Inspired television

It was a great evening for public television viewing…here is a copy of what was on.

8:00 PM ANGLE OF INSPIRATION: Santiago Calatrava's Sundial Bridge

8:27 PM SANTIAGO CALATRAVA: God Does Not Throw Dice Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava designed the Sundial Bridge in Redding, California. This film shows the architect/artist describing and demonstrating the inspiration for his designs. Which is more artistically rendered in this film—Calatrava’s structures themselves or the filmmaker’s visual images of them? In Spanish with English subtitles. (Repeats 1/8, 9:57 pm)

9:17 PM IT STARTED WITH A DREAM "The Milwaukee Art Museum Calatrava Expansion" The first Calatrava designed building in the United States, the expansion of the Milwaukee Art Museum was a daily challenge to build. Learn how architectural, engineering and construction teams, working closely with Museum leadership, came together to transform Calatrava’s watercolor sketches into a building which, in itself, is a work of art. (Repeats 1/8, 10:47 pm)

9:30 PM MOVEMENT, STRUCTURE "The Work of Santiago Calatrava" Based on the book, Movement, Structure and the Work of Santiago Calatrava by Alexander Tzonis and Liane Lefaivre, this film presents soaring visuals of many of Calatrava’s structures. With sparse narration and an inspirational musical score, the film becomes an artistic music video of Calatrava’s innovative architecture.

Yes, it was all about Calatrava and his work. If you ever get a chance to see these shows again, don’t pass it up! I have found it impossible not to admire a cable stayed bridge, no matter who designed it. The form is ultimately graceful. (I have been to see the Sundial Bridge in Redding and found it to be delightful. It’s the right size and it’s in the right place.)

And I was not overly surprised to hear Mr. Calatrava explain that he is a fan of the late Antonio Gaudi. I have admired the works of both of these artists for years now. It’s hard to imagine that Gaudi was born in 1852, as his work is so modern. (You can use Google Images to see examples of his artistry.)

Perhaps I can find a few images and post them here…