You should watch it even if you aren't an Architect!
Welcome to my blog. I’ve never considered myself a writer, so creating a blog was never on my radar. I primarily use this website for professional purposes, such as showcasing my work and CV. However, the idea of sharing my thoughts and inspirations in a blog unexpectedly took root, and here I am. If you’re reading this, I’m glad you’re here, and I truly hope you enjoy it.
The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes
This is the title of the not-so-new (2017) Netflix show that explores, you guessed it, the world’s most extraordinary homes. The series features award-winning architect Piers Taylor and his friend Caroline Quentin, an actress and design enthusiast. Together, they travel the globe in search of unique and fascinating architectural wonders. The first season highlights locations such as New Zealand, Arizona, Salobreña, and Amsterdam, while the second season includes countries like Portugal, Japan, Israel, and India.
This show is for everyone—not just architects and designers! It combines Piers’s detailed explanations of architectural features with live sketches from his sketchbook, making complex designs more accessible. Meanwhile, Caroline Quentin brings a sense of warmth and appreciation for the comfort and experiences each home offers.
Not All About Luxury
When we think of "extraordinary homes," we often envision large, expensive mansions. However, this show presents a diverse range of residences. It showcases how architecture varies across cultures and climates, featuring homes adapted to extreme weather, sustainable designs with minimal environmental impact, community houses that bring villages together, and even enormous homes with multiple pools (because why settle for one when you can have two?).
Black Mirror
You’ve probably heard of this one. The sci-fi Netflix series created by British writer Charlie Brooker explores how technology impacts our lives, often presenting worst-case scenarios. You might wonder how this connects to architecture and design, so let’s dive into the impressive architectural elements with futuristic themes that the series showcases.
In the first season’s second episode, "15 Million Merits," we see futuristic high-density housing equipped with advanced technology and small bedrooms filled with screens. The third episode, "The Entire History of You," highlights remarkable architecture in the featured homes. In "White Christmas," a Christmas special, the story unfolds in a minimalistic, tech-savvy house where nearly everything is automated. The first episode of the third season, "Nosedive," features pastel-colored minimalist neighborhoods, while the fourth episode of the fourth season, "Crocodile," includes an architect living in a stunning Scandinavian home surrounded by snow.
Great Design Throughout
The series highlights exceptional design across all four seasons, showcasing not only architectural and interior design but also futuristic technologies that you’ll likely find intriguing.
Tiny House Nation
The growing trend of tiny houses and minimal living emphasizes that bigger isn’t always better. This concept transforms our perception of what a home can be. There are countless personalized tiny homes that are even transportable—similar to campers, but more like mini houses you can attach to your vehicle. These homes are customized to meet individual needs and resemble traditional houses much more than campers do.
The Reason Behind the Decision
What I particularly enjoy about this show is hearing the reasons why families or individuals choose to live in tiny houses. Many of us might think we could never downsize to a small space, but the stories of those who made that choice can be quite surprising.
Of course, there are many more shows worth exploring, but these highlights offer a glimpse into some fascinating examples. If you check them out, you won’t regret it. You’ll gain insight into how architecture and design impact our daily lives and how these spaces can enrich our experiences.
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