Difference Between Architecture And Cinema

It is hard to imagine a film taking place in a vacuum; without a set, there cannot be a film. Therefore architecture and cinema are immediately intrinsically interlinked. Even if no actual buildings are shown on screen, this still holds true. This is because architecture is not just about the design and erection of a building, but it is the establishment of a place in time. After all, the ‘first task of architecture is to mark man’s place in the world.’ Already the framing of a space, the manipulation of light and the thought and process of composing a spatial experience is the establishment of a place which marks man’s place.
Film directors and architecture are not so different. They share one similar end objective, which is visual communication.
Architecture is not just a visual experience. It is a multisensory experience which engages more than just the power of sight. Instead, the architectural experience is an amalgamation of many more elements and details: its acoustic quality which may be caused by the choice of materials, the odour and warmth, or lack of, the impression the lighting provides, the objects and/or furniture which occupy and fill the space, to name a few. All these elements combine to create a space, which may inspire different interpretations from one spectator to another. The awareness and acceptance that architecture involves many different aspects help reinforce our existential realities and our sense of self and place. George Berkeley theorised that sight devoid of touch, hearing and smell, could not ‘have any idea of distance, outness, or profundity, nor consequently of space or body.’ All the other senses aid the sense of vision and enhance it. Architecture must be respected and understood as a multisensory experience as if one accepts it as a purely visual adventure; they deprive themselves of the opportunity to live in poetic and meaningful
Humans are hardwired to be deeply curious from a young age. In fact, new-borns are scientifically proven to look at new images for longer than ones they have already seen. Perhaps this is where the phrase ‘childlike curiosity’ originates from. A BBC article refers to a term called ‘neoteny’ in humans. This means that compared to other species, humans demonstrate more ‘juvenile’ behaviour e.g. curiosity. Therefore whilst evolution has not made humans the strongest or most agile of species, it has equipped us with the ability to pursue and act on knowledge much more. This chronic curiosity is essential for the survival, growth and development of the human race. If our ancestors had not probed and experimented with so many ideas just for the sake of doing so, we may not live in such an advanced society today. The drive for information and thirst for knowledge is evident all around. However, this curiosity may not always come without risks, as it is this same curiosity which drives Jeff to his near death in the finale of Rear