| Description: | Architecture and fashion design are becoming close fields. Important fashion districts are modifying the built environment of many cities around the world and the major fashion labels use their showrooms and headquarters as a display of their style. The form, technique and materials of some buildings are increasingly intended to resemble clothing or fashion accessories; architects staple, pleat, drape, cut and so on. At the same time some fashion designers are drawing inspiration from architecture. In this course students explore buildings and interiors as an aspect of today's visual culture, with special emphasis on similarities and differences with contemporary fashion. The role of the human body and the architectural movements which have led to these developments are also explored. Students will be stimulated to understand the common basis of the two fields, exercising themselves in comparative case studies. Considerable attention will be given to Florence's fashion district. The last part of the course investigates ways in which architects express the style of today's fashion brands and with what results. |