Spotlight on an Austrian Visionary: Rudolph Schindler

Open Austria San Francisco

Schindler Space Architect Screens in San Francisco

On June 17, 2025, the Center of Architecture + Design in San Francisco hosted a screening of Schindler Space Architect, the second installment in the CA+D Film Series. The evening invited guests to explore the groundbreaking work of Austrian-born architect R.M. Schindler, whose futuristic vision reshaped the way we think about living spaces.

The documentary, narrated by Meryl Streep and directed by Valentina Ganeva, offered a compelling portrait of Schindler’s life and legacy. Blending personal history with professional milestones, the film traced how Schindler’s radical ideas helped shape California’s modernist architecture.

Featuring insights from world-renowned architects including Frank Gehry, Thom Mayne, and Steven Holl, the screening illuminated the enduring influence of Schindler’s integration of architecture and nature.

Following the screening, director Valentina Ganeva joined Stanford Professor of Architectural Design Ethen Wood for an engaging fireside chat. Ganeva shared behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the film and revealed that the documentary has already toured several international festivals, with a submission to the Viennale currently pending.

The event was a celebration of Austrian innovation and a tribute to a pioneer who built the future before the world was ready.

Trailer: