Analyzing the City in Film: Jacques Tati and Urban Design

How do the spaces we build shape the lives we live? Cinema has long been a powerful mirror for urban design, offering profound critiques of how modern architecture impacts human interaction. Through this text-based course, you will explore the intersection of film and urban planning, using the satirical masterpieces of filmmaker Jacques Tati as your lens. You will learn to read urban environments critically, recognizing how mid-century architectural trends paved the way for today's smart cities and walkable neighborhoods. What you'll learn: 1. Understand the foundational principles of urban design and how they are represented in classic cinema. 2. Analyze Jacques Tati's cinematic critiques of modernism, standardization, and urban alienation. 3. Evaluate the impact of architectural choices on social interaction and community democracy. 4. Compare mid-century urban planning ideals with modern concepts like walkable cities and human-scale design. 5. Apply critical observation skills to read and assess real-world public spaces and urban layouts. The course begins with key terminology in urban studies and film analysis before guiding you through written deep dives of cinematic spaces. You will progress from historical post-war reconstruction concepts to modern urban design applications. This course is designed for beginners interested in architecture, urban planning, film studies, or sociology. No prior background in design or cinema theory is required. Start reading today to discover how the silver screen can transform the way you view the physical world around you.