About John Portman: A Life of Building
Once a maverick who was nearly run out of the American Institute of Architects, John Portman is now recognized as one of the most innovative and imitated architects ever. Over 45 years, Portman’s iconic urban statements and eye-popping interiors have risen in 60 cities on four continents to redefine cityscapes in America, and skylines in China and the rest of Asia. The film captures Portman’s approach in an intimate portrait that, by turn, assesses and appreciates Portman’s work. Dramatic time-lapse footage shows off Portman’s buildings at their best—often in moving sunlight that washes over his facades and spaces.
"Architecture is all inclusive; Architecture is really life; Architecture is about life, and it comes back to people"
—John Portman
Featuring interviews with
Robert Craig, Art historian
Paul Goldberger, Architecture critic
Michael Hays, Professor, Harvard University
Dick Polich, Foundry owner
Jack Portman, Son
Jana Portman Simmons, Daughter
Jarel Portman, Son
Jeff Portman, Son
John Portman, Founder, John Portman & Associates
Michael Portman, Son
Jaque Robertson, Architect and planner
A.J. Robinson, Former associate
Mack Scogin, Professor, Harvard University
Mickey Steinberg, Associate, The Portman Holdings Companies
Andrew Young, Former Mayor of Atlanta
Credits
Director: Ben Loeterman
Editor: Peter Rhodes
Cinematographer: James Callanan
Music: John Kusiak
Runtime: 56 minutes
