Architecture Stories

SEASON 2

The Rise & Fall of Renaissance Center

In the 1970s Henry Ford II proposed an ambitious vision that aimed to spark a boom in Detroit. With the help of architect John Portman, his vision rose along the river's edge to become a symbol of a new Detroit renaissance. In reality, it magnified the problems facing the city.

How Architecture Influenced 'Die Hard'

The building that plays the role of Nakatomi Plaza is the real life 2121 Avenue of the Stars, formerly known as Fox Plaza. The building was the last building designed by William Pereira. A few years later, the building would serve as the setting for 'Die Hard,' inspiring several key scenes in the film.

That Time Mies Designed a Fast Food Restaurant

In 1945 an Indianapolis businessman asked Ludwig Mies van der Rohe if he would design, of all things, a drive-in restaurant. The German-born architect was not entirely familiar with roadside architecture, nevertheless, Mies saw the opportunity to use the commission as a way of experimenting with his concept of universal space. Though the project quietly went away in 1950, the project would inspire Mies’ later masterpieces.

The History of the Failed Habitat Puerto Rico

In the hills above San Juan, Puerto Rico lies the remains of a failed dream–a dream to redefine urban living. The project was known as Habitat Puerto Rico. It was the ambitious follow up to Moshe Safdie's original Habitat 67. Unfortunately, it never came to be. But while this version of Habitat failed, was the entire vision of Habitat a failure? Let's explore the history of the Habitat concept.

The Story of LA's Pan Pacific Auditorium

It was once the meeting place of Los Angeles, a home for entertainment. The Pan Pacific Auditorium hosted everything from concerts to sporting events. Beyond that, it was a perfect example of streamline moderne. Its architects, Walter Wurdeman and Welton Becket, created an icon and used it to ignite their careers, helping redefine Los Angeles into the metropolis it is today.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Los Angeles

In 1914, Frank Lloyd Wright suffered a horrible tragedy when his lover was murdered. By 1915, Wright was on his way to California to escape his grief. While in Los Angeles he would try to create a California-specific style of architecture. It would mark an interesting path of exploration for him that would influence the rest of his career.

Season 1

The Story of the Sears Tower

In the late 1960s, Sears was the largest retailer in America. Their forward-looking attitude brought about rapid expansion and an optimistic view of the future. To demonstrate their innovative spirit, they commissioned structural engineer Dr. Fazlur Kahn and architect Bruce Graham from SOM to design a modern skyscraper. The story of how Fazlur and Bruce came up with the design for the iconic Sears Tower is that of legend. Join me for that fascinating story, including how a pack of cigarettes inspired the design of one of the most iconic and innovative skyscrapers in the world.

Horton Plaza - Architectural Icon to Dead Mall

In 1985, architect Jon Jerde designed a new kind of shopping mall–a mall that encouraged exploration by making visitors wander through a postmodernist labyrinth. It would help bring people back to an aging Downtown San Diego. It would revitalize the city and make architecture an attraction. All that success would slowly fade away as the mall became a dead mall before being revitalized as a modern tech campus.

The Terrifying Story of the Winchester Mystery House

Exploring the mystery of the Winchester Mystery House. A lavish Victorian mansion with a twist. You see, inside, lies a peculiar labyrinth of rooms and corridors. Inside, visitors will find windows opening onto walls, windows in the floor, and stairs to nowhere. Who would build such a place and why? The answer to such queries can be found within its walls.

Portland Building - The Building Everyone Loves to Hate

In the heart of Portland, Oregon stands a building people love to hate. In its nearly forty year history, the Portland Building is probably one of the most divisive buildings in recent memory. But maybe the Portland Building isn't all that bad.

EPCOT: Walt Disney's City of the Future

Discover the history and plan for Walt Disney's ambitious plan for a city of the future–EPCOT.

Frank Lloyd Wright & The Mile High Skyscraper

Frank Lloyd Wright has an announcement to make. He's proposing a building that will reach new heights.

How Frank Gehry Got His Style

One conversation and one house would change architecture forever, and help create Frank Gehry's signature style.

The Most Fascinating Buildings in Las Vegas

There's no city quite like Las Vegas. It's a place full of possibilities and endless energy. Part of what creates this fantasy world is fascinating architecture. Vegas' architecture is bold, imaginative, and sometimes bizarre. Take a tour through Las Vegas and explore the city's most fascinating buildings.

The Rivalry That Crafted a Skyline

Architects William Van Alen and H. Craig Severance once had the perfect partnership, but their partnership turned into a bitter rivalry. The results of which would spark a race to construct the tallest buildings in the world. Their efforts forever changed the New York City skyline.

Frank Lloyd Wright & the Creation of Fallingwater

It was a bright Sunday morning and a client of Frank Lloyd Wright was on his way to view the preliminary drawings for his weekend retreat outside Pittsburgh. The only problem was there were no drawings. This is the story of how Frank Lloyd Wright committed the design of his most iconic house to paper in just under two hours.

A documentary series about buildings and the people who create them