An Wellington-focused episode from the important 1984 documentary series on New Zealand architecture, hosted by David Mitchell. Included are interviews with Wellington architects Ian Athfield and Roger Walker. Includes footage of John Scott’s Futuna Chapel and Ernst Plischke’s Massey House.
“Before he achieved worldwide fame as an actor, Sam Neill directed this documentary for the National Film Unit about lively New Zealand architect Ian Athfield. It examines the philosophy, achievements and frustrations of one of this country’s most innovative architects, who won an international competition in 1975 to design housing for 140,000 squatters in Manila, in the Philippines, yet struggled to gain recognition back home. This film culminates in Athfield’s trip to the Philippines to pursue the project.”