On behalf of the Social Design Foundation, Lyongo Juliana and Emma Heinhuis, together with filmmaker Pim Gelevert, are working on a new architecture documentary. This time, the film focuses on the work and vision of architect Hans Ruijssenaars.
Work on the documentary has been taking shape behind the scenes for quite some time. Throughout 2025, the team focused on developing the narrative structure, researching projects, planning interviews, and organizing the overall production. What began as an initial concept gradually evolved into a carefully constructed film that reflects both the depth of Hans Ruijssenaars’ work and the philosophy behind it.
But according to Lyongo Juliana, the origins of the documentary go back much further. “It had been an idea of mine for quite some time,” he explains. “Hans’s way of working is truly unique and increasingly rare today. His meticulousness, curiosity, and deep love for the profession are inspiring. He approaches architecture not just as building, but as a way of understanding people, place, and the world around us.”
For Lyongo, the project is also deeply personal. “Years ago, at the beginning of my career in the Netherlands, I worked for Hans as a project architect. That experience shaped me in many ways. I look back on that time with great appreciation and gratitude. It feels very special to now contribute to a documentary that captures both his work and his vision.”
About the film
Over the course of more than fifty years, Hans Ruijssenaars has helped shape Dutch cities and landscapes through more than 300 realized projects. The documentary explores a selection of his most impactful buildings and examines how these spaces influence everyday life. Through conversations on location with users and people connected to the buildings, the film not only offers insight into his architecture, but also paints a portrait of the man behind the work. It shows how his unique worldview — always in connection with the other, nature, science, and the cosmos — guides the designs.
Selecting the projects for the film proved to be a challenge for the team. Emma, producer of the film, explains: “Where do you even begin? Hans created around 500 designs, of which approximately 300 were actually realized – and we had to narrow it down to about fifteen projects… So, we first developed the script around the broader themes that define Hans as a designer. From there, we selected projects that best illustrated those themes.”
Over the past few weeks, the selected locations have been visited and interviews have been conducted with both Hans and users of his designs.
