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Arts & Communication Integrating films in city planning and urban design

Runner explores into the dark side of urbanization and reminder of the need to prioritize human well-being,
technological progress, presenting a cautionary tale about authenticity, and ethical considerations in our approach
the dangers of a post-urbanist dystopia. It showcases a to urban development.
world where unchecked technological advancements and
corporate dominance lead to environmental degradation, 3.4. Viewing exercises in cinematic urbanism
social decay, and a stark economic divide. The film’s The primary objective is to examine how urban spaces are
portrayal of a dystopian future emphasizes the need for depicted in various films to identify these environments’
ethical considerations in urban planning and the potential reflection, application, and representation. Selected movies
consequences of neglecting the human aspect of urban featuring significant urban scenes serve as mediums to
development. In contrast, The Truman Show critiques demonstrate and reflect real urban spaces. After establishing
the artificiality and media-driven nature of suburban the rationale for using film in urban design studios, it is
environments, reflecting the ideals and potential pitfalls important to detail the criteria for film selection, identify
of the New Urbanism movement. Seahaven Island (which the lessons gleaned from viewing these films, and reflect on
is the new urbanism-designed community of Seaside, the overall value of using film in urban design education.
Florida), with its meticulously designed streets and Initially, the application of movies as an educational tool must
homes, represents an extreme version of New Urbanism, be clarified. Subsequently, the film selection criteria should
where the emphasis on creating esthetically pleasing be outlined, and the lessons derived from them should be
and harmonious communities masks an underlying lack explored. Finally, it is concluded that due to the significant role
of authenticity and personal freedom. The film raises of cities in movies and media – particularly in representing
important questions about the balance between controlled, mobility, vitality, and clear depictions of urban environments
planned environments and the need for genuine human – films can be a major educational resource in urban design.
spontaneity and authenticity. Understanding urban spaces through movies can offer
Both films underscore the complexities of urban comprehensive insights into the formal, functional, and
planning and design and the profound impact of design semantic characteristics of these spaces, thereby enhancing
and technology on everyday human life. Blade Runner urban designers’ understanding of the environment. This
highlights the risks of prioritizing technological progress approach can help identify problems and shortcomings in
and corporate interests over human well-being. At the contemporary urban spaces and guide the development of
same time, The Truman Show illustrates the dangers of urban design solutions. In addition, these methodologies can
creating overly controlled and surveilled environments to guide filmmakers in selecting appropriate urban spaces and
pursue perfection. These films remind us that successful qualitative aspects of these spaces for their movies, ultimately
urban planning must consider both urban life’s physical increasing the public’s understanding of urban environments.
and social dimensions, balancing innovation and control During the courses in the urban planning and design
with humanity and authenticity. program and urbanism program, particularly in modules
By presenting these contrasting visions, Blade Runner such as the theory and history of urban form, contemporary
and The Truman Show encourage viewers to critically trends in urban planning and design, introductory
reflect on the future of urban environments and the role urbanism studios, and public places and urban spaces,
of technology and media in shaping our cities. They serve films with urban settings or narratives are screened almost
as powerful reminders that urban planning and design are weekly. These screenings are part of a discussion section
not just about creating functional spaces but also about that follows specific lectures. Each week, after a particular
fostering vibrant, inclusive, and authentic communities. talk, students watch a chosen film from the filmography
In a world where technological advancements and list. This is followed by an analysis exercise during the
media influence are increasingly pervasive, these films film viewing and concludes with a group discussion that
offer valuable insights into the potential challenges and engages with readings related to the film’s topic.
opportunities for urban development. Ultimately, both There are compelling reasons for incorporating these
films contribute to the broader discourse on urbanism films into graduate programs, especially when students have
by highlighting the ethical and social implications of previously studied urban planning, design, and urbanism
urban design and technological progress. They prompt us through other methods. Our aim is for students to acquire
to question the kind of urban future we want to create an understanding of everyday life through the medium of
and the values that should guide our urban planning film. Film narratives introduce the complex intersection
decisions. As we continue to navigate the complexities of urban form and social life that designers must address
of modern urban life, these films provide a compelling as they shape the environment. The films’ cameras capture

Volume 3 Issue 1 (2025) 9 doi: 10.36922/ac.4130