures that no other architect has created.
3. The Sea Ranch: Alternative Communal Living27m · The 1960s: The Sea Ranch, Sonoma Coast, built: 1964-1972 | Even today, the vision of the architects of the Sea Ranch (1965) is considered one of the first holistically planned US residential complexes and the ultimate for architects with a sense for environmental protection. The Sea Ranch interprets modernity as a stronger focus on nature and as a utopia of living together. The land belongs to everyone, only the houses on it can be bought.
4. The Fall House: Living on the Edge26m · The 2010s: The Fall House, Big Sur, built: 2014 | The Fall House (built 2014) is nestled on the rugged south coast of Big Sur amidst the stunning California landscape and offers breathtaking views. It is less than four meters away from cliffs with a drop of over 70 meters to the Pacific Ocean! The dramatic landscape called for a dramatic solution, decided French-born, San Francisco-based architect Anne Fougeron.More Like This
Top Gear
2002 · ★ 7.6
This fast-paced and stunt-filled motor show tests whether cars, both mundane and extraordinary, live up to their manufacturers' claims. The long-running show travels to locations around the world, performing extreme stunts and challenges to see what the featured cars are capable of doing. The current hosts are Paddy Mcguinness, Chris Harris and Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff.
More info →
Wildboyz
2003 · ★ 5
Jackass stars Chris Pontius and Steve-O travel the globe to places like India, Mexico, Africa, Thailand, Argentina, Thailand, Argentina, for a nature show with a Jackass twist.
More info →
Wild Russia
2008 · ★ 8.1
Through unprecedented access we showcase the spectacle that is Wild Russia. From east to west, via mountains, volcanoes, deserts, lakes and Arctic ice, this breathtaking six-part series uses stunning cinematography to chart the dazzling natural wonders of this vast country.
More info →
Meet the Makers
2018
Meet The Makers brings us across the globe as we meet artisans of some age-old crafts. In a time where consumerism fuels the machines of mass production and instant gratification, watch as these men and women devote their lives to preserve the artistry of their trade with their handiwork. Be captivated by these masters at work—from a swordsmith to an ink maker—as they continually hone their skills in the pursuit of perfection.
More info →
If We Built It Today
2019 · ★ 8
They are some of the world’s all-time greatest building projects. Most have stood the test of time, but with today’s technology, could they be duplicated and done better?
More info →
They Spoke Out: American Voices Against the Holocaust
In the tradition of WWII-themed graphic novels such as Maus, six remarkable motion comics tell the dramatic stories of the brave people who raised their voices to advocate for Jewish refugees victimized by the Nazis
More info →
Al Jazeera World
2011
A one-hour series showcasing documentary films from across the Al Jazeera Network.
More info →
