An Architect Reviews the Architecture of Star Wars: Andor
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 16. 05. 2024
- I'll utilize my professional experience in the field of architecture to examine the Architecture of Andor. đ Get exclusive NordVPN deal here â” NordVPN.com/morphologis Itâs risk free with Nordâs 30 day money-back guarantee!â
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Andor is actually the best of the new Star Wars.
Yes, and by a mile. Nothing can beat real sets and a writers room filled with actual professionals who know how to write great believable characters.
Not really hard to beat considering Ray's Storyline đ
Andor is- in my opinion- the best Star Wars. Thatâs not to say the originals werenât good, in fact, Andor expands the political message of the originals in a way that could only be done once the originals established it, but Andor goes further than they couldâve. I love my funny leftist space terrorism show.
@Jacob Fullton Jacob Fullerton is better
@Jacob Fullton and fuller
Where is Andor getting mixed reviews? Literally everyone I've heard of that's seen it considers it the best Star Wars show, even surpassing Mandalorian. It's SO GOOD.
there was some misinformation recently about the Andor ratings, and that info was picked up re-reported by a LOT of media outlets. Turned out to be incorrect, but gave a lot of people the impressions that Andor wasn't doing so well. I think most people agree it's the best Star Wars in a long while!
There is definitely some hate, check out star war theory. He throws a baby tantrum after each episode, he gave episode 8 a 1/10. Check out the end of his andor episode 8 watch party and youâll see. He talks about it around 47:50 - 50:00
@@paulallen2680 Theory is a choad.
@@paulallen2680 wow what an ass
I love Andor and Mando equally. I'd hate for star wars to only ever be one or the other. We need the deep complex storytelling of Andor but we also need the pulpy more simple fun space adventure of Mando.
I'm honestly shocked to hear people have mixed reviews on it! It's one of the best shows on TV right now. I'm also an architect and I've been loving what they have been doing. Was a fantastic choice to change Coruscant from the shiny high tech style of the prequels to this great oppressive brutalist style. Another great brutalist location from London they used was the Barbican.
That's what over a decade of Disney Pew Pew blockbusters and a generation of Tik-Tokers with the attention span of a child does to your general viewers. Look at everyone who loves Andor, they're all people drawn in by great storytelling and worldbuilding. Now look at all the people who hate Andor, it's always because it's too boring for them or lacks references to other SW IP.
It's baffling, but it's the sad reality. Same thing happened to The Expanse, the show is criminally underrated. C R I M I N A L L Y underrated. Or look at the gaming landscape, Gacha games are a plague on the entire industry, but so many excuse it because they have fun.
We're seeing more and more people get born or grow up in this new landscape of entertainment where it's all about quick dopamine rushes.
@@TheNameCannotBeFound For real. I have seen Star Wars fans unironically complained that if this show is not gonna have the Jedi, the Sith or the Force, it's just some derivative, dime in a dozen scifi. Not only do they have no flaw to find in the writing of the show itself, but to say the quasi-religious space wizards are what made Star Wars non-derivative of other scifi IP is straight-up... culturally illiterate. They don't even know that the quasi-religious space wizards of Star Wars (1977) are derivative from the Bene Gesserit from Dune (1965).
@@aquapendulum Frank Herbert has implied that George Lucas copied a lot from Star Wars. And he was probably mad too since they have opposite claims
Every review site gives it a favorable rating, critic and users alike. So I don't know what he means. There are some very vocal fans that hate it, but they are absolutely the minority.
Sad to see that the viewership is low for this brilliant show. I guess the people who dislike this show and call it boring just want shows which give instant gratification with unnecessary action every 15mins or so.
One thing I noticed in Syril's story was the use of sunlight, or lack thereof, to symbolize his low status. His mother's apartment is so low in the city that it barely gets any sunlight. The show even goes out of its way to show that Syril cares about this, both in the scene where he arrives and we see him look up and watch the sun disappear as he travels down into the building, and when we see him in his room apparently waiting there specifically for the few seconds each day when the sun is at just the right angle to shine into his window.
I also enjoy the juxtaposition between Mon Mothma and Syril in that respect; I believe that scene is within an episode where Mon literally says that she's so used to the view that she doesn't even notice it any more, where someone who's not could stand there for hours. Really hits home the disparity between Coruscant's wealthy and the rest of the planet
@@fritzophrenia3146 what's also worth noting is that both characters are "traitors" to their class. Mon Mothma is a wealthy bourgeois senator putting it all on the line for the rebellion when she could have just sat back comfortably under the privileges the empire has afforded her and Syril is a lower class individual with no class consciousness giving his all to serve a fascistic empire who cares nothing for him and put him and his mother in their economic situation in the first place.
