Architecture and the Cinema

Architecture and the cinema are series of arts and techniques combined by talented architects and filmmakers. Sharing common elements (including the scene, the atmosphere, light and view), they both deal with the creation of sense of life and adhere to common principles as well. Regarding that the scene, color, light and contrast provide spectators with different impressions; architecture is considered as a key element to set up balance and harmony in graphic composition of the shots. Visual spaces are substantial means to reflect the main idea in a film. The visual components of a building such as color, surface, line, point and etc, serve as the graphic elements of the background and thus present the directors theme and contribute to the creation of sense of place and identity. Urban spaces and architecture could represent the historical period as well as cultural and historical situation in a film. In this article we set out to discuss the mutual relation of architecture and cinema as a complementary couple and study their collaborative roles in establishing the identity of urban spaces and places.