Buildings for Society

2026•26m

Documentary

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.

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Production

SCHNITTSTELLE Film und Video GmbH, ARTE, NDR

Language

Status

Returning Series

First Aired

February 8, 2026

Last Aired

February 22, 2026

Networks

ARTE

Created By

Cordula Echterhoff

Where to Watch

Region US · Lang EN

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Seasons & Episodes

Select a season to view episodes. Reddit links may contain spoilers.

Season

School Architecture

Air date: 2026-02-08

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.

Homeless Shelters

Air date: 2026-02-15

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.

Prison Architecture

Air date: 2026-02-22

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.