There is a series of ink drawings from the 60's by H.R.Giger named 'Schacht', which I immediately remembered by the look out of Syril's window. I'd link it, but YT deletes my posts everytime I do that, so please google it yourself if you're interested.
And ironically, it's probably just sunlight reflecting off other buildings.
The fact that his mother's apartment even receives any sunlight at all shows that they're relatively well-off compared to the rest of the people of Coruscant who live even further below, deep within the bowels of Coruscant where no sunlight reaches.
Andor is a masterpiece in every way: writing, acting, set design, special effects. It's a shame it's not getting the recognition it deserves simply because so many Star Wars fans have the attention span of a squirrel.
They just think that all Star Wars is, is black and white, good vs. evil and lightsabers. That's it.
@@Valiyus,
In my experience as a Star Wars fan myself, by far the most loved stories among fans are those that DON'T take a black and white view on morality and the Force and which DON'T exclusively focus on the exploits of force users with lightsabers.
For instance, Thrawn, especially his original depiction in TImothy Zahn's novels, is likely the most popular character among the fandom--a cold, calculating genius savant who is decidedly not force sensitive and serves the Empire not because he's megalomaniacal or sadistic but because he believes an orderly, militarized authoritarian state is the only way to protect the Galaxy from outside threats. He was later proven somewhat though not entirely correct on this when later on in the Legends timeline the genocidal extragalactic Yuuzhan Vong initially massacre the New Republic due to their reluctance to fight a total war.
I have heard little but praise for Andor among fans since it came out. Some even consider it superior to Dave Filoni's work, which is a huge deal as Filoni is essentially considered the heir to George Lucas himself.
I think many fans were just burned by Disney too many times so they didnât even bother with Andor. A lot that checked out came back to give Obi Wan a chance and then got burned again.
So Andor ended up being in the same place that Solo was with everyone having been burned by Last Jedi.
imo andor is really the litmus test for why someone is a star wars fan. do you like star wars for the nostalgia value? or do you like star wars for the stories it has the potential to tell? there's a demographic of sw fans who will never be happy unless they're getting that nostalgia hit, and while andor is incredibly dedicated to the era it is set in and doing a great job of expanding on things, it doesn't 'feel' like a piece of star wars media we've had before. that being said, i really hope disney takes the right cues from what makes andor so good. i don't want every subsequent sw show to be as serious as this one.
I thoroughly enjoyed the design of the prison. It reminds me a bit of Kamino with it being on the water but also in the large open underground tunnels and space and the idea of a futuristic prison being so clean and polished and yet so brutal and cruel with the floors felt super unique and intriguing to me
Except it's unrealistic af to make a planet a đïž. Cities are unsustainable in the long-term. This species will run out of resources after a few thousand yrs, if u continue to build this way.
How much steel, concrete & plumbing is involved in NYC? Too much to last long. đ has to be lived on for MILLIONS of yrs btw. Better figure out how to use wood đȘ” & other sustainable/renewable materials kidz.
#easterisland
#REALITY
It's minimalist in the sense of literally giving the prisoners the absolute bare minimum of anything to work with.
I also thought about Kamino and the way Boba Fett and Jango dressed and such. It all fits.
It turns our traditional idea of repression on its head, where we imagine fascist repression as dark, grey and fetid. It's one thing to make the body suffer, but torturing the mind can be much worse. In fact, so much of the show dares to have us reevaluate the entire "entertaining" premise of Star Wars. While the Empire has always been the evil villain, it was personified as by Vader, the Emperor and the Imperial Military. But now we see the real people of the Empire, the people at the bottom - not politicians or the elite - with jobs and lives not unlike our own, celebrating and championing the empire and the emperor. We see Families, wives, husbands...children...who are NOT at all evil, but merely believers in the cause. They rally under the symbol of the Empire, but we all know that George Lucas took inspiration from despotic fascist regimes of recent history to create the Empire. I think we all know who the resemble the most. And so, what does that imperial symbol REALLY represent? And yet, we as audience members flock to Disneyland to see the Empire and buy Imperial Swag at the gift shop and proudly put the Imperial stickers on our cars and luggage...Sure, it's just a show.
Isn't it?
Both Kamino and the prison in Andor is a throwback to Lucas' THX 1138. Very similar visual cues.
As a professional clothing maker, the costumes in Andor are incredible as well.
