Our popular Movie Nights return for the autumn season with SITTING STILL, a portrait of artist and landscape architect Laurie Olin.

When: Tuesday 20 October 2026, 7:00pm.

Where: BFI Screening Room, 21 Stephen Street, London, W1T 1LN

CES Credits: Estimated 1.5 LU/HSWs for AIA Members

RIBA Members may count this activity towards their CPD recording requirement.

Description

SITTING STILL is an original documentary that focuses on one of the world’s most preeminent landscape architects and his profoundly social vision. Hailed as a modern-day Olmsted, Laurie Olin has helped transform the design of public space, revitalize the American city, and pave the way for future design leaders. This portrait of an artist is told through a prism of issues which have defined Olin’s life and work for the past fifty years: urbanization and our lost connection to nature, economic marginalization, and the grave importance of humanity in design.

About Laurie Olin

Laurie Olin is responsible for designing many of the most beloved parks, gardens and public spaces in the country, including the Washington Monument grounds, the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, the Getty Center gardens, Battery Park City Masterplan, Columbus Circle, Bryant Park, and Independence National Historic Park, to name a few. His imprint on cityscapes extends all over the world, most notably Canary Wharf and Bishop’s Gate in London, Villa Olimpica in Barcelona, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin.

Artist, scholar, landscape architect, and fine artist, Olin is one of the most significant urban designers of our time, winning him many notable distinctions, including the National Medal of the Arts from President Obama. The film uses Olin’s original paintings and drawings as a visual thread throughout the film. These works of art establish a rhythm, creating moments of stillness within the movement of the piece. Just as parks in the city become tranquil spaces in all the flurry, Olin’s artwork establishes critical pauses in the film, reminding us that one of the best methods to learn from the world is to observe it by sitting still.

Spaces are limited. Book today!

Description supplied by the event organiser.