Den mytomspunna staden: En studie av visualiseringen av alvers arkitektur

Sammanfattning

In this essay, the key elements of elven architecture, its origins and narrative function will be examined and discussed. Despite there being many different varieties of the style, a common ground has been established to visualise elven settlements. Thus, this essay aims to contribute to the understanding of how historical architectural styles are used to create new ones and mediate a story. The research questions to be answered are which historical architectural styles can be identified in the visualisations of elven architecture and which function the architectural elements have for the narrative of elven culture. Material has been sourced from three chosen series and is limited to an architectural style for elves that resemble human beings in living standards, which means the results are applicable to that type of elven race. Common architectural elements were identified and related to specific historical styles. A chosen few were analysed in their relation to the creation of the myth about elven architecture. A comparative analysis with semiotic elements was made using the theory of semiotics and narratology. Several historical architectural styles were found to be used to visualise elven architecture in the source material, but specifically the combination of art nouveau decoration and open space in buildings create a narration of elves. This research can be used in a comparison to the architecture of other types of elves. It also contributes to research on how architecture can be used as a medium to narrate a story.