Architectural Movie Review: Her
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An Architectural Review of Her
Released in 2013, ‘Her’ is the fourth feature film by director Spike Jonze, presenting his vision of the near future of society . It explores the complex relationship between the main protagonist Theodore Twombly (played by Joaquin Phoenix), as he develops romantic feelings for his artificially intelligent operating system (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), analogous to our modern digital assistants like Siri and Alexa.
The film was shot in Shanghai and Los Angeles and fused the architecture of both locations to craft a unique environment . Jonze and production designer K. K. Barrett were interested in expressing the emotional side of Theodore’s character. Consequently, as the audience becomes drawn into his world, the futuristic components of the film appear convincingly realistic.
According to architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne, “While Shanghai looks more believably dense and developed than present-day Los Angeles, filming in Shanghai also allows him to capture something significant about the character, and the anxieties, of contemporary L.A. This is a city caught in limbo between two very different kinds of urbanism: between its private and car-dominated past and denser, more public, and more connected future.” As the city is caught between two worlds, alternating between scenes shot in Los Angeles and Shanghai, so is Theodore, who has his feet planted in Los Angeles while his head and heart are lost in a digital fantasy.
Read the complete article here.
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Studio Feature: Coldefy
Coldefy, founded by Thomas Coldefy and Isabel Van Haute, started out as a family business. With over 15 years of experience and numerous awards, Coldefy has become a recognized architectural firm around the globe. When it comes to design, the firm focuses on clarity, urbanity, and phenomenology . Their belief that the simplest and clearest design can yield the strongest impact for its inhabitants also drives their projects.
Here are some of their iconic projects.
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1. Hong Kong Design Institute
Completed in 2011, the Hong Kong Design Institute was designed for the usage of 4,000 students within four departments for a University. As an educational infrastructure, Coldefy wanted the design to fulfill an ambition for synergy but also to be able to express the identity of each specialty. The raising of the Institute enabled the transformation of the base into a large public and green space for social interaction. The huge pillars which accommodate the classrooms and support the institute structurally symbolize the ‘pillars of education’.
2. Tropicalia
Architecturally speaking, the design’s immersion with its landscape created a seamless fabric of uninterrupted green space. The building is partially embedded into the ground also helps reduce its height and impact. The height of the dome also allows the complete growth of the trees in the greenhouse.
3. MKNO – C40 Reinventing Cities
This project is located along the Ourcq Canal in Bobigny, France, and the MKNO Project aims to strengthen the service and recreational network in Bobigny. The project provides a mixed program of residences for young workers and students, family housing, hotels , offices, and many more. Footbridges and piers are placed between infrastructure. These structures not only function as connections between buildings but also highlight the canal that the urban fringe runs along. The mixture of different architectural forms brings forward a unique urban fabric.
Explore more of Codefy's works in this article.
Reinterpreting Iconic Buildings through a Gender and Sexuality Lens
Architecture has long been a symbol of human creativity and ingenuity, shaping the world around us in profound ways. Iconic buildings, with their distinctive designs and historical significance, often stand as testaments to human achievement. However, these architectural marvels can also serve as windows through which we can examine and reflect upon the societal norms, biases, and inequalities that have shaped their creation and impact. One compelling lens through which to explore these aspects is the intersection of gender and sexuality. By reinterpreting iconic buildings through a gender and sexuality lens, we can gain new insights into the multifaceted nature of our built environment.
Architectural designs are often influenced by prevailing cultural and societal norms, which can inadvertently reinforce traditional gender roles and expectations. When examining iconic buildings through a gender and sexuality lens, we can deconstruct the design choices to uncover hidden messages and power dynamics. For example, the phallic symbolism often associated with towering skyscrapers may reflect a historically male-dominated perspective on power and dominance. Moreover, the division of spaces within buildings can reveal implicit biases. Some historic structures may prioritize male-oriented spaces, such as grand entrance halls or boardrooms, while relegating female-oriented spaces, such as kitchens or nurseries, to secondary roles. This lens allows us to question why certain spaces were assigned specific functions based on gender stereotypes, and how this impacts the way we interact with our surroundings.
Reinterpreting iconic buildings through a gender and sexuality lens also provides an opportunity to “queer” the narrative, challenging traditional notions of heteronormativity and cisnormativity. By acknowledging the diverse identities and experiences of people within and outside the LGBTQ+ spectrum, we can reimagine the stories these buildings tell. Historical figures associated with these structures may have had identities that were concealed or marginalized, and understanding this aspect of their lives can enrich our understanding of their legacies. For instance, exploring the queer histories of well-known buildings can shed light on the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to architecture, design, and urban development . Recognizing their impact can lead to a more inclusive understanding of the architectural heritage that shapes our cities.
Read the complete article here.
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