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yomogi-mogi-mochi · 11 months

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Unnecessarily Convoluted Analysis of TWST Dorm Architecture

Putting that Art History degree to use 💪 I am getting my Masters in art history, so I am like semi qualified?? to do this. Tried my best with some of the dorms since some don't have an explicit cultural/architectural parallel irl. And obviously lots of liberties taken since I'm sure the people at Disney were not going for historical accuracy

Masterlist here

Much of this analysis can from my Spolia fic (Malleus x Light Fae MC)

Diasmonia: Early Gothic

Gothic- but early gothic. It's got a few flying buttresses, indicative of technology in later gothic movements- but in combination to the lower ceilings (lower than later gothic), fewer levels (celestory, triforium, doric columns, and shorter windows makes me think it's early gothic (more towards Norman architecture/Sens Cathedral), because it's a lot simpler and less technologically developed than high gothic (larger windows, rose windows, higher and pointier style, flying buttresses, more decorative stuff like Corinthian columns and stained glass). Still, I think the Fae would be been more concerned with its structural integrity against the waves of time- therefore gargoyles become a very prominent symbol in protecting this eternity and preservation of architecture since it basically prevents rain/weather from eating away at the building.

There's some interesting symbolism with Malleus' fixation with gargoyles, but I'm sure you can make that connection on your own based on what's out in Chapter 7 and how he reacts to both Lilia's and MC'S impending goodbyes.

Gothic was actually a term used by the French to demean the style, since it was seen as more 'savage' and 'lower' than classical architecture- which is symmetrical, solid, and values very literal and realistic (albeit idealized) characterization. Gothic architecture in contrast is a lot more airy, focuses on light and windows, and values more allegorical representations, which is why it resonated so well with the religious ruler and monarchies because they were able to not-so-subtly point to their influence and power in every single way without it being in your face all the time.

Because of this very stank contrast, it was labeled as "gothic" because people were criticizing it to be "savage" and "unkept". The goths were painted this way because they were mainly responsible for Rome's downfall, leading to the dark ages. Regardless of the French ruthlessly roasting the goths, this type of design flourished after the dark ages because technology was beginning to be advanced once more, and materials were more readily available.

My theory would be that the fae began to first develop this architecture because they had the advantage of magic, but then the humans were influenced by it- which leads them to high gothic (Noble Bell College), as well as Baroque and Rococo architecture (like the Pomefiore dorm). The Fae kept their style of early gothic since they didn't really see a point in changing much- maybe just more decorative gargoyles called grotesque as a symbol of the Fae's gratitude in their protection against time.

Also the hallways have what are almost like ribbed vaults which was one of the primary and first symbols of gothic architecture because they allowed more weight to be distributed to the vaults, and therefore allow for bigger windows.

Another distict characteristics in gothic architecture are clearly defined elevations.

Traditionally, they will have the celestial at the top, then gallery, then the main arcade (especially as we get into the later gothic periods and buildings get even taller and taller). Of course Disney isn't completely accurate with these things, but it seems that they're sort of going for that vibe, as many things end up being as our contemporary notions of historical design often creates a vague iconography of things that is often a copy of a copy of a copy of the original medium.

However I do think the intention to mimic the original design is still there overall, and combined with many of the other elements such as the prevalence of pointed arches that are a symbol of gothic architecture, and the sheer number of windows that were allowed originally due to the technological advances of the gothic era (and of course Malleus' own obsession with gargoyles), I think it would make sense to categorize this is like "gothic adjacent".

If I were to redesign the diasmonia dorm however, I would definitely begin by fixing the exterior- but I think they were referencing Malificent's tower in the Disney movie than any sort of historical accuracy lol. You win some, you lose some.

Pomefiore: Rococo with a touch of Art Noveau

Very obviously modeled after French Rococo architecture- the illustration of the hallways of Pomefiore dorm are almost exactly like the Palace of Versailles

It is definitely a toned down version- but pretty spot on, right? When I first saw the Pomefiore dorm I immediately Googled a picture of the Palace of Versailles cause I knew I saw it somewhere. Autistic spidey senses at it again.

Honestly wish they went more all out with the chandeliers, and had painted ceilings on the dorm colors- but I feel like they got the general vibes right. It feels closer to Romanesque with its simplicity but it still holds an aura of decadence and frivolity that I like. Very rich, extravagant like it's members (maybe not so much Epel lol)

Elements of Art noveau in the furniture (the peacock chair) and the embroidery of the uniforms.

Also, the peacock chair sort of reminds me of James McNeill Whistler's Peacock Room. He was an American impressionist that was sort of the forefront of art nouveau, since impressionism was one of the mainstream movements that really began the explosion of Japanese inspired design that is also used in Art Nouveau aesthetic.

