Buildings for Society

2026
Returning Series
Documentary
~26m / ep
1 season

How can we build architectural environments that help children learn, provide dignity and protection to the most vulnerable, and help offenders rehabilitate? This series looks at new schools, prisons, and homeless shelters whose architects have used innovative techniques to create buildings that help society.

All seasons

Latest: Miniseries · 2026

View all seasons

E1. School Architecture
Feb 8, 2026 · 26m
How can architects build spaces where people coexist peacefully and feel good? This episode focuses on schools. In Austria, in Denmark, and in France newly built educational establishments with innovative architecture are transforming how children learn and how teachers teach.
E2. Homeless Shelters
Feb 15, 2026 · 26m
How can we build spaces for the most vulnerable in society? In Vienna, Frankfurt and Lyon, there are building projects that have been designed for homeless people to provide shelter, dignity, protection and community.
E3. Prison Architecture
Feb 22, 2026 · 26m
How can we build environments which enclose without being punitive? A look at new prisons in Switzerland and Germany where architects have created light, welcoming spaces in order to aide the rehabilitation process.