Imaginary construction: Filmic processes within the architectural design studio

Mosley, Jonathan; Stickells, Lee

Abstract

The discussion of architecture and film has often been “framed” by references to set design and backdrop – the glamour or frisson lent by iconic buildings, the documentation of historical periods and styles through the mise-en scène – which, despite their pleasures, leave interesting structural and perceptual questions less explored. Those questions concern the influence that cinematic techniques and concepts (given the enormous cultural influence of the medium) might have on perceptions of the built environment, as well as the potential for their incorporation in architectural and urban design processes. This paper will discuss and reflect on an architectural design studio and subsequent exhibition that explored some of those questions, particularly, can we use filmmaking as a tool for stimulating and redefining the learning environment of the architectural design studio and the resulting architectural designs? The paper will provide a context by describing the structuring of the studio – the design brief, programme for the year and its pedagogical grounding – before going on to examine and analyse some films produced by students and speculate on their implications for architectural design and teaching processes.

• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2008
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 8, 2019
• Journal: Hallam, J, Koeck, R, Kronenburg, R., Roberts, L. (eds)(2008) Cities in Film: Architecture, Urban Space and the Moving Image, Conference Proceedings
• Print ISSN: 9780955788413
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Book Title: Cities in Film: Architecture, Urban Space and the Moving Image
• ISBN: 9780955788413
• Keywords: architecture, film, cinematic techniques, design studio
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1020488