(Vil would definitely have this room if he could)

The carpet in the room reminds me of William Morris' designs, and just art nouveau in general.

As far as I can tell, the exterior is based on a variety of German castle styles from 13th century Romanesque styles, to 18th century Neo-Gothic styles. Which is coincidentally what a lot of the castles on Disneyland are based off of.

Everything is very florial, Corinthian, and extravagant. I love it. It's very baroque, I dig it.

Scarabia

Please don't come for me I'm not as well versed in Non-Asian and Non-Western architecture except for religious architecture in Turkey and Jerusalem so I'm gonna try my best with this one

So I think it mixes a lot of the icons we think of in association to Arabic architecture like domes, pointed/ogee (rounded, then pointed)/multifoil (multiple curves) arches, and ornate floral designs that derive from the use of calligraphy in Islamic structures (as iconography, or pictures depicting the faces and bodies of religious figures were not allowed).

And I think all those tiny buildings resemble Minarets, or tall towers built adjacent to mosques where the muezzin can issue the call to prayer. But the artists were probably like "hm. Not enough. How do we make it more arabic??" And of course the contemporary orientalist perspectives that dominate the artistic realm made they go "quick just add a bunch of domes"

I think Kalim's room and the lounge in particular best shows the general "airiness" that parallels Islamic acthicture (ie the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on UAE)

Open air courtyards are also a characteristic element of Islam architecture, which you can see with the areal view of the dorm, and also makes sense with Kalim's unique magic.

Jali window designs (the intricate gold metal covers on the arches) are also popular on Islamic architecture

The Haga Sophia in particular has been described to have a dome "suspended by the heavens", as the section connecting the building and the dome is made entirely of arches that allows the sunlight from the heavens to pour inside the building. Though the haga Sophia is a very special case, as it was occupied by varying religions with different architectural styles at certain periods- I think it's also a good representation of our contemporary prototype of Arabian architecture that makes up the final design of the dorm.

Ignihyde: Classical Greek

Looks like it's modeled after the Parthenon, which was built during the Classical period on Greece where Athens was flourishing as a center of mathematics, technology, and architecture. These are sentiments which becomes reflected in the Renaissance afterwards, such as symmetry and a very systemic way of approaching things. I think it fits perfectly with this dorm, since they're the "tech geeks" of NRC

It's got your pediment, your doric columns (would have preferred ionic columns but whatever Disney), your arcades. Pretty straight forward unlike the actual movie it's based off of lol (Hercules has so so many mythological inconsistencies. Like why are you talking about Achilles in the movie??? Trojan was hasn't even happened babe stop manifesting that shit)

I think the symmetry and order of Classical Greek design goes well with the overall futuristic look Ignihyde and the Island of Woe are going for. Pretty clever, Disney.

Heartslabyul: Tudor Revival Style

Though Alice in Wonderland is set in the later 19th century, I think the Tudorian Revival style than began in the beginning of the 20th century just shortly later fits best.

Turdorian revival style is characterized through half timbering, which is like the timber panels you see on the surface of the building; oriel windows (windows that jut out); mock battlements; and courtyards.

The Tudorian revival style also takes elements from Elizabethan era architecture and perpendicular gothic architecture, hence the long gallery and the tudorian four point arch)

The glass panes in the lounge leaves me to believe it's sort of like a glass house where part of the house is sort of like a greenhouse. This is characteristic of Victorian glasshouses that rose with the availability of timber, paint, and brick and the popularity of botany in the Victorian era propelled by botanical imports from British colonies. Architecrs like Joseph Paxton were also known for his opus magnum- the Crystal Palace, which held the Great Exhibition of 1851 (kind of like a world expo with the theme of industry and art) also popularize the movement- and was a significant sign of wealth, as glass and window taxes were especially high. But in the later century when iron and steel frame construction was advanced, people could be built out of iron and window panes, so they could be assembled easily, and also afforded by middle class citizens.

So it's basically a mix of Elizabethan and Victorian revival styles (tudorian and gothic), which is in theme with the Victorian period the original media is set in, albeit taking inspiration from styles little later in the period.

Savanaclaw:

Again- I am blind when it comes to Non-Asian/Non-Western architecture- but this one was kinda confusing cause it really doesn't have any architectural cohesivity??? Like it's just got a general "jungle vibe" which I'm not surprised at because Disney is infamous for glossing over non-white cultures and kind of just simplifying them into a "general vibe" which wow yikes my guy

Kind of reminds me of Mese Verde, which are structures made directly within a cliffside, or the Great Mosque of Djenné and the African Heritage house in Kenya which have very smoothed, natural designs that blend into the environment

What I could gather from my research and my juicy autistic brain, savannas are regularly subjected to wild fires- so a lot of the heavy, rocky architecture and interior style makes sense, opposed to one made of wood (which are mostly in the inside of the structure, besides the roof which I imagine is less likely to catch on fire). Much of the building seems also to be directly carved within natural rock formations- a very functional use of the resources around you- very savannaclaw!

