Architecture is a Physical form in the physical world and must be understood, experienced, and judged by the standards of built form in the physical world. Cinema is a play of expressions, and Architecture is a sum of several elements; it speaks through them. Both mediums express with visuals; both are cultural expressions that deal with space, time, people, and spatial narrative. Architecture has cultural meanings, symbolism, and social value, and now in the computer-driven world, new concepts of virtual space are being created in cyberspace. The built environment and the backdrop set for the characters; showcase their connection with the storyline and play a crucial role in visual storytelling. The relationship with a building begins with the way it looks.
Production Designer Jim Clay was able to teleport audiences to the Valorous world of Westeros. So dive into the larger-than-life world of House of the Dragon.
A roller coaster rides into the world of GOT. with power-hungry houses deceiving one another for the hunger for the throne. Game of Thrones concluded in 2019 and left fans with many disappointments. HOTD was set almost 200 years before the events of GoT. Things are the same, but the twist here is it is within the family. The only thing that could tear down the house of the dragon was itself – Rhanarya Targaryan. Conflicts within for heir, a thrill ride is what the House of the dragons has to offer. No stone has been left unturned to honour the architectural brilliance that the original achieved.
Viserys Targaryen, Princess Rhaenyra Daemon Targaryen, Otto and Alicent Hightower, Ser Criston Cole, House Valyrian and mighty packs of dragons – weapons of mass destruction, set the stage for the bloody battles to come. The idea was to create an atmosphere similar to yet unique from GoT. Jim Clay and his team ensured that every space has its own identity and every castle depicts its architectural vernacular. It’s interesting to note that HOTD sets were sketched in a notebook first, also referenced from real-life castles.
Kings Landing
Red shingles, pitched roofs, narrow alleys, massive stone walls, fortified Walls around the city, the much-talked-about- King’s Landing in the GOT, the heart of Westeros. The city blends Roman, Moorish, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture styles. Red Kept the house of the King, which relishes the pleasure of seven kingdoms. Sits on the edge 0f the city overlooking Blackwater bay. The city was established by Aegon I Targaryen, The king of the Andals and the first man When he landed his ships from Dragonstone to conquer the Continent. The city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, was shot as Kings landing in GOT, whereas in House of the Dragons it is Cáceres from Spain. It witnessed the reign of peace till the first events of GOT and the fall of the Targaryen dynasty after 172 years after the current events.
Red Keep
The centre of the Governing of the seven kingdoms of Westeros, Crown King Viserys is housed here. Mediaeval Spanish & German Style architecture has influenced the design of the Red Keep. It is built with pale red stone, situated on the bank of Blackwater Rush, the castle is guarded by Massive curtain walls, with nests and crenelations for archers. The Red Keep has seven massive drum towers crowned with iron ramparts, Thick stone parapets, some four feet high. Red Keep is connected from underground. The walls have great bronze gates. Behind the walls are small inner yards, vaulted halls, covered bridges, dungeons, granaries, kennels, and stables.
Colosseum
The tournament enjoyed in a colosseum in the House of the dragons isn’t as Big as the one in Rome but is good enough to serve its purpose in King’s Landing; it has witnessed the brutal combat between Ser Criston cole and Prince Daemon, The Oval shape Is discontinued on the two edges on either side for access for the contenders. It is three floors high and has adequate seating; The Royal box is a vault affixed at one arc. The top has dozens of house flags hoisted, portraying unity among houses.
Red Keep: Interior
The courtyard hall of Red Keep is the centre of prime affairs of the castle. A fine Romanesque style- the ground floor boasts extended double column arches along the perimeter for better movement in and around the open court, with steps on all sides welcoming into the centre; the sun shades are low-length overhangs tiled with terracotta. Massive stone walls and Flooring. It is the centre of attraction even 200 years later!
Staircase
It resembles The mediaeval-era staircases. It is designed to represent the power of the one true government. Extensive wide treads with low risers, the balustrades beneath support the broad handrails. The grandeur of these stone stairs is exquisite!
Arcade
While the other areas in Red keep are mostly pitch dark, the courtyard passages are well-lit & welcome natural sunlight. The corridors are not just mere walkways but serve as observation points; for instance, Otto Hightower could keep an eye on possible threats, who was talking to whom & more. Sizeable passageways with large arches supported on ornamented piers are a prominent feature of Romanesque architecture. The walls in several bed chambers and passages have relics with erotic depictions. Targaryans don’t shy away from their mischief persona. The Mediaeval vases, decorative benches, and hanging creepers compose the setting.
The King’s chambers
The style developed in the early Middle Ages of Spanish & German style architecture. Thus, it influences furniture. Subtle curtains and competition of pastel & contrast upholstery, the ivory tables with heavily decorative legs. Taper candles lit the room. The huge fireplace was a source of light and warmth in the evenings. The stone walls in rooms are decorated with paintings, partially covered with decorative fabrics. Also, large glass windows frame the views of blackwater and the narrow sea.
