The almost unbelievably prolific—and highly influential—Irish-American architect Kevin Roche (1922-2019) is profiled in filmmaker Mark Noonan’s documentary, which offers an excellent biographical sketch of the Pritzker Prize winner, combining archival materials with penetrating excerpts from interviews with Roche, his wife, and many admiring colleagues. The film also features extensive, lovingly photographed footage of both the exteriors and interiors of many of his buildings, from the early Oakland Museum (1966) and Ford Foundation (1968) up through the extraordinary Dublin Convention Center (2010). The Quiet Architect emphasizes Roche’s powerful work ethic and incredible productivity, as well as his innovative ideas about maintaining a strong connection between a building and its environment, and ensuring that the finished structure would be user-friendly. Towards those ends, Roche added interior gardens and pedestrian walkways in some instances, positioned buildings to minimize ecological disruption, and—particularly in the case of corporate headquarters—made office areas not only functional but also inviting. While they do not eschew practicality, Roche’s buildings are still especially prized for their remarkable beauty and variety. Fellow architects readily testify to the enormous impact that his approach has had on the field, but also note his modesty and openness, qualities evident in the genial interviews with Roche included here. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Kevin Roche: The Quiet Architect
(2017) 81 min. DVD: $29.95 ($249 w/PPR from www.kinolorberedu.com). DRA. Kino Lorber (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. Volume 34, Issue 4
Kevin Roche: The Quiet Architect
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