2001: A space odyssey

The film's iconic interior was designed by production designer Harry Lange, who had previously worked in NASA's Future Projects Department and was introduced to director Kubrick by Arthur C. Clarke, who co-wrote the screenplay for the film based on Clarke's short story “The Sentinel.” Together, Kubrick and Lange's goal was to make the scenes of a space odyssey look authentic and, more importantly, to predict the technology and appearance of the future.

To achieve this technical authenticity, Kubrick assembled a team of astronomical artists, space specialists, and space engineers to design the control panels, display systems, and communication devices for the interiors of the spaceships in the film. He also hired three production designers who shared the Academy Award for Best Art Direction and the BAFTA Award.

Kubrick also created one of the first product placement ties by reaching out to corporations and furniture makers, asking them to submit concepts of how their products might look decades later. Some of the manufacturers who participated were IBM, Whirlpool, Macy's, Dupont, Hilton Hotels, Nikon, and Kodak, as well as renowned interior designers like Eero Saarinen. In doing so, the film became a platform for progressive contemporary design and ushered in design innovation.

Kubrick's film not only predicted the future of design, but also much of the technology that we take for granted today. His Hal 9000 is today's Siri. In fact, the look of his film was so convincing that some believe NASA never landed a spaceship on the moon and that Kubrick staged the whole thing in a movie studio.

The film “2001: A Space Odyssey” is a testimony to Kubrick's visionary genius and his ability to create a world that is both earthly and ethereal. The influence of film can be seen in designing everything from science fiction films to modern furniture, and its legacy will inspire generations to come.