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.
Gina M. Angelone directed, produced and wrote the film.