This New Streaming Service Is Like Netflix for Design Nerds
Exploring architectural masterpieces is an uplifting experience. But right now, getting out to see amazing architecture or exhibitions is a bit more complicated than it used to be. Luckily, a new streaming service that promises to bring some of the world’s more inspiring design and architectural stories straight to you has just launched. Like Netflix for design nerds, Shelter is a video streaming service that focuses solely on design and architecture documentaries, films, and original series.
The brainchild of Australian actor Dustin Clare, Shelter describes itself as being made for “people who want to know more about how great spaces get made.” The service’s architecture-focused content comes courtesy of partnerships with brands like Dwell Magazine and Design Anthology as well as Shelter’s own original productions. Speaking to Architectural Digest, Clare described Shelter as someplace to bring together high-quality design-led content that is often hard to find.
“My wife Camille and I really enjoy good-quality home, architecture, and lifestyle shows, and we noticed a lack of consistency and cohesion in finding that content,” he said, adding, “So, we decided to go out and create a space for all that content to exist in the one place and make sure it met a real high standard.”
A week after its launch, Shelter already has over 200 hours of high-quality content available for users to stream. As well as award-winning architectural documentaries like Kevin Roche: The Quiet Architect, and “Do More with Less” (a documentary which explores contemporary architecture in Ecuador and how sustainable materials can reflect the realities of economic challenges and the climate crisis), Shelter has also just launched its first original series, “Inspired Architecture.”
Shelter costs $5.99 per month (although there’s a 14-day free trial) and can be accessed on both Google Play and the App Store. Shelter will soon also be available on Amazon TV and Apple TV. With enough real-world drama out there right now, some uplifting architectural design-focused content doesn’t seem like a bad idea.