Yes, I'm just an amateur costumer/seamstress but I was SO disappointed by the costumes in Rings of Power, so seeing the Andor garments was just a breath of fresh air. They all look perfect, lived-in and coherent to the story and what is happening in it.
The use of physical sets and locations is a beauty to the eye
What struck me most about the antique shop was how low the ceiling was, especially considering how much vertical space the geometric pattern seems to take up, it feels almost as if the ceiling was intentionally lowered which in my opinion creates a much more private confined atmosphere. Quite fitting, considering the character who inhabits the space and the dealings which take place there. Excellent interior design that helps to tell the story!
You say you could have made this one hour long? Then please do, make more episodes. Your subscribers will love you for it.
I love the show and the art direction. To be able to keep showing new locations after so many hours of media since the 70's is quite a feat.
I also recognized very well the location on Coruscant where in episode 8 Luthenâs secretary meets with the girl that lead the Imperial heist. It is actually in Barbican, London. I know those brutalist platforms and corridors very well and definitely recognized the location:) Funny thing is that whenever I used to walk around Barbican even before seeing this show, Iâve always thought of it as very much resembling Coruscantâs platforms (from the prequels and Clone Wars scenes) - if you donât look down, to see the streets below, and instead imagine you are very high up in a skyscraper structure, with cars flying around, it basically is Coruscant:)
Here's a couple references from Soviet architecture that I noticed:
3:20 National Library in Belarus
10:00 Genocide Memorial in Armenia
I think other locations that you mentioned are clever original mixes of real and film architecture. I suppose most film nerds would recognise that the Imperial Security Bureau inside is heavily inspired by the War Room from Kubrick's "How I Stopped Worrying..." as it has become almost like a staple design in films.
Thank you! Wow, the Belarus National Library really looks straight out of science fiction, it's amazing, the shape, the contour/texture of the building, even the lighting on the "pedestal" part of the building!
Embarrassed that I didn't recognize the War Room from Dr. Strangelove. It seems so obvious now
THANK YOU for mentioning the Genocide Memorial in Armenia. A little disappointed that it wasn't mentioned above in the video.
Maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but the control tower at the Aldhani Imperial base reminds me about the Buzludzha monument in Bulgaria
The circular conference room, with individual displays and controls, at each seat, is pretty obviously inspired by the circular conference room on the Death Star in the first Star Wars movie.
I'm not an architect but I was actually stunned by the designs in this show. The shot of the diagonal thing on coruscant, Mon Mothma's apartment, the ISB building - I can tell a lot of thought was put into them and they are so beautiful! I really hope Star Wars continues to move in this direction because Andor is my favorite Star Wars show right now
I might just be not very conscious, but I think they must have nailed Mothmaâs home because at no point did I go âoh so Chandrillla is Space Japan/Chinaâ
Like I did obviously notice the banzai and the screens (though I think I barely registered the screens consciously), but on the whole I was just like âyep, this feels like a rich persons Star Wars house.â
But now that youâve pointed out the influences Iâm like âduh, the husband is literally wearing a kimono with a fairly Japanese hair style.â But even so, I still find it a believable blend of ideas that doesnât scream âwe just copied traditional Japanese designâ
(And overall, I think one of the keys here is that most of the design doesnât feel, inordinately sci-fi. Given an appropriate project, I feel that most of the rooms you highlighted could be turned in by a genuine architect and be taken seriously. I lot of them would seem to belong on earth perfectly well)
The set design is astoundingly good on this show but it also does so much else right which makes it a dream to watch for someone who was a kid when ANH came out. The writing isn't lazy and it is full of dialog that begs to be revisited, especially during the ISP meetings, a setting that had me bored to tears during the prequels. It has no unnecessary action or effects, or illogical plot devices. It respects the audiences intellect and keeps you immersed and engaged. It doesn't introduce new tech that isn't in the original movies like the prequels, and to some extent Book of Boba Fett and Obi Wan, did. One wonders how Disney can put together teams that treat the source material in such different manner but most of all, where was this team when they did the atrocious new movies. Rogue One had it's flaws, but is still the best new Star Wars movie since the original trilogy. Watching it again after Andor has completed its run will be amazing.
One thing I love is that Star Wars loves to sneak in a lot of 70's styling into it, because at once it helps prevent the older movies from feeling dated.
