Watch If You Build It

If You Build It is a 2013 documentary that explores the power of design and education in transforming the lives and futures of high school students in rural North Carolina. The film follows Emily Pilloton and Matthew Miller, two designers and educators, as they embark on a challenging and inspiring project in Bertie County, one of the poorest areas in the state.

In the beginning, we see Pilloton and Miller struggling to gain the trust and cooperation of the local community, who are skeptical of their non-traditional approach and tools, which involve using design and hands-on building projects to teach essential life skills and engage students in their own education. However, with their infectious enthusiasm and passion, the two designers manage to convince a group of high school students to take part in their program, which they call Studio H.

As the project unfolds, we witness the many obstacles and setbacks that Pilloton and Miller and their students face, from fundraising and bureaucratic hurdles to technical and logistical challenges. Nonetheless, the team perseveres and manages to create a remarkable structure that serves both as a functional community center and as a symbol of hope and transformation.

The film is divided into several chapters, each of which corresponds to a different aspect of the project and its impact on the students and the community. We see the students designing and building their own furniture, learning how to use power tools and 3D printers, and collaborating on the construction of the community center. We witness their ups and downs, their triumphs and failures, and their growing sense of responsibility and confidence.

In addition to focusing on the students' experiences, If You Build It also explores broader themes of education and social change. The film highlights the limitations and pitfalls of the traditional education system, which often fails to prepare students for the real world and neglects their creative and entrepreneurial potential. It also underscores the importance of community involvement and empowerment, as the success of the project depends on the support and participation of local leaders and organizations.

Throughout the film, we get a glimpse of the wider context and challenges facing rural communities in America, particularly those that have been neglected and marginalized. We see the impact of poverty, lack of resources, and limited opportunities on the lives and aspirations of the students and their families. We also witness the resilience and determination of the people in the community, who refuse to be defined by their circumstances and are willing to take risks and embrace innovation.

Finally, If You Build It is a tribute to the power of design and creativity in shaping our environment and our future. The film shows how the Studio H project not only transforms the lives of the students involved but also inspires other communities and designers to follow in its footsteps. In the end, the film leaves us with a sense of hope and possibility, as we see what can be achieved when we combine passion, innovation, and collaboration.

In summary, If You Build It is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that illuminates the potential of design and education to create positive social change. It is a must-see for anyone interested in innovative approaches to learning and community development, as well as anyone who believes in the power of young people to transform their world.

If You Build It is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 59.