The textiles in each of the dorm members' rooms resemble Kente fabric, a style of hand weaving from Ghana, originally reserved for royalty but now commonly worn for ceremonial occasions and such. Also unlike other African textiles styles, it's strictly a male practice. I think it would make sense for Sunset Savanna, a place where women are highly respected and perhaps take on more political and military positions- leaving largely men to the practice of textile making (both are honorable acts- not comparing the two). There aren't distinguished aesthetic styles of textiles that differentiate each weaving from another- rather, it is divided by technique and region- so this is not like a definite connection, just thought it was interesting to includle

Textiles seem to occupy the only decorative role in the entire dorm- so perhaps there is significant cultural significance? Maybe there is a certain region that's known for their practices? Or is weaving a symbol of adulthood or growth and therefore is why they're hung up in each of the dorm member's rooms with the exception of Ruggie, who may not have had the socioeconomic privilege of making one? Or does the practice vary across species? Much to speculate 🤔

Octavinelle: Art Deco and Art Nouveau

Saved this one for last because oh boy I don't even know where to start with this. Obviously the design is very creative and I love it, but there's a lot less historical elements I can use to analyze the style, kind of like the Savanah claw exterior.

But it leans towards the art deco style, which is most fitting for the business dorm I think.

Elements of Art deco like geometric aspects of design, thematic and aesthetic consistency, and decorative/geometric windows are seen throughout the dorm interior and exterior

But I think the art nouveau elements are also there too, with the cheeky sea-themed elements that use natural shapes and icons into the architecture, design, and surfaces of the dorm.

Otherwise, not much else to say about this dorm 🤷 it's not really based in anything historical but there are bits and pieces of art nouveau and art deco in there, but I definitely wish they would lean more into the art deco elements since I think it would go well with the general themes of the dorm values.

So uh, yeah. Told you it would be convoluted.

Feel free to add and or correct!

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hathay · 4 months

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❄️twst christmas/winter headcanons❄️

disclaimer: this does contain content about christmas, i know i know they don’t celebrate it i just thought it’d be cute, bUtttt i tried to make it more festive instead of geared towards christmas!:)

includes: general ones then all the dorms & dorm members <3

general

- there’s a school wide secret gift giving event which is just pure chaos and cuteness as people scramble to get other people gifts even if they don’t really know the person. each name pulled comes with a little something about the person they got for the gift exchange.

- there’s also a year vs. year snowman building/decorating competition (they take it very seriously)

- (people also try and sabotage other years snowman’s so they learn special magic to protect their snowmen.) (meaning if you hear/see someone being shot into the distance, chances are they messed with the 3rd years snowmen.)

- the school is decorated all over with winter decorations like wreathes, colorful string lights, as well as soft snow.

- students go sledding on the hills, having sledding competitions.

- (they also like to have a dorm decorating competition but no one likes to actually talk about it, they just know it’s happening, and they definitely know who is winning, and it’s NOT the other dorms.)

- let’s not even try and act as if there wouldn’t be PLENTY of snowball fights constantly. you’re just minding your own business walking around NCR, when suddenly a cold, wet ball of snow pelts you right in the back of the head. glancing over and that face you love so much just shrugs with a smile, before a full on blur of snow hits them right on that pretty smile.

- it would be utter chaos after a bit, floyd and rook would take it so seriously. like what do you mean rooks snowball basically curved around other people to hit you??? meanwhile floyd’s rolling a snowball so large it would practically knock someone down if thrown.

octavinelle:

- you think azul is going to let cold weather and festivities stop him from making money??? absolutely not. he is profiting so hard. hot chocolate? on the menu. oh you’re cold and wanna sit by the fireplace??? $8 please:).

- he makes floyd dress in a santa costume and take photos with students. (sometimes floyd gets really into it, other times you just see a quick flash of blue hair in a santa suit running after a terrified first year)

- jade loves it. adores these times. the snow?? imagine how pretty it looks on mountains right now, or what kind of mushrooms would THRIVE in this. he often wears one of those necklace string lights that are just so tacky, but i mean, who would tell him not to.

- jade loves antagonizing people about the cold. you’re cold? interesting. imagine being in the deep depths of the sea, imagine that coldness:)

- they go around in their regular uniforms, wondering why everyone is such babies about the cold. floyd goes as far as to wear shorts around just to poke at people, what do you mean your cold? he’s literally wearing shorts, you’ll be fine.

ignihyde:

- you think idea wears sweaters too much before it gets cold????? imagine him when it’s cold out, so bundled up, there was barely a chance of getting him to leave his room before, now there’s a zero percent chance.

