Shelter: November highlights

In November on architecture and design streamer Shelter is an original series, Mexity, exploring innovative design secrets of Mexico City.

The Rice House (25 mins)
Australia 2022
7 November
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’s All A Plan (74 mins)
Brazil 2017
14 November
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.

Mexity
Mexico 2022
A Shelter Original. 21 November
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.

Episode 1: Public Spaces – (30 mins) 21 November
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) 28 November)
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.

Production Credits:
Directors: Katerina Kliwadenko & Mario Novas
Writers: Katerina Kliwadenko & Mario Novas
Producers: Katerina Kliwadenko & Mario Novas
Editor: Mario Novas
Executive producers: Camille Clare & Dustin Clare
A Shelter Originals Production