Your Next Binge!! Netflix's series Abstract: The Art of Design

Netflix has made all eight episodes of its documentary series Abstract: The Art of Design, which features set designer Es Devlin, architect Bjarke Ingels and interior designer Ilse Crawford, available to watch for free during coronavirus lockdown.

Streaming company Netflix has made season one of its design series available on YouTube as part of an initiative to make its documentaries free to watch during the coronavirus lockdown.

 
 

"For many years, Netflix has allowed teachers to screen documentaries in their classrooms," said Netflix. "However, this isn't possible with schools closed. So at their request, we have made a selection of our documentary features and series available on our YouTube channel."

The series follows eight leading designers operating in different industries. There are episodes dedicated to Ingels, Devlin and Crawford, as well as graphic designer Paula Scher, automobile designer Ralph Gilles, Nike shoe designer Tinker Hatfield, illustrator Christoph Niemann and photographer Platon.

Season one was released in 2017, with season two following in 2019. This 2019 series is not yet available on YouTube.

Watch all eight episodes below.


Christoph Niemann: Illustration

The first 45-minute long episode of “Abstract: The Art of Design” focuses on the career of German illustrator Christoph Niemann.

 

Tinker Hatfield: Footwear Design

This episode focuses on Nike shoe designer Tinker Hatfield, who is the designer behind iconic trainers including the Air Jordan and Air Max.

 

Es Devlin: Stage Design

The season's third episode focuses on British set designer Devlin, who has designed stages for artists including Beyoncé, Kanye West and U2.

 

Bjarke Ingels: Architecture

In his episode, filmed before the opening of his Serpentine Pavilion in London, Danish architect Ingels explains how he is changing people's perception of architecture.

 

Ralph Gilles: Automotive Design

This episode profiles car designer Gilles, who is the global head of design at automotive manufacturer Fiat Chrysler.

 

Paula Scher: Graphic Design

This episode focuses on how graphic designer Scher, the first female principal at Pentagram, shaped the face of New York.

 

Platon: Photography

British portrait and documentary photographer Planton is the focus of this season's penultimate episode.

 

Ilse Crawford: Interior Design

The season concludes with an episode focused on British designer Crawford.