emilio ambasz, prophet of eco-architecture, celebrated in 'green over gray' documentary

‘Green Over Gray’ explores Emilio Ambasz’s visionary work

The Green Over Gray documentary follows the life and work of Argentinian architect Emilio Ambasz, revered globally as the ‘father, poet, and prophet of green architecture.’ Directed by Francesca Molteni and Mattia Colombo, the film explores Ambasz’s impact on sustainable architecture through four pivotal projects that continue to resonate 40 years later, highlighting their role in the ongoing debate on climate impact.

Using drawings and images of Ambasz’s architectural creations, the film transports viewers into his poetic perspective, highlighting that architecture should evoke emotions beyond mere technical skill. Inspired by the architect’s personal philosophy encapsulated in ‘Green over the grey’, the film showcases how architecture can combat climate change, improve living conditions, and offer solutions for urban challenges.

the Lucile Halsell Conservatory by Emilio Ambasz | all images courtesy of Muse Factory Projects

father, poet, and prophet of green architecture

Born in Argentina in 1943 and later becoming a citizen of Spain, Emilio Ambasz (find more here) achieved notable success early on, serving as the Curator of Design at the Museum of Modern Art in New York from 1969 to 1976. He gained recognition for his unique style, blending buildings with gardens under his concept of ‘green over grey,’ which defied the architectural norms of the 1970s. ‘Every building is an intrusion into the plant kingdom and is a challenge to nature: we must devise an architecture that stands as the embodiment of a covenant of reconciliation between nature and construction, designing buildings so intrinsically connected to the surrounding environment that they cannot be separated from each other,’ Ambasz shares.

Throughout his career, Ambasz has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Progressive Architecture Awards for projects such as the Grand Rapids Art Museum, a house in Cordoba, Spain, and the Conservatory at the San Antonio Botanical Center. He also won prestigious international awards for urban planning and interior design, showcasing his versatility and vision. Beyond architecture, Ambasz holds over 220 design patents and has authored several books on architecture and design philosophy. His work has been exhibited globally, with significant retrospectives at institutions like the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid. An early proponent of integrating the built environment with nature, Ambasz was recently featured in Emerging Ecologies at the MOMA in New York, the first museum exhibition examining the relationship between architecture and the environmental movement in the United States.

the Acros Fukuoka Step Garden

tadao ando, kengo kuma & more touch on Emilio Ambasz’s legacy

A pioneer of green architecture, Ambasz continues to influence international design and poetic disciplines with his innovative ideas and award-winning achievements. This is especially evident in the four works featured in the film. The documentary delves into his vision of architecture’s responsibility toward nature, humanity, landscape, and the environment, featuring exclusive interviews with renowned architects Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, Toyo Ito, James Wines, Tase Michio, botanist Stefano Mancuso, Columbia University professor Barry Bergdoll, and architecture historian Fulvio Irace. In addition, the film showcases original models, archival images, unpublished footage of Ambasz’s designs, and shots of life within his buildings and gardens. It includes testimonials from gardeners and citizens, sequences of plants, trees, and animals in his projects, quotes from Ambasz, and excerpts from his fables read by the architect himself. The resulting film demonstrates how architecture can influence habits, affect behaviors, deepen our relationship with nature, and foster awareness of human impact on the planet.

the film showcases four pivotal projects by Emilio Ambasz