One of the things I absolutely love about this series is that it takes the viewer into places otherwise nobody would see, let alone be interested in. The fact that so much of the show's minor plot points have played out in "midtown" on Coruscant is great to me. As an architectural designer that loves brutalist and metabolist architecture myself, I was really excited when the areas of the walkways in Episodes 7 and 8 were revealed, and we got to see the bare concrete and waffle slabs everywhere at the ceilings. Love me some waffle slabs!
I love how the art direction team shows how Coruscant has changed from Revenge of the Sith to Andor. From futuristic to brutualist.
I'm not sure how much of that is an art direction change and how much is just that we never saw much of the posh, upper class bits of the city. Just the ground level streets, the Jedi Temple and the Senate.
Ehhh thats just Coruscant. We only saw a small part of it in RotS. Its multilayered city thats the size of a planet. There will be good parts and shit parts.
Part II please! Seriously, your Architect Reviews videos are really enjoyable, entertaining and informative.
Who hates this show? It's amazing!
I don't understand why anyone would hate it. It's the best character work since forever
exactly my response. best star wars series to date, very mature and detailed character work. amazing world building, makes the empire believable. heck I might have to register for IMDB just so (to help) the show doesn't get cancelled if this is something people crap on...
@@Mach1Greeble you mean since everything got woke.
There's always people who will hate
@@Masterlove2694 Don't be that guy
I was impressed by the apartment complex, and the factory prison, both were very interesting visually.
I can't believe how good this show is. And it makes me mad how many other SW projects suck by comparison.
I can't remember gasping at the sets and sites before when watching Star Wars. It looks incredible.
Yeah, what's confusing to me is that Disney is supposedly surprised by it's popularity. Like, they hyped up Obi-Wan, they thought it'd be a big thing for them, yet it feels like Andor got most of the budget. Maybe a difference between marketing and the people actually running the shows and budgeting things.
@@colbyboucher6391 Kenobi had big names attached to it, to an exec I guess that looks like a safe bet... Too bad they forgot to write it
I've been obsessed with the architecture/production design in this show. I really hope they win some Emmys (or at least get nominated).
Whenever they introduced a new location, it made me sit up in my chair to see what interesting things they would put in it. enjoying the show so far
I absolutely loved this review. This actually made me want to watch the show. It truly felt like an appreciation of not only the architecture, but also the show as a whole.
The show is fantastic. _By far_ the best Star Wars TV show.
Would love more videos on the architecture in Star Wars. Architecture is a subject and practice I've loved thinking about my entier life and something I've wanted to do since I was a little boy. Your videos are always so well put together and your calm, soft voice is wonderful to listen to. Wish you the best.
EVERYTHING about this show blows my mind! Not just the architecture, but their costumes, clothing, artifacts, spaceships... I would love to explore every single place and world little by little. Please, don't worry about the amount of time your videos might get, we WILL LOVE them, believe me. There's still sooo much to talk about! CONGRATULATIONS for your content btw!
I'm glad I'm not the only person to notice the depth and attention to detail that went into Andor. I hope you do a review of the prison later, since I believe it's pretty unique.
I was struck by how real it all looked while watching it. Syril's mums apartment and the corridors, plazas and dark walkways we see when the women are meeting up to discuss what to do with Andor were particularly striking.
I've always been fascinated by Coruscant from the first time it was mentioned and through all the novels, comics, films and shows we've barely scratched the surface. The different types of locale, from the Imperial Palace to the subterranean slums, lead to so much variety in design and each new look we get I'm always fascinated. Always love your insights into design and reminding us that every little element is a deliberately thought-out choice, nothing is accidental.
I grew up amongst the brutalist architecture featured in the show - such as the Barbican - so oddly enough, Coruscant in Andor felt like home.
We had a lot if this architecture here in Birmingham, like the now demolished central library.
The space port with the big wall of glass windows that Syril is walking through when he first comes back to Coruscant is the interior of the McLaren headquarters in Working, England.
This is the best series altogether I have seen in a long time, it feels more like a movie spread out in parts, the attention to detail, amazing acting, writing, cinematography, this show will be remembered and cherished for a long time, hope it wins many awards
You nailed these locations. The production depth in this is off the charts! And I love it!
You forgot to mention they used the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking as a stand in for a terminal at the Coruscant Spaceport.
Came here to see if somebody would cite that one âđ»đđ»đ
Andor is brilliant. Definitely worth a re-watch.
Do it! Make a series of these, we will watch and listen.
Count me in â€ïžđ
I'm in. đđ
Such an interesting video, I didnât expect to stumble upon an analysis of Andor from the architectâs POV. Really enjoyed it!
