LIFESTYLE . ARTS

California Dreaming – Modern Architecture in the Golden State

4 × 30' (ENG, GER)

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.

  • Ep1: A Pool in the Living Room

    Screener - English
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  • Ep1: Mit Pool im Wohnzimmer

    Screener - German
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  • Ep2: Living like James Bond

    Screener - English
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  • Ep2: Leben wie James Bond

    Screener - German
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  • Ep3: Alternative Communal Living

    Screener - English
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  • Ep3: Gemeinsam anders Leben

    Screener - German
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  • Ep4: The Fall House: Living on the Edge

    Screener - English
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  • Ep4: The Fall House: Living on the Edge

    Screener - German
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Episodes

  1. The Raymond Loewy House: A Pool in the Living Room

    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 Bond

    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 Living

    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 Edge

    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.

Facts

  • Original Title
    Traumhäuser in Kalifornien
  • Year
    2022
  • Length
    4 × 30' (ENG, GER)
  • Resolution
    HD
  • Film by
    Edda Baumann-von Broen
  • Produced by
  • Partners
  • Ep1: A Pool in the Living Room

    Screener - English
    You will need to login in order to watch Screener!
  • Ep1: Mit Pool im Wohnzimmer

    Screener - German
    You will need to login in order to watch Screener!
  • Ep2: Living like James Bond

    Screener - English
    You will need to login in order to watch Screener!
  • Ep2: Leben wie James Bond

    Screener - German
    You will need to login in order to watch Screener!
  • Ep3: Alternative Communal Living

    Screener - English
    You will need to login in order to watch Screener!
  • Ep3: Gemeinsam anders Leben

    Screener - German
    You will need to login in order to watch Screener!
  • Ep4: The Fall House: Living on the Edge

    Screener - English
    You will need to login in order to watch Screener!
  • Ep4: The Fall House: Living on the Edge

    Screener - German
    You will need to login in order to watch Screener!