Based on his book, American writer Stewart Brand takes a look at the life history of buildings - how they're shaped by their architects, and how they're further shaped by their inhabitants.
DirectorJames Runde
WriterStewart Brand
Flow
Jul 10, 1997
In the first episode, Stewart Brand takes a look at some famous buildings... and the problems hidden behind their impressive façades.
The Low Road
Jul 17, 1997
Stewart Brand looks at the unsung heroes of architecture - cheap, unpretentious buildings, and their inherently malleable qualities.
Built for Change
Jul 24, 1997
This episode looks at people who have built their own homes and property and the difference between them and the often stubborn nature of "planned" living.
Unreal Estate
Jul 31, 1997
This episode examines the gap between seeing buildings as either a home or an asset.
The Romance of Maintenance
Aug 7, 1997
This episode looks at how the unromantic role of maintenance plays a crucial part in shaping whether a building stands the test of time, as well as looking at the roles materials play in the way buildings adapt.
Shearing Layers
Aug 14, 1997
The final episode looks at how the component parts of a building adapt and change over time in order to suit the changing world.