The Great Hall
The entrance to the Great Hall has a massive bronze door, the Iron throne is right across it, and a glass window illuminates the hall from behind. Atop a raised platform by two sets of wide steps of rough black stone. The Hall has different sizes of marbles. Massive columns with giant statues moulded lend support to the high vaulted ceiling. The fire-lit chandeliers are a striking new component. To the right of the hall exists a raised gallery connected to the areas of the red keep. The left has windows with stained glass depictions that allow light to enter. The Great Hall has witnessed quite a share of dramas in the past as well as the present. “Tongues will not change the succession; let them wag.” – Viserys Targaryen
The Iron Throne
“The Throne room was one of the most challenging things to build because it had to be different, but it had to be the same. We have not thrown out the original design but, instead, augmented it.” -Sapochnik explains. The Original Iron Throne from GOT is modified with additional warped melted swords oozing down the staircase on both sides of the chair with a pathway cleared for access. “Martin describes the Iron Throne in his novels as a hulking, asymmetric mass of twisted swords with a steep iron staircase leading to a seat from which the ruler could look down on everyone.”
A symbol of conquest, Balerion the black dread forged the blades of Aegon’s defeated enemies into the Iron Throne with his fiery dragon fire described as black. The Throne is about 10-15 feet high, as described in books. A dragon’s saddle is one thing, but the Iron Throne is the most dangerous seat in the realm.” – Viserys Targaryen.
The Council Room
The council room is still & simple; the king’s set backdrop boasts circular opening patterns on the plane, which gives a dramatic display of light into the room at day and even at night; the window placed centrally overlooks the city, draped in fabric, the council sit on the centre table according to their ranks with high back chairs, other furniture in the room is limited.
These influences, of course, call to mind Italian Renaissance courts, blood-soaked and glamorous in turn.
The model of Old Valyria
The model of Old Valyria is an enjoyable little hobby of Viserys. He spends much of his time reading through texts and building them. The material is pumice stone, a much softer, volcanic stone that ties into Dragonstone and Dragonmont and the volcanic nature of that island. Still, it is 3D printed and painted to give this texture. The audience sees it growing till the season finale progresses; it is 8 metres long. And was made in 5 parts. The fine details Are present in the stone-chiselled recreation of Valyria. But in addition to rebuilding sets like King’s Landing and Dragonstone, the House of the Dragon team also gave viewers a glimpse of the long-gone homeland of the Targaryens.
Royal Sept
“Dreams didn’t make us kings. Dragons did.” – Daemon Targaryen
A large dragon skull made from polystyrene is Balerion the Black Dread. It represents the symbol of Power. The Largest of all and one of the five dragons to have survived the doom of Valyria. It was ridden by Agon the Conqueror, Maegor the cruel and King Viserys. Aegon the Conqueror rode Balerion during the Conquest of Westeros. Balerion died of old age as soon as Viserys became the ruler.
The double-height set, which measures 2,500 square metres on each of its two levels and reached 14 metres at its highest point, took a crew of 300 workers four and a half months to build. Like Clay’s other sets, it was designed to look as realistic as possible. The massive horned skull of a dragon is seen inside the Royal Sept and sets outs extremely captivating iconography.
Dragonstone
Dragonstone is described as foreboding and intimidating but with a dark reputation.
Built on rugged terrain, it is inspired by brutalist influence. A military fortress rather than a leisure castle, it was Built by the mighty Targaryens using Valyrian techniques. It is unique to any castle in Westeros. Dragon motifs as scant decor. A dingy place Robust and rich in dragonglass, a seat of the crown Prince during the reign of the Targaryen. Legend has it that the Valyrians built it with the help of arcane arts, fire and sorcery. With the help of magic, the dragonlords shaped it to resemble multiple dragons. Dragonstone is also a material that is said to be harder than iron, steel, granite or diamond.
Dragon architecture dominates the castle. Statues of dragons frame the gates, dragon claws holding torches, and tails forming archways and staircases. Dragonstone wrought of black stone. Numerous other design inspirations of basilisks, demons, hellhounds, manticores and other creatures.”The blood of the dragon runs thick.” – Daemon Targaryen
The Bridge
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe serves as the Dragonstone bridge in GOT while the Castle of Monsanto in Portugal was depicted with the help of CGI as Dragonstone Castle.
While the one seen in House of the dragons is just from virtual reality techniques. Isn’t everyone tricked well?
The central keep of Dragonstone is a massive tower known as Stone Drum. Due to the rumbling sound heard during storms. The Great Hall of Stone Drum is carved in the shape of a huge dragon lying on its belly! They have put their splendid brains into building the castle.
On the top floor of the Stone Drum is the Chamber of the ‘Painted table’. A round room with four tall directional windows and rugged black walls. (unique feature). At the centre is a large table- The Painted Table, carved and painted in amber – a detailed map of Westeros. Fifty feet long, roughly twenty-five feet wide at its widest point and four feet at its thinnest. King Aegon planned his Invasion of Westeros from here.