I just love Mon Mothmaâs style, her outfits, her car, her home - perfection.
ISBâs meeting roomâs design is so cool. Reminds me of Soviet era museums and theaters in my homeland.
The locations and widescreen shots in Andor are simply ... epic. I wonder how much of each scene is actually real. I cannot imagine any of these places actually exist on earth ...
you should do a video about the prison in Andor because personally I think it was one of the most interesting places in the whole show so far
Please keep this up Morphâ. Another episode or even a wider film architecture review series would be great!
Wow it does look really good. I hope star citizen gets something like this.
It'd be great to have design options when making hab shelters out in the verse, picking from various styles for the interiors.
@@VosperCDN they said they will have that
i would loveee to see you dive more into the architecture of the show, wether that be a hour long video or a sprinkle of a 5 min one - as much as youâd be willing to do!
this hits the spot for me as a fanatic of costume and set design in media, and my longstanding love for architecture - and your video and editing was a treat to watch! very fun to hear your knowledge on the matter
Honestly you need to do a part two of the architecture pf Andor. Thank you for doing this as I have been devouring the set design look of the series. Will be sharing with family and friends.
The thoughtfulness of the design extends to the aesthetic blending perfectly with the 1970âs and pre-1990âs design influences of the first Star Wars movies. Youâve highlighted some of the most interesting and lovely set pieces and designs, but the scope and detail of every single setting of the show are exquisite and so highly detailed in a way that not only adds texture and believability to the show, but also to the story itself.
One set piece in particular is Kassianâs childhood living space. All of the inhabitants of this are children, and the tree-house nature and as hoc attributes of this encampment is reminiscent of the living area of the Lost Boys from Neverland in the 1991 film Hook or the similar inventive look to the tree dwelling in the 1960 film Swiss Family Robinson. The titular character and his cohort of orphans have clearly been relatively successful in making a solid living space for themselves in the wake a some unspeakable disaster to which they were all orphaned.
I love the show!!! Amazing acting and great to get to know the charactersâŠfinally. BTW Morph, I love Frank Lloyds Wrights deigns - especially the ones of the large city scapes. Years ahead of his time. I went to Taliesen West in ScottsdaleâŠ.really interesting and recommended
I came looking for this video. The set designs and the architecture on that show are an a whole other level. Reminds me (a bit) of blade runner 2049
One thing I've always been interested in is how to give the appearance of outdoor light but in totally enclosed places. I didn't even notice the ceiling of Luthen's shop before, but now that you mention it, the difference in color temperature and textures within the spaces of the ceiling really give the impression of sunlight.
And no one I've actually spoken to has disliked Andor. Not sure what forums you hang out in; a lot of people irrationally hate things in general, but I wouldn't give those sorts any weight.
I loved this video. I found the architecture on ferrix interesting. Although there is brick/block design. I also noticed that there was a few cases of it not being brick but layers which the first thing I thought was this was inspired but the concrete 3d printing. This would absolutely make sense to use for quickly constructing buildings in a futuristic world where automation can be seen all the way to down to the doorways. This really shows the thought that went into the set designs.
I like it every shot u did looks like a concept art but is actual set , cant wait for the next episode!
Also can u do a arcitect review on cyberpunk 2077 vehicles?
I cried a little when I saw the Nakagin Capsule Tower-inspired space. I regret so much that I never got to see that building in person. Also, the unadorned shapes and steps set into the tall arches of the senator's apartment remind me a lot of the plain brick interior of Grundtvig's Church in Copenhagen in the way that the plainness of the walls really amplifies the extravagance of the space. As for the acoustic dampening theory, I think it holds a lot of water because unwanted acoustic reverberations can be especially troublesome in domed rooms. In some domed spaces you can hear people breathing very clearly on the opposite side of the room as if they were right next to you, as demonstrated in the Ăstermalm Echo Dome in Sweden.
Not only good for a Star Wars show, but good for a TV show. Quality actors, quality dialogue, quality production
Your presentation never dissapoints, Architecture in it self is intresting but you boost it's wonder 10 fold. Great stuff as always
Hour long architect review? DO IT!
dew it!
One interesting nod in the pod apartment is to Luke's family's dining area: an enclosed eating area with bench-style seating, implying a residential architectural trend that shaped the two very far-removed spaces.
I also really love the shop. Particularly the windows - it feels like a rented shop space that was not purpose-built but renovated for the use.
Andor is 84% audience score and 94% critics score on RottenTomatoes... so the reviews aren't very "mixed", they are pretty consistent -- this show rocks! Fantastic writing, acting, and directing. The visuals including the architecture are just the icing on the cake.
