Sequences in architecture: Sergei Ejzenštejn and Luigi Moretti, from images to spaces

Abstract

The article 'Montage and Architecture' by Sergei Ejzenštejn, written between 1937 and 1940 and published posthumously, is one of the pivotal texts theorising montage as a method of composition, with a special focus on the potential of cinematic sequences in architecture. Despite the deep interest and the great number of studies that the publication of this text inspired in the last decades, Ejzenštejn's analysis of the Basilica of Saint Peter, which occupies almost half of the article, has been overlooked. This article focuses on Ejzenštejn's sequential interpretation of the Basilica and compares it with the one offered in 1952 by Luigi Moretti in the article 'Strutture e Sequenze di Spazi' ['Structures and Sequences of Spaces']. Examining Ejzenštejn's and Moretti's texts and related visual products, it develops a different way of considering the sequential qualities of the Basilica. Indeed, while Moretti proposes sequences as a method to design and represent three-dimensional spaces, the concept of montage as theorised by Ejzenštejn focuses on two-dimensional sequences as a tool to arrange images in space. The article proposes a series of possible common points between Ejzenštejn's and Moretti's theories, on the basis of a shared vision of sequences as mental constructs, and engages with a wider discussion on the dilemma between visual and spatial properties of architecture.

Menerjemahkan Ekspresi Depresi Remaja Menjadi Volume Keruangan Menggunakan Teori Sequence of Events

“…Gambar 3. Plaster Model of The Basilica of Saint Peter, Luigi Moretti (1953) Sumber: Profesor Arsitek Francesca Romana Stabile (Molinari, 2021) doi: 10.24912/stupa.v6i1.27486 | 409…”

“…Montase-montase tersebut diambil dari film, menunjukkan sebuah simbol warna, bentuk, atau kejelasan alur cerita yang berpotensi untuk dijadikan sebuah elemen arsitektural (Molinari, 2021). Montase-montase dijadikan ke sebuah volume berlandaskan teori arsitek Luigi Moretti sehingga cerita yang disampaikan pada film dapat dirasakan secara pengalaman ruang seperti yang dilakukan oleh Luigi Moretti ketika mempelajari cerita yang terselip pada 'Basilica of Saint Peter' (Gambar 3).…”

“…Teori Luigi Moretti membahas bagaimana montase-montase dari sequence tersebut dibawa ke bentuk volumetrik dengan memikirkan aspek 'spatial effects', mendefinisi elemen 'contrast' terlihat pada contoh visualisasi pada Gambar 4, yang menurut Moretti dibagi menjadi 4 besar yaitu (Molinari, 2021):…”

Theoretical and Conceptual Travels of Media in Architectural Theory

“…In "Structures and Sequences of Spaces" (1952), Moretti employs the idea of "sequential order" to amplify the pivotal role of "empty space as the locus of experience in architecture". Unlike Eisenstein, who grapples with a sequence of images, Moretti deals with the elements placed in sequence, that is, the spaces and their volumetric qualities (Molinari, 2021). Moretti's approach both intersects and differs from Eisenstein's theory of montage.…”