Reconstruction of architectural image in science fiction cinema: a case study on New York


Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Turkey

Approval Date: 2008

Thesis Language: English

Student: Türkan Nihan Hacıömeroğlu

Supervisor: CELAL ABDİ GÜZER

Abstract:

This thesis interrogates the interrelation between architecture and science fiction cinema to understand the fictional and representative power of architecture. Since cinema embraces both physical and representative aspects of architecture it is convenient to carry out the research through the mediation of cinema. To accomplish this goal science fiction genre is particularly chosen where architectural image can break its commonly acknowledged facet and can reconstruct to participate in the narrative. The architectural image is intended to be interpreted through the concept of city and architectural components in science fiction cinema. To create a mutual language, a world wide known city New York City is selected as the case study subject; that the research is developed upon. Initially the study is based on the discussion over cinema architecture relationship from an architect’s point of view. Subsequently architectural image in architecture and cinema is studied under several categories. Twenty four science fiction movies with various plots are chosen where all the movies are either located in New York City or in a fictional city inspired by it. By analyzing these movies through architectural concepts it is aimed to gain understanding to key points in architectural design.