Dezeen Wire:Â a feature-length documentary outlining the dangers of poor urban planning and including contributions from leading architects such as Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster has been released by film director Gary Hustwit.
Urbanized completes Hustwit's trilogy of design-related films. Previous instalments Helvetica, an examination of the iconic Swiss typeface and Objectified, which focused on the creative minds behind manufactured objects, were cult hits with viewers working in the creative industries.
This film outlines the challenges that will result from future urban expansion and contraction, and offers insight from those currently involved in the process of ensuring that future cities meet the needs of their occupants.
Following a screening of Urbanized in London, design critic Justin McGuirk of The Guardian praised the film's critical stance on architecture's contribution to urban design, stating: "To its credit, the film is unequivocal that architects – especially starchitects – are not the solution."
The film currently has a limited release (see details here) and will be shown at the Barbican in London from 16 December with a DVD release scheduled for early next year.