ARCHITECTURE AND THE CITY IN SCIENCE FICTION MOVIES

Course Description

The course scrutinizes the meaning and significance of architecture and urban space in science fiction movies and how architecture is displayed in dystopian visions of the future in movies of the modern and post-modern eras. The dystopian visions repeatedly suggest an anti-democratic future world of surveillance controlled by the international corporations and authoritarian administrations. The architecture of these worlds is variously rendered in Art Déco, Classicism, the International Style, Brutalism, High Tech / Slick Tech, an eclectic Historicism, in vernacular and “eco-” forms, and situated in (decayed) skyscraper mega-cities or within an idyllic natural environment. The course is based on the analysis of selected movies and the reading of scholarly literature on the subject.

ARCHITECTURE AND THE CITY IN SCIENCE FICTION MOVIES

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

1. 01 Sound theoretical knowledge of the development of the architectural movements and of the respective styles/design solutions
2. 02 Sound understanding of the relation between theory, urban planning and architecture (exteriors, interiors, plans)
3. 03 Sound knowledge of the influential figures and their theoretical output
4. 04 Sound understanding of how architecture reflects architectural theory
5. 05 Sound knowledge of the socio-political background of the 19th to 20thy centuries.
6. 06 Sound understanding of the interrelation of socio-political conditions and architecture and art
7. 07 Basic knowledge of construction techniques and materials in architectural theory
8. 08 Advanced presentation techniques, incl. writing, reading, speaking skills
9. 09 Strong ability of research, of critical thinking and of discussion in the class

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Neumann, D. (ed.), Film Architecture. From Metropolis to Blade Runner. Prestel: Munich-New York, 1996
2. 02 Fortin, D. T., Architecture and Science Fiction Film. Philip K. Dick and the Spectacle of Home. Ashgate: Farnham/Burlington, 2011
3. 03 Staiger, J., Future Noir: Contemporary Representations of Visionary Cities. In: Kuhn, A. (ed.), Alien Zone II. The Spaces of Science Fiction Cinema. Verso: Brooklyn/London, 1999, 98-121.
4. 04 Sobchack, V., Cities on the edge of Time. The Urban Science Fiction Film. In: Kuhn, A. (ed.), Alien Zone II. The Spaces of Science Fiction Cinema. Verso: Brooklyn/London, 1999, 124-143.

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 Sound theoretical knowledge of the development of the architectural movements and of the respective styles/design solutions SOLO 5
2. L02 Sound understanding of the relation between theory, urban planning and architecture (exteriors, interiors, plans) SOLO 5
3. L03 Sound knowledge of the influential figures and their theoretical output SOLO 4.5
4. L04 Sound understanding of how architecture reflects architectural theory SOLO 5
5. L05 Interpretation of sound knowledge of the socio-political background of the 19th to 20thy centuries. SOLO 5
6. L06 Sound understanding and interpretation of the interrelation of socio-political conditions and architecture and art SOLO 5
7. L07 Basic knowledge of construction techniques and materials in architectural theory and interpretation of the knowledge. SOLO 5
8. L08 Advanced presentation techniques, incl. writing, reading, speaking skills. SOLO 5
9. L09 Strong ability of research, of critical thinking and of discussion in the class SOLO 5

Program Outcomes

1. P01 Solving the architectural problems by making use of the research methods (skill).
2. P02 The ability to carry out a specialistic study related to architecture independently. (Competence to work independently and take responsibility).
3. P03 Developing new strategic approaches to solve the unforeseen and complex problems arising in the practical processes of architecture and coming up with solutions while taking responsibility (Competence to work independently and take responsibility).
4. P04 Fulfilling the leader role in the environments where solutions are sought for the problems of architecture (Competence to work independently and take responsibility).
5. P05 Assessing the specialistic knowledge and skill gained through the study with a critical view and directing one’s own learning process (Learning Competence).
6. P06 Systematically transferring the current developments of architecture and one’s own work to other groups in and out of the area; in written, oral and visual forms (Communication and Social Competency).
7. P07 Ability to see and develop social relationships and the norms directing these relationships with a critical look and the ability to take action to change these when necessary (Communication and Social Competency).
8. P08 Proficiency in inglish- and establishing written and oral communication with english (Communication and Social Competency).
9. P09 Using the computer software together with the information and communication technologies efficiently and according to the needs of architecture (Communication and Social Competency).
10. P10 Paying regard to social, scientific, cultural and ethical values during the collecting, interpreting, practicing and announcing processes of the architectural data and the ability to teach these values to others (Area Specific Competency).
11. P11 Developing strategy, policy and application plans concerning the architectural issues area and the ability to evaluate the end results of these plans within the frame of quality processes (Area Specific Competency).
12. P12 Using the knowledge and the skills for problem solving and/or application (which are processed within the architecture) in inter-disciplinary studies (Area Specific Competency).
13. P13 In the programs with thesis, the ability to present one’s own work within the international environments orally, visually and in written forms (Area Specific Competency).

Po-Lo Matrix