Laurie Olin is one of the individuals who have shaped the public spaces of the United States. A landscape architect with a distinct ideology, Olin is also a social activist who believes that urban space has meaning, that it is intended for the people who live in it, not merely for the pursuit of profit. Architect Frank Gehry says of him that he seeks to make the world a better place, one that is easier to live in.

The story of Olin’s life, as presented in the film, reveals this dimension of his personality. He criticizes the growing disconnect between city dwellers and nature; he advocates for humane urban design and calls for the creation of public spaces intended for all residents, not just a select few. Olin places great emphasis on the personal and moral responsibility of the landscape architect. The portrait that emerges in the film is of an extraordinary individual with a unique perspective on urban planning, landscape architecture, and social justice.