The 'problem' is.. not many people are actually watching it! I agree, it is amazing, but the pace is too slow
You should definitely do another part to this, maybe after theyâve shown more locations in the show
I really liked Andor!
Looks awesome, first good Star Wars story since the Disney take over
@Jacob Fullton well but it seems you care enough to write all fhose comments XD
I also absolutely love the set design in this show! Another great tie-in to the brick motif on Ferrix is how they use bricks as part of their funerary ceremonies.
DO A PART 2 THIS WAS FACINATING!
i love this show the detail is impeccable
The Barbican Estate (classic brutalist design opened in 1982) is another London location that was used. It's group of private buildings and public spaces that were used in some other shots in Episode 7 at 13:10 up to 13:40 (including the wonderfully lit slope with mirrored ceiling) and again from 15:08 to 16:55.
Yet another London location is the entrance to the ISB as seen in Episode 4 at 6:42 until 7:00 and again in Episode 9 from 30:49 until 33:00 is underneath the pedestrian link bridge to the relatively new Canary Wharf Crossrail Train station designed by Foster and Partners (opened in 2008). Which is just a few minutes walk away from Canary Wharf Underground station which was used as the Scarif Imperial Base in Rogue One.
Yes, I love when you do Architect Reviews videos. I'll watch any genre or setting you want to cover because I love your take on things. Every video teaches me something interesting.
The glazed walkway above the entrance to the ISB where Syril speaks to Dedra (at 10:01) comes from the new Crossrail station at Canary Wharf in London. Canary Wharf was also used in Rogue One with the Underground station becoming an Imperial base.
I would totally watch an hr long video of you discussing the architecture and design more. Iâm a designer, myself. I love these kinds of discussions.
While watching the series I actually thought of you and the series, Morph. Nice surprise to see you cover it!
What a visually impressive series!
I was amazed by the architecture in this show in a way I don't recall happened before.
I thankful for you sharing your knowledge and insight with this video and please make another.
There's wonderful work done on every aspect of this show. Would love to hear what you say about the other sets in a future episode.
I really hope you do a part two! I know that andor videos may not bring in the most views but the show is soo good and it deserves more. I loved this analysis of the architecture and would love a part 2.
I really enjoyed this view from what I so often pass by in the flow of the story. The setting and design add so much to the story, yet it filters into our minds almost invisibly. Thank you for drawing my attention to the work and imagination of the people who imagine the worlds that hold the imagination of the storytellers.
Terrific video ! As a long time admirer of architecture in all it's forms, it's great to see someone who knows what they're talking about give the proper due to these shows. You can view these as silent movies and still have a good grasp of what's going on and who the characters are just based off the costuming and the set designs alone!! People like to make fun of Star Wars as a cheap popular entertainment, but they've been popular for so long for a reason. There is a lot of care put into this world they've created and its the reason people view them over and over. Hope you do some more!!!
Thank you for this video! I remember so many moments throughout the show where I've been taken aback and just had a moment of "oh dayam, that looks amazing" at the sets, staging, and design of the show.
Thank-you for this insightful review and, yes, kudos to the entire Production team for such a cohesive and thoughtful designs.
I also love the ceiling pattern of Luthenâs shop. To me, they look like those Escherâs prints at first glance and it informs me so much about his character and the illusions he displays. I also enjoy how the ISBâs circular shape is often echoed in Dedraâs hair bun.
I would totally watch an hour long architect reviews! I love these videos, I learn so much everytime.
would love to see a longer video that goes into detail on much more of the architecture of the show
Great video! Would really appreciate a second or even third video from you about the architecture and design of spaces in ANDOR. Maybe even a deep dive into some of the smaller but no less important details.
It's the Star Wars spy/espionage thriller I've been wanting for so long. Alright I know the show isn't perfect, and I know not everyone will agree to what I'm about to say, but I feel like I have to give credit where credit is due and show some appreciation for the show and what it has achieved.
It's been a long time, too long, since the last time I felt this enthralled, captivated, and mesmerized by Star Wars, I still have that bitter aftertaste in my mouth after the disastrous sequel trilogy, but Andor really gives me hope for the future of the franchise. The pacing of this show is just perfect, the slow burn is never boring, the story feels concise, focused, yet comprehensive. All that build up and tension are handsomely paid off at the end of episode 6.
