“Architecture exists, like cinema, in the dimension of time and movement” – Jean Nouvel
Architecture and movies have gone hand in hand since the start of visual storytelling. Building, spaces, and the environment in movies have been designed and shown in such a way that it impacts the viewer’s perception of the story and characters. Architecture has been employed in movies in different ways, such as setting and atmosphere, characterization, symbolism, world setting, and plot device. Architecture has played a significant role in many movies such as Dark Alley, Infinite Happiness, Black Panther, and Blade Runner. It would be important and exciting to examine the role of architecture in all of these movies but this article will focus on how architecture played an important role in Black Panther.
Black Panther is a 2018 Marvel movie that not only stood out for its superhero action and storytelling but also for its portrayal of African culture, technology, and architecture such as the Vernacular choice of materials and modern blend of curves. It tells the story of a nation called Wakanda which was established a thousand years ago but pretends to still be a third-world country. The architecture in the movies was inspired by Zaha Hadid’s projects.
Below are some aspects of Black Panther that can be explored:
Vibranium Architecture
One of the most important and interesting aspects of Black Panther that needs to be discussed is the vibranium-based architecture. This vibranium is a fictional super-metal that has some unique properties with revolutionized architectural possibilities. The presence of Vibranium in Wakanda influenced the nation’s decision to remain hidden from the outside world. The energy shield in Wakanda was made possible with vibranium. The black panther suit worn by T’challa was made using Vibranium. It absorbs and disperses energy, allowing it to resist impact and attacks. In short, it made it nearly indestructible. Also, the advanced technology shown in the aspect of transportation, communication, medicals, and especially the Wakanda Royal Talon Fighter all uses Vibranium. Vibranium holds a deep cultural significance for the Wakanda nation. The heart-shaped herb that enhances the abilities of the black panther grows in soil enriched by vibranium.
Vibranium might be a fictional metal but the depiction is almost perfect and the usage in every aspect of the movie allowed its significance in most architecture-based features to shine through.
Shuri’s Lab
Shuri’s lab is the perfect representation of the connection between architecture, technology, and character development. The lab stands out for its minimalistic design. The clean lines, sleek surfaces, and lack of clusters can be seen in the lab. The design enhances the functionality of the lab and the advanced equipment present in the lab as well. The lab architecture placed a great emphasis on the importance of these tools in Wakanda’s technological advancement and progress. It reflects how technologically advanced the nation of Wakanda is and how Vibranium played a role in the nation. Also, the lab represents the nation’s commitment to be at the forefront of technological advancement while staying true to its cultural values. Architecture has been well known to be a reflection of an individual’s traits and in Black Panther, it didn’t fail to mirror Shuri’s curiosity as well as fearless approach to technology in the Lab architecture. Considering the lab’s layout, it is obvious that it allowed for collaboration and a collaborative environment for its users.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace incorporates traditional African design and its elements into the Wakanda cultural heritage. The intricate carvings, the tribal motifs, and the symbolic patterns can all be seen in the royal palace. In the process of showing how powerful and technologically advanced Wakanda was, the synergy of technology and culture was reflected through the royal palace architecture. Advanced technology, for example, high-tech components was also infused into its architectural framework to show strength and energy efficiency while maintaining its cultural heritage and creating an architectural harmony that mirrors Wakanda’s societal values. For example, the architectural design of the Great Mound and the Ancestral Plane Chamber showcased Wakanda’s spiritual and cultural traditions. The royal palace architecture reinforced the Wakanda’s attempt at maintaining their cultural values while being technologically advanced.
The Jabari Tribe Mountain
The Jabari tribe built their city in the mountains as a result of their opposition to vibranium and isolation from the Wakanda Nation in a desire to preserve traditional values. The architectural details of the Jabari tribe reflect an ancient African style and design and this is a deliberate action to avoid incorporating high-tech elements to show that the Jabari tribe was against the use of vibranium or any high-tech elements. As for their cultural identity which was distinct within the larger Wakanda context, elements such as carvings, sculpture, and tribal patterns were used in the architectural settings of the tribe. The mountain’s natural surroundings and integration of natural elements such as stone, and wood reflected the connection between the people and the natural world.
The Golden City
The Golden City is the capital city of Wakanda and is also known as Birnin Zana. It is located in the heart of Wakanda civilization and showcases advanced technology such as the Wakandan Maglev Train. The architectural design elements of the skyscrapers that can be seen in the Golden City showcase the technological advancement of Wakanda. The urban layout of the Golden City makes use of elements such as wide boulevards, efficient transportation systems, and green spaces. This enhances the city’s functionality and aesthetics. Other elements such as public spaces, gathering areas, and communal facilities encourage social interaction.
Conclusion
In Black Panther, the architectural elements depicted are not just art pieces. They’re a reflection of everything that made Wakanda and Black Panther. The blend of technology and traditional African heritage showcases the nation’s aspiration to uphold its cultural values while being technologically advanced. Architecture, in modern times, does not have to neglect traditional heritage in their designs of space, it can also infuse tradition and technology, while bringing about progress as well as a delicate balance between the past and the future.
References:
Sneha J Uttarkar. Architecture in Movies: 21 Interesting Must-watch for Architects. [online]. Available at: https://thedesigngesture.com/architecture-in-movies/ [Accessed 25 August 2023].
Sudarshan Uppunda (2022). 10 Best Movies Every Architect Should Watch. [online]. (Last updated 07 July 2022). Available at: https://parametric-architecture.com/10-best-movies-every-architect-should-watch/ [Accessed 25 August 2023].
Wikipedia (2018). Black Panther. [online]. (Last updated 17 August 2023). Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Panther_(film) [Accessed 26 August 2023].
