The London Architecture Series: Urbanized (Documentary) Directed by Gary Hustwit

Urbanized (Documentary) Directed by Gary Hustwit

Storyline
Urbanized is a feature-length documentary about the design of cities, which looks at the issues and strategies behind urban design and features some of the world’s foremost architects, planners, policymakers, builders, and thinkers. Over half the world’s population now lives in an urban area, and 75% will call a city home by 2050. But while some cities are experiencing explosive growth, others are shrinking. The challenges of balancing housing, mobility, public space, civic engagement, economic development, and environmental policy are fast becoming universal concerns. Yet much of the dialogue on these issues is disconnected from the public domain.

Who is allowed to shape our cities, and how do they do it? Unlike many other fields of design, cities aren’t created by any one specialist or expert. There are many contributors to urban change, including ordinary citizens who can have a great impact improving the cities in which they live. By exploring a diverse range of urban design projects around the world, Urbanized frames a global discussion on the future of cities.

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Upcoming events: 

March 16
David R. Murphy, Murphy & Murphy Architect Inc.

Is a London-based architectural practice that has achieved recognition for the design excellence on a broad range of completed projects across Ontario. 

April 20
Chris Pommer, PLANT Architect Inc.

Chris Pommer is a founding partner in Toronto-based PLANT Architect Inc. Founded in 1995, PLANT is an interdisciplinary firm that branches into the domains of architecture, landscape, ecology, furniture, art, and graphic design. Synthesizing the insights and expertise of related disciplines, the practice responds to and embraces the increasing complexity of the world and the ambiguity of where landscape, built form, and design intersect. PLANT’s work is exemplified in a diverse range of types and scales, including public parks and intimate garden spaces; residential, corporate, and institutional architecture; site-specific art installations and furniture; and exhibit design. Some of PLANT’s recent projects include: the Nathan Philips Square Revitalization, the Dublin Grounds of Remembrance in Ohio, and the Canadian Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa.

Born in Winnipeg, Chris attended the University of Waterloo School of Architecture (along with his partners Lisa Rapoport and Mary Tremain) and graduated in 1988. Chris has taught and lectured at the Universities of Toronto, Waterloo, and Manitoba, and at IIT in Chicago. He often misses flat land.