Cool Spaces

Cool Spaces is an engaging television show produced by PBS that first aired in 2014. This show, hosted by architect and author Stephen Chung, offers a unique lens through which to view iconic architecture by discarding the usual technical jargon and focusing instead on the people who occupy these structures and the effects of architecture on our daily lives and environments.

What sets Cool Spaces apart from other architectural documentaries is its vibrant storytelling approach. Every episode is an immersive exploration of four outstanding pieces of architecture that fall under a specific theme, instead of the habitual focusing on discussing the technicalities of the design or the creative insights of the architects. Therefore, viewers are presented with a vast array of architectural styles from across North America, from contemporary theatres, expressive skyscrapers, elegant libraries, to avant-garde houses.

Chung's compelling dialogue style and insightful narration make the intricacies of architecture more approachable to viewers not familiar with architectural jargon. He takes viewers behind the scenes, providing a holistic view of these magnificent structures, their creative design concepts, and the impacts on their surroundings and users. Consequently, viewers are offered to experience these fantastic spaces through the eyes of the people who occupy them regularly, not just through the eyes of the people who designed them.

In one episode, for instance, Chung explores some of the most inventive performing arts spaces, where he delves into the design aspects that generate excellent acoustics, facilitate performer-audience interaction, and create an overall immersive experience beyond the actual performances. In another episode, the extraordinary design elements and ecological contributions of buildings that power human activities, such as power plants, substations, and pumping stations are highlighted.

Throughout Cool Spaces, Chung interviews several architects, designers, and users who shed light on the inspiration, design process, challenges, and triumphs behind the realization of these architectural marvels, thereby humanizing these enormous edifices. The insider perspectives turn these architectural tours into personal narratives, making the show a comprehensive exploration of architecture, design, and human experience.

Another aspect that composes the novel viewing experience of Cool Spaces is the stunning cinematography. The high-definition footage, combined with a creative use of light and angles, allows viewers to appreciate the aesthetic details and unique design elements of the buildings realistically. It enables the audience to witness the transformative power of architecture, as the viewed spaces are not just cold structures of glass, steel, and concrete, but living entities that interact with humans and the environment, shape our activities, influence our moods, and reflect the era's cultural and technological advances in which they were created.

Despite focusing primarily on American architecture, Cool Spaces transcends regional barriers and caters to a global audience, because the architectural projects featured have worldwide recognition and the themes explored resonate universally. The show is an ideal watch for professionals and students in the field of architecture and design who seek inspiration from groundbreaking projects. Still, it is equally engaging for casual viewers with no architectural background who wish to explore the fascinating world of contemporary architecture that is generally out of average citizen’s reach.

Lastly, Cool Spaces offers an exclusive online platform where viewers can engage with the show beyond the scheduled broadcast. This platform provides interactive multimedia content, such as interviews, photo galleries, blogs, and design tips, reinforcing the experiential aspect of the show. The online community also holds discussions, facilitating dialogue and debate among viewers, architects, and architectural enthusiasts worldwide.

In conclusion, Cool Spaces from PBS is much more than a show about architecture. It’s an innovative program that lets viewers appreciate architecture and design from an entirely fresh and immersive perspective, exemplifying the ways in which architecture shapes human experience and vice versa. By highlighting the influence and impact these structures have on our everyday lives, Cool Spaces extends the conversation around architecture, connecting it to larger societal, cultural, and environmental discourses. The series invites the viewer to rethink traditional perceptions of space and explore the captivating advantages of meaningful architectural design.