Context of the City

Synopsis

The argument is that one cannot understand any aspect of the built form - whether it is an individual building or a city - without looking at the nature of the social process that produced it and sustains it. To illustrate this theme there is material on the New Town movement, the present-day provision of housing in Britain, and both 19th century and contemporary political events. Although not primarily a historical document, it does look at the role the city has played in history, demonstrating the origins of its present form in feudalism and showing that its emergence was due to economic and political forces. Makes extensive use of animation techniques, and much of the commentary is carried in specially written songs. Designed specifically to provoke further discussion and argument.

Series

Built Form and Society, Series

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. VHS. col. 26 min.

Year of production

1977

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Uses

Students of architecture and planning, urban studies, social & human geography, urban sociology.

Subjects

Architecture; Geography; Sociology

Keywords

buildings; cities & towns; town & regional planning; urban communities

Credits

Cast

Stephen Sharples

Production Company

Name

University of Strathclyde Audio Visual Media Services

Sponsor

Name

University of Strathclyde, Centre for Educational Practice

Name

University of Strathclyde, Department of Architecture

Distributor

Name

CFL Vision