How Buildings Learn

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.

Documentary

Seasons

1. Flow

Air Date: 1997-07-10

In the first episode, Stewart Brand takes a look at some famous buildings... and the problems hidden behind their impressive façades.

2. The Low Road

Air Date: 1997-07-17

Stewart Brand looks at the unsung heroes of architecture - cheap, unpretentious buildings, and their inherently malleable qualities.

3. Built for Change

Air Date: 1997-07-24

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.

4. Unreal Estate

Air Date: 1997-07-31

This episode examines the gap between seeing buildings as either a home or an asset.

5. The Romance of Maintenance

Air Date: 1997-08-07

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.

6. Shearing Layers

Air Date: 1997-08-14

The final episode looks at how the component parts of a building adapt and change over time in order to suit the changing world.

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Rating

10.0/10

Release Date

1997-07-10

Episodes

6 (1 seasons)

Status

Ended

Cast

Stewart Brand

Himself - Presenter

Videos

Production Companies

BBC