Now what iâm about to say next might upset some people, but I genuinely think it's WAY BETTER than Kenobi series from a cinematic perspective. Itâs a shame that the hype for the series is rather low compared to Kenobi, granted itâs about a much smaller character, but it shouldnât be the reason to not watch it. Andor as the main character feels so much more compelling than Kenobi was in his own series. Somehow it also looks a lot better too, the CGI, the landscape shots, the close ups, every shot feels meticulously crafted and natural. Now I donât know if it's a budget thing, but it sure looks a million dollars better than Kenobi with its letâs just say questionable quality CGI in some parts. Andor looks so good it made me think I wasn't watching Star Wars, it gives off a really strong Blade Runner vibe.
The series really shines a new light on a lot of less explored aspects of the universe, like how the Empire maintain security on far-flung territories without direct presence of the empire itself, and it even managed to slip in a gay couple sub-plot that doesnât feel annoying nor too on the nose but respectable instead. It also shows the different frontlines of the rebellion, those with their boots on the ground on some far-off planet and those fighting for the cause using politics and diplomacy in the senate.
It is also surprisingly difficult to predict, it managed to keep me guessing as to whatâs gonna happen next, also sprinkled here and there are good amount of little plot twists that caught me off guard, forcing me to keep paying attention.
Now my favorite thing from the series other than how kino the whole thing is, is the heavy inspiration taken from real world history events. Now this part is gonna be a little spoiler, so SPOILER WARNING! I just canât stop thinking about the similarities between the âheistâ that Andor and the small band of resistance fighter did and the real sabotage done by Norwegian resistance and British SOE operatives against the germans during world war two, particularly the one that took place at Vemork power plant. The espionage, the information gathering, the mole behind enemy line, and months of preparation, all this effort for an operation that feels only lasted for an hour, it all feels so grounded to reality and make sense.
Okay, conclusion. Andor is not made for kids, thereâs little to no dumbed down exposition and it really hits that âShow, donât tellâ rule quite nicely. it feels a lot darker, a lot more mature, our 'heroes' will kill an unarmed man and leave fallen comrade behind if necessary, clearly emphasizing that not all good guys are truly good and not all bad guys are truly bad, at the end of the day everyone is just trying to make their way in the universe. This show isnât about the big-name heroes like Skywalker or Kenobi, this time itâs about the smaller people, the unknown soldiers, the remote outpost sentries, and the outlaws just trying to disappear. It is definitely for the more mature audience who appreciates world building, slower pacing, and detailed meticulous shots. It's a testament of how diverse Star Wars can be, it can be a cinematic eye candy, instead of just full on action with no build up and tension.
Look, I know Andor isn't everyone cup of tea but if you havenât given this series the chance it deserves, go ahead and invest some time into it, you wonât be disappointed, âcuz I sure didnât.
I would love an hour of you discussing the architecture of the show and star wars in general
What I love is that each area and scene has a distinct visual language. If the Andor team ever give us a glimpse of the Imperial Palace you can bet it would horribly clash with the rest of Imperial Design but it would reflect the Emperor so well.
I definitely picked up on the stylistic references to the Nakagin Capsule Tower from watching your prior video on it, I love the amount of story the set designers are able to convey through just the architecture of the show. I think my favorite part of the show would not be a single building but rather how they have reinterpreted so many pre-existing structures and locations to make it Star Wars. I'm sure Andor has more to offer, so a 1-hour long video is something I would happily watch to get your insight on the other sets!
You just made me love this show even more!
OMG. This! The set design is freaking amazing. The spaces they've created are so believable and stylish. I really liked Luthen's gallery room. The concrete and angles and textures on the concrete make it much more than a structural thing. IMO, I see a lot of Bespin in Mon Mothma's apartment. Maybe the same architect or world did both in that universe. The ISB conference room is so cool too for the reasons you state.
This is one of the best videos Iâve come across on CZcams⊠could literally watch hours and hours of this đ€Ż
I'd love to see more breakdowns of locations and structures in this show from you. This video was fantastic. This show is so well made
I was hoping to see the Barbican mentioned! The location where Vel and Kleya meet and is also seen in a couple of other shots, but the super distinctive blend of modernist and brutalist design with repetitive geometric ceilings seems to have inspired a lot of the overall coruscant look. Its been used in many films and series but seems very attuned to Andor. I love the show and the incredible production values are a part of that - the attention to detail is wonderful and I enjoyed your dissection of the Senators apartment and Luthen's shop.
Every aspect of this show is top notch. The set designs, the soundtrack, the costumes - not to mention the rest of it. It's easily one of the best shows of 2022, and it just happened to be set in the Star Wars universe. Bonus!
