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 Grasping the inter-disciplinary interaction related to architecture; reaching original results by using the specialistic knowledge in analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating new and complex ideas (knowledge).
2. P02 The ability to evaluate and use new information in architecture with a systematical approach (skill).
3. P03 Developing a new idea, method, design and/or application which brings about innovation in architecture; or, applying a conventional idea, method, design and/or application to a different environment; researching, grasping, designing and applying an original subject (skill).
4. P04 The ability to critically analyze, synthesize and evaluate the new and complex ideas (skill).
5. P05 Acquiring the most developed skills about using the research methods in studies in architecture (skill).
6. P06 Contributing to the progress in architecture by independently carrying out a study which uses a new idea, method, design and/or application which brings about innovation in the area; or, applying a conventional idea, method, design and/or application to a different environment (Competence to work independently and take responsibility).
7. P07 Expanding the limits of knowledge in architecture by publishing at least one scientific article in an international peer reviewed journal and/or creating or interpreting an original work (Competence to work independently and take responsibility).
8. P08 Fulfilling the leader role in the environments where solutions are sought for the original and inter-disciplinary problems (Competence to work independently and take responsibility).
9. P09 Developing new ideas and methods in architecture by making use of high level intellectual processes such as creative and critical thinking, problem solving and decision making (Learning Competence).
10. P10 Ability to see and develop social relationships and the norms directing these relationships with a critical look and the ability to direct the actions to change these when necessary (Communication and Social Competency).
11. P11 The ability to establish effective communication with experts in the international environments to discuss the area-related subjects and to defend original opinions, showing one’s competency in the area (Communication and Social Competency).
12. P12 Proficiency in a English – at least European Language Portfolio C1 Level- and establishing written, oral and visual communication and developing argumentation skills with that language (Communication and Social Competency).
13. P13 Contributing to the society’s state and progress towards being an information society by announcing and promoting the technological, aesthetic, scientific and social developments in architecture (Area Specific Competency).
14. P14 Ability to establish effective communication in the solving of the architectural problems, by using the strategic decision making processes (Area Specific Competency).
15. P15 Contributing to the solution of social, scientific, cultural and ethical problems related to architecture and promoting the development of these values (Area Specific Competency).

Po-Lo Matrix