Movie Night - Modernism, Inc. The Eliot Noyes Design Story
10 March 2026
We returned to the BFI for the final screening of our winter season with the documentary Modernism, Inc: The Eliot Noyes Design Story. The film provided a compelling look at the life and work of Eliot Noyes, the mid-century architect and designer who helped shape the design programmes of some of America’s most powerful postwar corporations. The documentary places Noyes’s work within the broader context of the post-war economic expansion in the United States, when corporations increasingly embraced Modernism as a way of expressing innovation, clarity, and progress. Taking inspiration from Noyes’s well-known motto, “good design is good business,” the film traces his early career and his interest in industrial design, a field that was just beginning to transform how everyday objects—from furniture to technology—were conceived and marketed.
The story then moves to Noyes’s remarkable tenure at IBM, where his belief that design should be embedded in every aspect of a company’s thinking proved revolutionary. Rather than treating design as a final layer applied to finished products, Noyes championed a holistic approach that integrated architecture, product design, graphics, and corporate identity. This philosophy helped position IBM as a technological and design leader during the early era of computing and established a model that would later influence companies such as Apple in the development of design-driven products.
Beyond his strategic vision, Noyes possessed a remarkable ability to assemble and guide teams of talented designers. Under his direction, IBM adopted the elemental forms and bold colours that came to define its visual identity, while products such as the iconic Selectric typewriter became enduring symbols of mid-century design. His influence extended beyond technology as well—most notably in the transformation of Mobil petrol stations, which evolved from visually cluttered roadside stops into elegant and recognisable architectural forms characterised by clean lines and simple circular elements.
Through interviews with colleagues, collaborators, and members of his family, the film paints a portrait of a designer whose ideas were truly ahead of their time. Noyes’s work reveals the power of design to shape not only objects and buildings, but also the identity and culture of organisations.
The discussion following the screening was lively and engaging, with members and guests expressing deep admiration for Noyes’s work and ethos. Many attendees reflected on how profoundly his ideas continue to influence contemporary design practice. While the evening marked the end of our winter screenings, several participants admitted they were already looking forward to the next series—and a little saddened that they would have to wait until the autumn for the programme to resume.
Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the winter season. We look forward to welcoming you back in the Autumn for another series of inspiring architectural films and conversations.
Written by Chris Musangi, AIA
Movie Night - NUVOLA An Open Project for the City
03 February 2026
We began this year’s film programme on 3 February with a screening of NUVOLA – An Open Project for the City, a documentary that explores the transformation of the Lavazza Nuvola Headquarters and its role in the regeneration of Turin’s Aurora district. Conceived by Virginio Briatore with creative direction by Francesca Molteni and directed by Luca Caon, the film offers a thoughtful portrait of how architecture can shape the life of a neighbourhood while reflecting the identity of a company deeply rooted in its city.
The documentary traces the story of Lavazza’s headquarters through a series of thematic chapters that reveal the many layers of the project—from archaeological discoveries and museum spaces to its public garden square, restaurants, and the revitalised former power station. Narrated by architect Cino Zucchi, the film explores the project from multiple perspectives, highlighting how the building functions not only as a corporate headquarters but also as a cultural and civic destination for the surrounding community.
One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the way it captures life within the complex through the voices of the many people who interact with it daily: archaeologists uncovering the remains of an early Christian basilica, chefs Ferran Adrià and Federico Zanasi animating the culinary spaces, landscape designer Camilla Zanarotti describing the public garden, and residents and visitors who experience the building as part of the evolving fabric of the city.
The evening was made even more special by the presence of Gretel Stein, Lavazza Digital Manager, and Emma Dita, Lavazza PR Manager, who joined us for the screening and the lively discussion that followed. Both have worked within the Nuvola complex, and Gretel’s connection to Turin made the discussion particularly meaningful. Hearing first-hand reflections from people who have experienced the building in their daily working lives added a valuable and personal dimension to the conversation.
The discussion following the film was lively and engaging, with attendees reflecting on the role of architecture in shaping urban life and the ways in which projects such as Nuvola can foster new relationships between companies, communities, and cities.
Many thanks to everyone who joined us for this first screening of the year. We look forward to welcoming you back for many more evenings of architectural cinema and discussion in the months ahead.
Written by Chris Musangi, AIA
2026 Annual General Meeting
2026 President Adelina Koleva gives the ‘Year Ahead’ presentation
This year’s Annual General Meeting was held on 14 January 2026 at the Herman Miller London showrooms. The formal part of the AGM began with the 2025 President, Mark E. Breeze, AIA, providing a comprehensive Year in Review Presentation, which was followed by the review of the 2026 Financial Accounts, Membership Report; after election of the 2026 Officers and Board of Directors, the newly elected 2026 President, Adelina Koleva, AIA, gave a Year Ahead Presentation.
Following a tradition starting in 1994, Herman Miller - our longest-standing sponsor - gave an educational presentation, this year entitled ‘High Performance Work Seating’.
Written by Anna Foden, Associate AIA
