My Architect

The 2003 documentary film, My Architect, presents a compelling and deeply personal account of one of the greatest architects of the 20th century, Louis I. Kahn, told from the perspective of his estranged son, Nathaniel Kahn. This poignant and captivating narrative features appearances by renowned figures in architecture and urban design like Edmund Bacon and Balkrishna Doshi, while introducing intimate insights from family members such as Edwina Pattison Daniels.

Directed by Nathaniel himself, My Architect is more than just a documentary about a famed architect. It's an exploration into a complex and mysterious personal life, a son's quest to understand the father he barely knew, and a critical evaluation of the genius and enigma that was Louis Kahn. As Nathaniel embarks on this journey, he delivers an intriguing blend of biography, personal memoir, architectural history, and philosophical rumination.

Louis Kahn left an indelible mark on architectural design with iconic creations like the National Assembly Building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California. Yet, his personal life was as intricate and convoluted as the structures he designed. His affairs resulted in three families, one with his wife and two with women with whom he had long-term relationships.

A significant portion of the documentary involves Nathaniel traveling to his father’s masterpieces, interviewing those who knew Louis and experienced his work firsthand. As he immerses himself in these architectural marvels, viewers witness his gradual understanding of his father's vision, thought process, and quite possibly, his internal struggles. Through these experiences, we observe not only Louis Kahn's brilliant architecture, but the intricate shades of his personality.

Edmund Bacon, the renowned urban planner known for shaping modern Philadelphia, was a contemporary of Louis Kahn. In his views shared in the movie, he helps shed light on Kahn's influence on the architectural world, his unique approach to design, and his struggle for recognition and fruition of his ambitious projects. The film also features Balkrishna Doshi, an eminent Indian architect and a Pritzker Prize recipient, who was a close associate of Kahn, particularly in the creation of the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, a testament to Louis's exceptional architectural prowess.

Adding a personal touch to the narrative, Edwina Pattison Daniels, Kahn’s daughter from another relationship, brings an emotional undercurrent to the film. As she shares her experiences and memories of their often-absent father, it's clear that the enigma of Louis Kahn extended to his personal life as well. This emotional layer combines with the professional revelations to create a deep and multi-dimensional portrait of the architect.

The film is shot beautifully, combining stunning visuals of Kahn's architectural wonders and candid interviews that truly bring out the essence of the man behind the grand edifices. Nathaniel takes us through an emotional rollercoaster, from interviewing his father's colleagues, partners, friends, to his own mother and siblings, while simultaneously trying to grapple with the knowledge and comprehension of Kahn’s concealed life.

My Architect is a raw exploration of Louis Kahn's life as seen through the lens of his son. Nathaniel does not shy away from exhibiting his father's professional grandeur alongside his flawed personal life. Still, the film isn’t just a showcase of his father’s failures and triumphs but also a way through which Nathaniel reconciles with the profound sense of loss and longing that marred his childhood. The narrative is underscored by the theme of enlightenment as Nathaniel comes face-to-face with the stark realities and unfulfilled aspirations of his father's life.

Enthralling and emotionally charged, My Architect is an unparalleled expedition into the life and work of Louis Kahn. It highlights the transformative power of architecture while delving into salient aspects of humanity, underlining the interconnection between personal life and creative output. An architectural investigation, a study on human complexity, and a poignant personal journey of discovery, My Architect will leave viewers with a profound appreciation for the intertwined complexities of life and art.