A different kind of motion - Architectural Movies

It was good to speak with some of you this past Wednesday and check in on your progress, your ideas seem to be developing well. I have spoken with some of you about how you generate architectural ideas and the process is different for everyone - drawing, sketching, thinking, walking etc. However, one way to increase the breadth of your architectural knowledge and thinking is to immerse yourself in different architectural, spatial and cultural experiences and to think critically about why particular places influence and impact you. Normally I would encourage you all to go to an art gallery or interesting architectural project but given the restrictions we are currently facing I thought I would instead encourage you to immerse yourselves in the architectural worlds of different films.

Film is an excellent medium for conveying architectural ideas because it can express form and style without the real world restrictions of whether it works structurally, financially or functionally. In this way, film is perhaps a better precedent to examine for your studio project than built works as the possibilities are limitless. For instance consider the architecture of the movie inception, it defies physics and creates impossible spaces that are as integral to the story as the characters. It also creates fabricates dystopian environments that go beyond anything we could visit in person.

Some of my favourite films that feature inspiring or thought provoking architecture are Blade Runner (both 1982 and 2019),  Metropolis (1927), Space Odyssey (2001) and anything by Wes Anderson. This article from Dezeen features 10 films that showcase extraordinary architectural visions, I encourage you to take a look and watch a film if you get the time - it is a great way to immerse yourself in architecture and also take a break!



If you're a fan of Wes Anderson's films you might also enjoy Accidental Wes Anderson on Instagram or Reddit.