We’re happy to share that the Social Design Foundation has been commissioned to work on a new documentary. This film will focus on the work and vision of architect Hans Ruijssenaars.

Over the past year, the film has gradually taken shape. Throughout 2025, we have worked on developing the narrative structure, conducting research into key projects, planning interviews, and organizing the overall production. What began as an initial concept has evolved into a carefully constructed documentary that reflects both the depth of Hans Ruijssenaars’ work and the philosophy behind it.

About the documentary

With over 300 projects, architect Hans Ruijssenaars shaped Dutch cities. He shares personal stories from his career as one of the leading architects of the past 50 years. From his archive in Baarn, he shares the vision behind some of his most impactful buildings.

From the mixed-use Maagjesbolwerk in Zwolle to the theater in Schiedam, and from the town hall in Apeldoorn to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The viewer is taken to locations across the Netherlands, where users describe how they experience his designs in everyday life. By connecting these experiences with Hans’ own reflections, the film builds a grounded and personal narrative. He reflects on running his well-known practice and the realities behind the work, addressing questions of authorship—what it means to claim ownership of a design once it is completed and is part of the public domain.

Through conversations with users and people connected to the buildings, the film provides insight into both the spaces themselves and the ideas behind them. It highlights how Hans’ worldview — in continuous dialogue with people, nature, science, and the cosmos.

The process of making the film

Selecting the projects for the film was a careful and considered process. With around 500 designs (of which approximately 300 are realized), making a selection was difficult. The team therefore first developed the script in which we highlighted several themes that define Hans’ work. From there, we made a shortlist and eventually narrowed it down to about 15 projects that together form the narrative of the film.

In April and May, we have visited the selected locations and conducted interviews with Hans Ruijssenaars. He shared his extensive and unique approach to creating his designs in wonderful conversations with Lyongo Juliana, the film’s director. “Designing is something you do with your whole body. I can’t do it any other way,” he said in one of the conversations.

Furthermore, Lyongo conducted interviews with some of the users of his buildings. Many buildings are already several decades old so we asked them: do they still function properly? And do they still meet the needs of today?

All interviews have been recorded and are now being edited. Work on the film’s editing will take place over the coming months. We hope to premiere the film in October 2026.

Production: Emma Heinhuis (lyongo architecture)

Direction: Lyongo Juliana (lyongo architecture)

Filming and editing: Pim Gelevert