ANC Design Week Special Film Presentation of Sitting Still

The Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects are excited to present this special screening of Sitting Still, an original documentary that focuses on one of the world’s most preeminent landscape architects with ties to Alaska, and his profoundly social vision. Hailed as a modern-day Olmsted, Laurie Olin has helped transform the design of public space, revitalize the American city, and pave the way for future design leaders. This portrait of an artist is told through a prism of issues which have defined Olin’s life and work for the past fifty years: urbanization and our lost connection to nature, economic marginalization, and the grave importance of humanity in design.

$5. Film presentation begins at 7:30 p.m.
Entry for the event will be via the Museum's 7th Avenue entrance

6p Happy Hour | 7:30p Anchorage Design Week film presentation of Sitting Still

The Anchorage Museum is located at 625 C Street, with the Special Events entry located on 7th Avenue near A Street.

THE FILM:
SITTING STILL gets inside the mind of a prophetic and visionary urban designer to see what he sees. In a time when global values increasingly reflect “profit over people,” Olin's vision has always been to create a more democratic and egalitarian society through healthy, shared public space.

SITTING STILL invites the voices of other design luminaries into the conversation, including preeminent architects Frank Gehry and Billie Tsien, and esteemed landscape designer and artist, Walter Hood, among others. According to these global thinkers and designers, environmental and human stakes have never been higher, and the most pressing challenges of the natural environment and social disunity can be addressed in how we think about the marks we make upon the land.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: 2.0 PDH (Alaska AELS)
Learning Objectives for CEUs:
1. Understanding the Role of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design – Analyze Laurie Olin’s contributions to landscape architecture and urban design, focusing on how his projects integrate sustainability, public space, and human experience.
2. Exploring the Intersection of Art, Ecology, and Social Good – Examine how Olin’s artistic background influences his design philosophy and how landscape architecture can create socially and environmentally responsible spaces.
3. Addressing Climate Change Through Landscape Design – Discuss the film’s themes related to climate change, urban expansion, and the role of landscape architects in shaping resilient, livable cities.
4. The Evolution of Public Space and Social Housing – Evaluate the impact of urban design on social equity, housing, and community well-being, using examples from Olin’s work and the film’s discussions.

ABOUT LAURIE OLIN:
Laurie Olin is responsible for designing many of the most beloved parks, gardens and public spaces in the country, including the Washington Monument grounds, the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, the Getty Center gardens, Battery Park City Masterplan, Columbus Circle, Bryant Park, and Independence National Historic Park, to name a few. His imprint on cityscapes extends all over the world, most notably Canary Wharf and Bishop’s Gate in London, Villa Olimpica in Barcelona, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin.

Artist, scholar, landscape architect, and fine artist, Olin is one of the most significant urban designers of our time, winning him many notable distinctions, including the National Medal of the Arts from President Obama. The film uses Olin’s original paintings and drawings as a visual thread throughout the film. These works of art establish a rhythm, creating moments of stillness within the movement of the piece. Just as parks in the city become tranquil spaces in all the flurry, Olin’s artwork establishes critical pauses in the film, reminding us that one of the best methods to learn from the world is to observe it by sitting still.

SITTING STILL is currently screening worldwide at cultural organizations, universities, museums and film festivals.

More about Anchorage Design Week, including schedule of events and other links: www.anchoragedesignweek.org

Anchorage Design Week: February 25 - March 1, 2026

Organized by the Anchorage Museum with numerous community partners, Anchorage Design Week is an annual gathering of creative minds to promote and inspire place-based design and imagine the future of our city and the lifeways of Northern regions. Design Week welcomes community members and creatives to consider the role of design in advancing positive futures through visuals, interventions, workshops, and conversations.

As we celebrate what makes Alaska distinct, we look forward to connecting with you and our community - and maybe shaking off a bit of cabin fever - as Anchorage Design Week again coincides with Anchorage Fur Rendezvous festivities in late February.

Anchorage Design Week is a project of the Anchorage Museum in collaboration with the Alaska Design Forum, the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska Chapter American Society of Landscape Architects, University of Alaska Anchorage, NeighborWorks Alaska, and AIGA Alaska. Anchorage Design Week is a member of World Design Weeks.

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