This course investigates the intersection of architecture and design with critical theory, philosophy, cultural studies, and media. Through close readings of texts and discussion of relevant case studies, the course aims to explore how spatial practices are informed by broader ideological, historical, and cultural frameworks. Weekly topics include architectural theory, narrative and space, the politics of design, authorship and interpretation, and the relationship between architecture and text across different mediums, including film, literature, and games. Students will be expected to engage critically with selected readings, present theoretical arguments, and develop original research questions that relate architectural discourse to wider cultural and intellectual debates.
Teaching Methods and Techniques Used in the Course: Case Study, Lecture, Reading, Guest Speaker, Individual Study, Discussion |
| Week |
Subject |
Related Preparation |
| 1) |
Introduction&Framing the course&Announcing midterm & final submissions
|
Sharing a favorite cinematic or game space and & Explaining why
|
| 2) |
Cinema and Architectural Atmospheres
How cinema creates spatial and architectural atmospheres.
Emotional and sensory design in cinematic spaces. |
Reading:
Bruno, Giuliana. Atlas of Emotion: Journeys in Art, Architecture, and Film.
https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/epub/10.3366/film.2003.0043
Bachelard, Gaston. “The Poetics of Space: The House and the Universe.” |
| 3) |
Narrative and Architectural Mise-en-Scène:
The narrative power of architectural and interior spaces in the cinema.
|
Reading:
Güzer, Abdi. Mimarlık ve Sinema. İstanbul: YEM, 2022. (selected parts)
Chimisso, C. (2017). Gaston Bachelard’s places of the imagination and images of space. Place, Space and Hermeneutics, 183-195.
Pint, K. (2013). Bachelard's House Revisited: Toward a New Poetics of Space. Interiors, 4(2), 109-123.
PREPARATION FOR THE MIDTERM |
| 4) |
Architecture and Identity in Cinema
How architecture shapes personal, cultural, and political identities in films.
Guest lecturer
Midterm Paper Draft Submission:
Focus: Abstract, Methodology, Aims
|
|
| 5) |
Critiques& Evaluation |
Reading:
Şumnu, Umut, ed. Başrolde Mimarlık. İstanbul: Everest, 2023. (selected parts)
Pallasmaa, J. (2001). Lived Space. Encounters: Architectural Essays.
PREPARATION FOR THE MIDTERM |
| 6) |
Midterm Paper Submission and Presentation & Evaluation |
Reading:
Banham, R. (1955). The New Brutalism. The Architectural Review, 118, 354-361
Campagna, B. A. (2020). Redefining Brutalism. APT Bulletin: The Journal of Preservation Technology, 51(1), 25-36.
Preparation for the Midterm |
| 7) |
Guest lecturer: Cinema & Heritage
Discussion |
watching films |
| 8) |
Video games as architectural experiences
|
Reading:
Wilson, C. S. (2022). A survey of the representation of modern architecture in the cinema. Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning, 3(Special Issue)), 60-65.
Jenkins, Henry. "Game Design as Narrative Architecture" (First Person, 2004).
https://paas.org.pl/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/09.-Henry-Jenkins-Game-Design-As-Narrative-Architecture.pdf
|
| 9) |
World Building: Cinema & Architecture & Games
Guest Lecturer |
PREPARATION FOR THE FINAL |
| 10) |
Utopias and Dystopias in Space
Start: Final Paper
Abstract, Methodology, Aims etc.
|
PREPARATION FOR THE FINAL |
| 11) |
Final Paper Draft Submission 1:
Development & Revisions
Guest Lecturer |
Reading:
Psarra, S. (2009). Architecture and narrative: The formation of space and cultural meaning. Routledge.
Penz, F. (2017). Cinematic Aided Design: An everyday life approach to architecture. Routledge.
|
| 12) |
Critiques & Evaluation & Revisions |
Reading:
Aarseth, E. (2001). Allegories of space. The question of spatiality in computer games. Cybertext yearbook. (selected parts)
Nitsche, M. (2008). Video game spaces: image, play, and structure in 3D worlds. Mit Press. (selected parts)
PREPARATION FOR THE FINAL
|
| 13) |
Final Paper Draft Submission- 2:
Development & Revisions |
Reading:
Gerber, A., & Götz, U. (2019). The architectonics of game spaces: the spatial logic of the virtual and its meaning for the real. transcript. (selected parts) |
| 14) |
Final Paper Presentation & Preparation for the Final Paper Submission (in the following weeks) |
PREPARATION FOR THE FINAL |
| |
Program Outcomes |
Level of Contribution |
| 1) |
Based on master's qualifications, develops and deepens current and advanced knowledge in their field through original thought and research at an expert level. Grasps the latest developments in the research area and reaches innovative definitions. Analyzes, evaluates, and synthesizes complex ideas with a critical and dialectical approach. Adheres to ethical principles in research and publication. |
4 |
| 2) |
Understands interdisciplinary interaction and analyzes and evaluates complex ideas to reach original conclusions. Knows the latest developments in related fields and the interdisciplinary strategies used. |
5 |
| 3) |
Identifies problems in research and innovation, solves significant issues, and possesses advanced skills and techniques to expand knowledge. Evaluates new information, develops new ideas, methods, designs, or applications, and adapts them to different fields. Has advanced skills in using research methods. |
3 |
| 4) |
Masters in research strategies and techniques, conducts pioneering academic work dialectically, and contributes to academic dialogue. Possesses the ability to critically analyze, synthesize, and evaluate new and complex ideas. |
4 |
| 5) |
Communicates effectively with experts, peers, the broader research community, and the general public, demonstrating proficiency in their field of expertise and defending original viewpoints. |
4 |
| 6) |
Communicates and discusses orally, in written and visually with peers by using a foreign language a |
3 |
| 7) |
Develops new ideas and methods related to their field using creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making processes, contributing to technological, social, and cultural progress. |
3 |
| 8) |
Promotes scientific, technological, social, or cultural advancements in their field, contributing to the process of their society becoming a knowledge society and adding to the knowledge in this area through original research. |
3 |
| 9) |
Uses strategic decision-making processes in the face of complex problems related to their field, demonstrating functional interaction and operational interaction experience. Establishes, designs, and implements the research process with academic integrity. |
2 |
| 10) |
Contributes to solving social, scientific, cultural, and ethical problems related to their field and supports the development of these values. Is effective in solving societal issues and makes strategic decisions on these matters. |
3 |
| 11) |
Publishes at least one scientific article related to their field in national or international peer-reviewed journals, or presents at national or international academic events. |
2 |
| 12) |
Demonstrates competence and innovation in developing new ideas and processes; makes independent decisions and shows leadership in problem-solving. |
2 |