Architecture & Film

This issue looks at the image of architecture as seen through film. The influence of film upon architecture has been considerable. Often the public's awareness of architectural sites and styles is brought about by film. A number of films are examined in several contexts in this volume. The futuristic creation of cities and spaces includes "Metropolis", "Blade Runner" and "Brazil" and links back to the suprematist/constructivist period in Russia. The use of buildings to depict social status and societal perspectives is seen in "Local Hero", "Citizen Kane", "The Apartment", and "The Fountainhead". Certain buildings can evoke atmospheric moods - the Empire State Building; the Coliseum in Rome; the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Other lesser known films such as "Belly of an Architect", "Wings of Desire", and "The Conformist" are also examined, as is the use of architecture in stage sets, for example in the works of Lebbeus Woods.