This November marks the world premiere of Forested Future, a 90-minute documentary by Petr Krejčí that traces the power and provenance of eastern forest hardwoods, specifically the American Black Cherry, through the practice of architect Alison Brooks.

Born in Canada and one of the UK’s most influential and internationally acclaimed architects, Brooks’ architectural ethos bridges cultural memory and the future. From experimental houses and installations to landmark cultural institutions and large-scale mixed-use developments, her practice is known for architecture that weaves together community connections, material expression and environmental responsibility.

Beyond its environmental benefits and structural potential, Brooks elevates timber from a building material to a medium for emotional and spiritual connection. Her understanding of context as physical, cultural and spiritual stems from her dual Canadian-European education and her growing appreciation for North American indigenous peoples’ worldview. Tapping into animism – the belief that nature comprises beings with whom we can form relationships – she draws upon a profound reverence for the natural world, returning each summer to the Canadian wilderness that continues to shape her vision. Her selection of American black cherry timber serves as both a signature palette and a personal tribute to her mother, who instilled in her an appreciation for the grain and warmth of antique cherrywood furniture. It was also through her mother’s love of history and the Arts and Crafts movement that Alison’s interest in architecture was first sparked.

As the film itself observes: “In an increasingly urbanised world of eight billion people, our connection with nature is fading. In the face of climate change, biodiversity threats and environmental decline, sources of optimism are increasingly precious.”

Forested Future explores our complex relationship with trees and forests, following the individuals and communities working to restore the deep-rooted bond we share with nature. From foresters, artisans, and ecologists to the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, this gently inspiring documentary gives voice to those whose sense of identity is inseparable from the forests of the Appalachian Mountains in which they live and work.

Barcelona Premiere: BARQ Film Festival, Cinemes Girona, 6th November – 6pm

Learn more about the film here.

Forested Future: A Petr Krejčí Documentary Featuring Alison Brooks Mon, 11.3.25

London and Barcelona

London and Barcelona

When

03.11.2025

Where

London and Barcelona

Yesterday we joined forces with the Twentieth Century Society, to celebrate the launch of a significant addition to scholarship on the origins of the Modern Movement in America – ‘Richard Neutra and the Making of the Lovell Health House, 1925–35’.

Edited by Edward Dimendberg, it tells the story of the Lovell Health House in Los Angeles, designed and built by Richard Neutra from 1927 to 1929, from its inspiration through its construction to its impact.

It was a ‘demonstration house’: widely documented and written about in leading architectural journals when it was built. These publications elevated the house to the status of an icon in the history of modernism and an essential work of the international modern movement, from Berlin to Tokyo and Paris to Milan, at the high point of its influence and fame.

Held at the Alan Baxter Gallery, London, the event featured a conversation moderated by Ingrid Schröder with Nicholas Olsberg, Edward Dimendberg, William Mann and Alison Brooks. Together, they explored the making of the Lovell Health House and its lasting significance for contemporary architecture, pedagogy and criticism.

The Lovell Health House helped to launch the international career of one of the central figures of 20th-century architecture, pioneered the use of concrete and steel in the dwelling, radically advanced the ideals of hygienic, carefree and open-air living, and explored new relationships between space, structure, the natural world and physical and psychological well-being – all of which were touched upon in the debate in the room. The book includes new texts by Edward Dimendberg, Crosby Doe and Nicholas Olsberg, a chronology by Thomas Hines, historic texts by Willard D. Morgan and Richard Neutra, and specially commissioned colour photographs by Grant Mudford.

A huge thank you to our co-hosts for the event, Lund Humphries and the Twentieth Century Society. Copies of the book are available now on the Lund Humphries website here.

Richard Neutra’s Lovell Health House: Book Launch and Panel Discussion Wed, 10.15.25

London, UK

London, UK

When

15.10.2025

Where

London, UK

Alison Brooks Architects was invited by the Korean Institute of Female Architects (KIFA) to participate in the International Exchange Exhibition for Women Architects 2025 held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

The event titled, “Arch of Inclusion, Architecture Bridging Worlds” (포용의 아치, 세상을 잇는 건축), celebrated architecture’s enlightened role in promoting diversity, equal opportunity and sustainability – bringing together women architects from across the globe for a six-day event encouraging deeper reflection.

As the inaugural presentation of our work in South Korea, we were honoured to stand alongside peers such as 2020 Pritzker Prize laureates Yvonne Farrell & Shelley McNamara (Grafton Architects), 2025 RIBA Royal Gold Medallist Kazuyo Sejima (SANAA) and Astrid Feiber (UNStudio).

First Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Yong Ho-Seong, aptly stated, “Architecture is not simply the composition of physical space, but a cultural art that designs people’s lives.’’

This was a meaningful and grounding experience – also the first international women’s architecture exhibition in South Korea in 15 years – which was made possible by KIFA and generously supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Links to articles: Naver and eKoreaNews

Alison Brooks Architects Participates in South Korean Exhibition Tue, 05.20.25

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, South Korea

When

20.05.2025

Where

Seoul, South Korea