I literally watched Andor so that I could watch this video. You are a consummate professional and clearly a master of your craft. Thank you for taking your time to make these videos for us.
Thanks for the review! I loved the sets of the show!
So glad I found your video. One of the first things I noticed right after I started watching episode one is the startling diference in production design and sets from almost everything else in the Disney SW stuff, from the last 10 years. Especially comparing how boring and bland everything shot in the Volume looks. The Blade Runner-esque beginning, the more industrial and Art Deco influences we get moving forward, the white sterile depressing prison... This show has the best designers in the biz right now, ngl. Absolutely love it!
I'd love to get your breakdown on the Fondor, Luthen's personal ship with the secret back compartment.
I would love to hear more commentary about the architecture of the prison.
I really enjoy your architecture centered videos man. Whether its Star Citizen, Cyberpunk, or Andor. Your reviews are so enjoyable, and constructive. Well done man, hope you keep going for a long time!đ
You earned a SUB for this video (PS. This is the first recommended videos of yours I have ever got and also first time Iâve seen your channel) GPOD JOB ON THE GROWTH MATE!!đđ
I don't know much about architecture, but I can tell how much it REALLY sells this reality of each of these scenes. I mean, the architecture and sets is up there with the actors in making this show work and drawing viewers in.
That has long been an element of Star Wars, but I think this show has managed to elevate it
Love your discussion of the domed ISB room. Great discussion.
You've summed up what I've felt about the architecture far better than I could have (which is the difference between someone who does this professionally and someone who just looks at design a lot).
You briefly touched upon at the end Ferrix using bricks is another thing that I'd agree with. The working-class and industrial feel are definitely deliberate. The fact that they have disused factories and residences made of the stuff evokes working-class England. The fact that Ferrix is in an economic slump feels like so many stories taking place in the '80s and '90s in working-class England ("Full Monty", "Brassed Off", and any other movie featuring working-class folks getting together to save their town or each other) where you've got brick rowhouses and brick factories.
Also, the feel of much of the architecture feels consistent with the late '70s and early '80s feel of the original trilogy. Heck, it even goes down to technology that they use; simple, opaque LED indicators on the tech; single-color screens for nav and info systems; even the senator's car feels very slab-sided like '80s American luxury cars.
I really appreciate your expert observations on the architectural features. More design brilliance is to be seen in the costuming. I've only been watching the show on my laptop, but the attention to detail and realism in the cost design is remarkable. Just as the residences have a lived-in feel, some of the clothing pieces could well have been purchased off the rack (like the trench coats).
I would love to hear so much more about the architecture of this show!!
Would be really cool to have a sequel to this
The fact that we can have an architect break down the background architecture of work of fiction and demonstrate how and why it work; is part of why this show is so great. The people who made it put thought and care into the smallest detail. Nothing feels fake or rushed or lazy. It's the realest star wars possibly ever made.
Your comment made me think of the care and effort put into the design of the Lord of the Rings movies. It really helps with the immersion and storytelling. I love the design of Andor, which is a quality show on every level. Too bad some viewers felt burned by other, less well-made Disney SW shows, or by the deliberate pace of the first episodes.
@@bjornh4664 well tbh most of the sets for every Disney Star Wars show have been amazing
Definitely got an A Deco vibe from Mon Mothmaâs government apartment. Especially when she wore that party dress, Genevieve was absolutely gorgeous in that dress, probably one of the best Star Wars costume designs Iâve seen, ok next to a certain metal 2 piece thing a-ma- jig I saw and jaw-dropped over as a teen. Still picking that jaw up many decades later. Wondering about the inlaid floor designs in her apartment and any symbolism. ISB room, or should I say Star Trek bridge?, hey the wall viewer and the doorway that could be a standin for a turbo lift entry. Anyways, the wall/ceiling pattern gave me the impression of an inverted senate.
Luthenâs shop, the slanted designs above/below the display on the right as you look out the shop, Iâve seen that somewhere in concrete and itâs bugging me. Was nice how they used lines elsewhere, playing w varied lengths to break up and give the eye some interest.
Not sure why, but Syrilâs workplace (cubey -lovers heaven and everyone elseâs hell), brought Wrightâs Johnson Wax design (gone mad & filled w cubey deployments) to mind, hmm. Wouldâve been cool if those workstations were Tie-Fighter simulators or Tie-drone/droid controllers.
Niamos, where was the beach scene filmed? I thought that was some very interesting design going on there.