Driftmark Castle
Corlys Velaryon built High Tide to celebrate his Valyrian roots & his wife- a queen who never was. He has made his kingdom and his throne from driftwood. House Valyrian have had the closest ties with Targaryens since the old Valrya. Therefore the little architecture is also influenced by them. Such as the use of black stone and copper roofs, despite this being a little bit more Byzantine. The large windows, high ceilings, arches and decor, for instance. The Hall of Nine- named after his conquests, is ornamented extensively. The copper roofs are a typical Valyrian tradition.
Dragonpit
A stable for Dragons? Yes!
On the opposite side of the city sits a Dragon’s stable atop Rhaenys hill, known as the Dragonpit. Originally, it was a gigantic colosseum-like mega-structure; Inside, the walls were lined with stone benches that could accommodate 80,000 people. Forty large under vaults were carved deep under the hill, intended for one dragon to nest in each, While a huge dome caps the edifice, a gigantic doorway with twin columns on each side. And colonnades define the facade. A pentagonal opening is the only source of light; that is because dragons have preferred to rest in pitch-dark dungeons ever since.
Balerion became the first dragon to be housed in this new edifice.
Conclusion
The House of the dragon is filled with might & adventure, clashes within the family for power, and of course, Architecture. Special attention is given to the design of each castle. It is the amalgamation of styles such as Brutalist, Byzantine, and Mediaeval European architecture. The styles vary with the geographical locations and the period when they are built. The castles possess an aura which transcends into their world. The peculiar details are of utmost importance & define the fate of the storyline. While the fearsome beasts and their glory impress most of the time, Dragons scale the structures. The ten episodes of House Of The Dragon have forged its identity and established itself as a worthy prequel to Game Of Thrones.
Citations for Websites:
Mithun Sheth (2022). Architecture in cinema. [online]. (Last updated 16 January 2019). Available at: Architecture in cinema (indiatimes.com)
[Accessed 10 Dec 2022].
Nick Romano (2022). House of the Dragon showrunners deconstruct the new Iron Throne design [online]. (Last updated 14 July 2022 ). Available at: https://ew.com/tv/house-of-the-dragon-new-iron-throne-design/ [Accessed 11 Dec 2022].
Maria Noyen and Kim Renfro/Insider (2022). What 6 ‘House of the Dragon’ filming locations look like in real life
[online]. (Last updated 23 Oct 2022). Available at: https://www.insider.com/house-of-the-dragon-game-of-thrones-filming-locations-photos-2022-8#scenes-depicting-driftmark-were-shot-at-st-michaels-mount-a-rocky-island-topped-with-a-medieval-castle-in-the-uk-2 [Accessed 10 Dec 2022].
Manas Sen Gupta (2022). All the things you might have missed in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 1 [online]. (Last updated 24 Oct 2022). Available at: https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/culture/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-season-1-details-explained/ [Accessed 8 Dec 2022].
Helena Madden and Camille Okhio(2022). How production Designer Jim Clay crafted a brave new Westeros in “House of the Dragon” [online]. (Last updated 5 Oct 2022). Available at: https://www.elledecor.com/life-culture/a41516139/house-of-the-dragon-set-design/
[Accessed 6 Dec 2022].
Square Yards (2022). The Architecture of House of the Dragon: A Fierce Ode to GoT
[online]. (Last updated 17 Oct 2022). Available at: https://www.squareyards.com/blog/the-architecture-of-house-of-the-dragon-celebhm
[Accessed 6 Dec 2022.
Game of Thrones & House of the Dragons Wiki (Na). Red Keep. [online]. (Last updated: Na). Available at: Red Keep | Game of Thrones Wiki | Fandom [Accessed 6 Dec 2022].
Kristy Brandt (2022). Where was House of the Dragon Filmed? A Full List of House of the Dragon Filming Locations! [online]. (Last updated 15 Nov 2022). Available at: Where was House of the Dragon Filmed? A Full List of House of the Dragon Filming Locations! (geektrippers.com) [Accessed 5 Dec 2022].
A wiki of Ice and Fire (Nil). [online]. (Last updated Nil). Available at:https://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Dragonstone
[Accessed 9 Dec 2022].
A wiki of Ice and Fire (Nil). Black stone. [online]. (Last updated NIL).
Available at:Black stone – A Wiki of Ice and Fire (westeros.org) [Accessed 09 Dec 2022].
Citations for YouTube videos:
Game of Thrones (2022). BTS – Model of old Valyria, House of the Dragon HBO.
[Youtube Video]. Available at: BTS: Model of Old Valyria | House of the Dragon (HBO) – YouTube [Accessed: 5 Dec 2022].
Game of Thrones (2022). Creating the Dragonstone Bridge | BTS: S1 EP2 | House of the Dragon (HBO) [Youtube Video]. Available at: Creating the Dragonstone Bridge | BTS: S1 EP2 | House of the Dragon (HBO) – YouTube [Accessed: 5 Dec 2022].
