The module will focus on the study of the interdisciplinary dialogue between film and architecture. Starting from the early days of cinema we will consider the two disciplines’ engagement with a range of styles and movements – Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Modernism, Postmodernism – at the same time introducing the main theoretical debates both architects and filmmakers have been concerned with. We will explore how space is imbricated with constructed social and cultural meaning. The module will then address specific technical aspects in the cinematic representation of the built environment, in particular the use of sound, lighting, framing, editing, point of view and narrative. In turn, we will consider the use of film as a specific device to innovate architectural practice. We will explore how specific typologies of spaces are represented on film and, at the same time, focus on the spaces of exhibition– the movie theatre, but also the museum and the built environment as a site for film and media projection, with particular attention to the element of sound and acoustics in film and architecture.
The module aims to provide a critical framework facilitating meaningful interdisciplinary dialogue between film and architecture, considering both cinematic representations of the built environment and the ways in which these representations have influenced architectural practice.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to demonstrate:
None
Lectures, discussions, in-class analysis of seminal works.
If online lessons become necessary, practical information regarding platforms and access will be provided here prior to module commencement.
Key Topics
Indicative Reading
Barber, S. (2004). Projected Cities: Cinema and Urban Space. Reaktion.
Cairns, G. (2013). Architecture of the Screen: Essays in Cinematographic Space. Intellect.
Clarke, D. (1997). The Cinematic City. Taylor & Francis.
Konstantarakos, M. (2004). Spaces in European Cinema. Intellect.
Lamster, M. (2000). Architecture and Film. Princeton Architectural Press.
Mennel, B. C. (2019). Cities and Cinema. Routledge
Pallasmaa, J. (2007). The Architecture of image: Existential space in cinema. Rakennustieto.
Penz, F., Thomas, M. (1997). Cinema & Architecture: Méliès, Mallet-Stevens, Multimedia. British Film Institute.
Shonfield, K. (2000). Walls Have Feelings: Architecture, Film & the City. Routledge.
This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change. Students are not expected to read all of the above texts but rather to complement selected core reading with more specific bibliographic sources. Further bibliographic indications will be given upon module commencement.
JOEL ALEXANDER CATHCART (President)
PAOLA VALENTI
ALESSANDRO FERRARO (Substitute)
21 February 2022
Oral examination. Students will be required to develop, present and discuss a personal research project which interfaces with the module’s principal themes and critical framework.
Office Hours: by appointment
