Urbanized, Gary Hustwit's latest feature-length documentary about the design of cities, is now available on DVD. The final film in Hustwit's well-known trilogy about the design process (Helvetica, Objectified), Urbanized looks at the issues and strategies behind urban design and features some of the world's foremost architects, planners, policymakers, builders, and thinkers.
Over half the world's population now lives in an urban area, and 75% will call a city home by 2050. But while some cities are experiencing explosive growth, others are shrinking. The challenges of balancing housing, mobility, public space, civic engagement, economic development, and environmental policy are fast becoming universal concerns. Yet much of the dialogue on these issues is disconnected from the public domain.
In "Urbanized," Hustwit blends interviews of prominent members of the urban design field with visual footage of cities around the world accompanied by an original score. The film explores an ongoing debate regarding which members of a community should be responsible for designing cities: government officials, architects or the people at large. Hustwit said that by educating viewers about the ways in which urban architecture can affect their daily lives, he hopes they can be both more appreciative and more critical of the urban planning process.
"I think the biggest takeaway for me is how much we as citizens need to be, should be and are not involved enough in the shaping of our cities," Hustwit said. "I think the most interesting projects are the ones that are citizen-driven."