Explore the innovative design secrets of Mexico City; discover the post-WW2 program aimed at delivering high-level architecture to everyday Australians; and delve into the fascinating life of a renowned and Pritzker-Prize winning Brazilian architect this November on SHELTER.
THE RICE HOUSE
QUIRKY, SMALL AND AFFORDABLE
The story of the Rice House, a unique mid-century home in Melbourne designed by Australian architect Kevin Borland. Commissioned by young artists Harrie & Lorna Rice in 1952, the house was noted at the time for its unusual construction technique and use of materials.
Commissioned by Melbourne newspaper The Age in the aftermath of WW2, the Small Homes Program allowed everyday Australians to purchase unique, small and affordable housing plans from high-level architects; and was particularly aimed at veterans returning from service overseas.
The film explores the houses’ relevance today and the access to affordable housing.
“It was a program that allowed everyday people access to qualified architects.”
THE RICE HOUSE (25 mins) Australia 2022 (Available 7 November)
IT’S ALL A PLAN
INGENUITY, PASSION AND ARCHITECTURE
A documentary about the life and work of Paulo Mendes da Rocha, a renowned Brazilian architect.
This film explores Mendes da Rocha’s story and the highs & lows of his remarkable life trajectory; throughout a series of revealing interviews with his own daughter, Joana, over a period of ten years.
Paulo exposes his reflections on urbanism, nature, humanity, art and technique; offering an insight into the mind of the Pritzker Architecture Prize and Venice Biennale Golden Lion winner.
The warm father-daughter dialogue throughout the film gives rise to confidences and exchanges of ideas that reveal the ingenuity, passion, and tirelessness of a humble and appealing man with a gigantic legacy in the world of architecture.
“A goal in architecture is that when we do what we intend to do, it is not to follow a functional schedule … it is to satisfy basic needs, imagining that you are actually supporting life’s unpredictability.”
IT’S ALL A PLAN (74 mins) Brazil 2017 (Available 14 November)
MEXITY
SHELTER ORIGINALS: WORLD PREMIERE
Scarcity. Population density. Disaster recovery. Many of our cities are facing these problems. Meet the Mexican architects building solutions for the City of Tomorrow.
Dive into contemporary Mexican design that seeks to build in harmony with pre-Hispanic history. Come on a journey to discover design secrets within the urban fabric of this Mexican metropolis.
Directed by Chilean journalist Kate Kliwadenko and Spanish architect Mario Novas, MEXITY is an edgy exploration of spaces that enhance life in the built environment of Mexico City.
This four-part series is the most recent collaboration between Shelter and Kliwadenko Novas Productions, following up 2021’s ARCHITECTURE ON THE EDGE, and continues to explore design innovation from Latin & Central America.
“What’s happening here is really important in the Latin American scene. Here we risk.” – Abel Perles, Productora
Production Credits:
Directors: Katerina Kliwadenko & Mario Novas
Writers: Katerina Kliwadenko & Mario Novas
Producers: Katerina Kliwadenko & Mario Novas
Editor: Mario NovasExecutive producers: Camille Clare & Dustin Clare
A Shelter Original Production
KLIWADENKO NOVAS is a production company focused on urbanism and architecture through its relationship with society. https://www.kliwadenkonovas.com/
Episode 1: Public Spaces – (30 mins) Mexico 2022 (Available 21 November)
“Architecture encouraging you to dive in, as if you were snorkeling in the sea, watching fishes; but here you dive in to watch insects, butterflies, plants.” – Mauricio Rocha, architect
Episode one of MEXITY examines the ways contemporary Mexican architects are approaching award winning public spaces.
See progressive examples of building in harmony with pre-Hispanic history, and a showcase of uplifting post-earthquake urban revitalisation.
This episode features interviews with some of Mexico’s most influential architects, such as Mauricio Rocha, who discuss the changing landscape of public spaces across Mexico City.
Episode 2: Social Housing – (30 mins) Mexico 2022 (Available 28 November)
“You don’t understand the kind of scarcity there is in Mexico and many other countries.” – Javier Garciadiego, developer
Scarcity. Population density. Disaster recovery. Mexican architects are facing all of these challenges in ways that will surprise and inspire you.
Episode two of MEXITY looks at the importance of small-scale innovation and access to low-cost housing solutions.
Vernacular architecture, collaboration and education are key factors helping architects to provide sensitive solutions for thousands of families in the city.
Guest Curator: Alexa Kempton – Houses Magazine
Editor of Houses Magazine Alexa Kempton has curated a collection of her favourite titles on Shelter for this November.
Houses Magazine is Australia’s leading residential architecture and interiors magazine, presenting the homes, surroundings and products that designers and the design-savvy choose for themselves and their clients. Each issue has inspirational ideas from leading designers, the editor’s selection of edgy new products and much more.
