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The module introduces the idea that to understand cities we have to attend to the ways that they are produced through varied cultural experiences: experiences of time, space, social identity, economics, technology, etc. Furthermore, it proposes that these different experiences can be explored in relation to certain kinds of architecture and urban space at different scales, ranging from particular city places or spatial typologies of building to specific sub-elements of buildings. You will be well equipped with the intellectual tools to analyse cities as both physical entities and cultural artefacts which provide the setting for manifold social experiences.

Methodologically, the module introduces some of the main architectural, cultural and critical theories relating to the experience of the city alongside literature from the multidisciplinary field of ‘urban studies’. The category of space is introduced as an important concept which mediates between different disciplines and thinkers who have considered the intersection of buildings, cities, cultural representations and people. You will be in a position to consider ways of applying these conceptual apparatuses to architecture and urban spaces, and also the ways in which architectural and urban history may be linked to subjects and intellectual debates outside of their own boundaries.

Films and moving images

The module makes particular reference to films and other moving image representations of cities and urban space as a way of investigating the above concerns. As such, it enquires into the following broad questions:

(i) What are the different theoretical, cultural and political issues raised by films concerned with urban and architectural space?

(ii) What modes of knowing, looking at, visualizing and imagining urban space are being suggested?

(iii) How are some films used in an instrumental manner in academic, architecture, planning and other urban practices?

(iv) What methodological challenges and opportunities are raised when incorporating films within academic research into architecture and cities?

Students successfully completing the module will be in a position to consider these questions in relation to architectural and urban spaces.Ìý