Jacques Dupuis & Albert Bontridder - 3D short movies

Teaching Unit ARCH-P444 - Master 1 & 2
Teachers: Denis Derycke, Michel Lefèvre, Maurizio Cohen
Guests: Albert Bontridder, Jan Thomaes, André Dartevelle

Between 1997 and 2017, the laboratory proposedd to Master students an exercise that involved analyzing an architectural object and then translating this analysis into a short film using 3D imagery. This work aimed to develop two key skills: first, the ability to "read" architecture, and second, the capacity to construct, structure, and effectively communicate a precise message through a specific medium (enhanced 3D images, video clips, music, voice-overs, etc.).

In 2010-2011, students analyzed projects by the Belgian architects Jacques Dupuis and Albert Bontridder. These analyses were based on the book "Jacques Dupuis, l'architecte", published by Maurizio Cohen and Jan Thomaes in 2003. Both of the authors were involved in the students' work, and students were granted an access to the architects archives. Albert Bontridder himself was directly involved in overseeing the students work.

The exercise followed this structure:

1. Analysis: Students present drawings, diagrams, and texts in which they analyze various aspects of the chosen architectural object (formal, structural, environmental, etc.).
2. Synopsis: Based on the criteria developed during the analysis, students outline a scenario.
3. Storyboard: Students translate their scenario into a sequence of drawings depicting camera angles, movements, and other visual elements for the future film.
4. Modeling: Students constructe a three-dimensional model of the studied architectural object using software such as Blender or 3DS Max.
5. Editing: Using the storyboard as a guide, students calculate animated sequences from the 3D model. They then arrange these sequences on an virtual editing bench, incorporating photos, music, voice-over commentary, and other media to enrich the film.

Below, we highlight some particularly accomplished productions. These works, which must be considered within the context of the technical possibilities available during their creation, skillfully combine a sharp analytical reading of the studied object with a relevant use of representation methods. Additionally, they feature a narrative structure that effectively communicates the message in a fluid manner, resulting in evident cinematic quality in the work.

Featured projects

Albert Bontridder - Maison personnelle (1958)
François Romainville

Jacques Dupuis - Maison Van der Vaeren (1961)
Enrico Onofri

Jacques Dupuis - Maison de Landsheere (1963)
Aymar Perié