- ortho wears scarves and little mittens even though he obviously doesn’t have to.

- let’s not forget how idia is secretly trying to outdo all the other dorms. those lights that spell out words and play the theme song to idias favorite shows, who would’ve possibly put those up!!

- idia loves the holidays even if he won’t admit it, geez why do people go crazy. and gifts? who would want a gift from a stranger?

- that is until ortho shows up outside his door, handing him a plate of cookies you made and thought he would enjoy! and uh oh, suddenly his blue hair starts turnings a pale pink.

heartslabyul:

- riddle is also violently bundled up.

- ace is an absolute menace as per usual. yellow snow? he’s either eating it or convincing unsuspecting people to eat it, someone please get him AWAY from deuce.

- deuce is constantly calling him mom telling her he can’t wait to see her soon, and sending her selfies of him all bundled up, he forever feels the need to make up for his past wrongdoings.

- adeuce definitely sneak out and join the other first years for late nights leading competitions, and they all end up back at ramshackle, freezing cold, dying laughing at each other. they even stay up late tracking santa on their phones knowing damn well he’s not real.

- trey makes plenty of cookies and makes sure everyone’s all warm, he’s oddly okay with the cold, just wearing a light jacket and feeling perfectly fine. he gets super annoyed at how his glasses fog up everytime he walks into the cold outside from the nice and toasty inside.

- trey rocks scarves so hard, like cater is so jealous because he thinks scarfs just look so silly on himself.

- speaking of, all the lights? the decorations??? cater is going to have a FIELD DAY with all these perfect backdrops for his magicam.

- ace is buying an elf on the shelf and you CANNOT stop him. and he will most definitely be using it to scare tf outta people. he kept on moving it around when no one was around, freaking riddle out.

- until…ace notices the elf moving spots without him doing it. deuce and ace become absolutely CONVINCED the thing is possessed or alive, meanwhile it’s cater and trey fucking with them.

- cater would even go as far as to make it it’s own magicam account for updates.

- ace is a menace and starts playing holiday music on november 1st. he has no decency. trey tries to bribe him with sweets to at least wait until december (he takes the sweets and plays the music regardless)

pomefoire:

- you have never seen such a well versed winter selection of clothes until you see what vil and rook wear in the winter. vils mitten collection? it would make designers incredibly jealous.

- and then you see epels selection. it’s much…homelier. it’s very cozy!

- vil is not a fan of the cold. it’s just..too cold. he prefers it to be lightly cold but definitely not like this. but he’s not gonna let the cold stop him from shining out within the crowd.

- he will string some nice tinsel up along with some plain colored lights, but definitely not those hideous multicolored ones.

- vil would LOVE hot chocolate but would refuse to ever admit it, denying it instantaneously because what person who respects their body would digest that.

- afterwards though, he will be downing some ginger to cleanse his system a bit.

- epel and rook would INDULGE so hard in hot chocolate

- rook adores holiday, everyone looks so nice and warm he can’t it! compliments are flowing from every angle with this man, your scarf! his mittens! their boots! he’s thrilled and he’s taking note of who seems to be affected more by the cold and who is quite quaint to it.

- epel is taking the first years sledding he couldn’t fathom not doing so. he feels so at home in the cold.

savanaclaw:

- leona hates it. so bad. like why in hell is ruggie basically putting a wreath on leona’s head and giggling about it.

- leona hates the cold so bad, he’d sleep next to the fireplace.

- ruggie hates the cold too, he’s had a few too many unbearable cold nights back home.

- but what he does love? gifts and treats. you’re telling me someone’s gonna give him gifts?? and people are giving treats? he’s over the moon.

- he also can’t wait to give someone a gift, sure he likes his money and is stingy, but he likes to give certain people things, he gets how it is with no money or no gifts. he likes to make other people happy.

- jack loves the cold. adores it. he’s like a human heater, it’s perfect!

- he can’t wait to go sledding with the first years, and loves giving his gifts to people. it embarrasses him a little bit, his cheeks heating up, but as soon as the certain someone tells them he loves it, his tail is going CRAZY. he couldn’t be more happy.

- leona acts like he hates gift giving, just as he hands over the most sincere gift physically possible.

- they have the option of either hats without ear holes, leaving them with cold ears, or they can walk around with hoods/hats on, sticking up in the odd shape it forms around their ears. it’s lowkey adorable but the beastmen hate it.

scarabia:

- kalim is LIVING. all these pretty lights??? giving people things??? he’s so happy. he wants to decorate so much. he would want to give every single person something, i mean, they deserve it!!

- jamil is…less excited. he enjoys the holidays, but only when he’s around people he can actually tolerate.

- if you pass by jamil and he’s wearing a tacky string light necklace with this face :|. just…don’t mention it. but when you pass by a gleaming kalim wearing the same thing, it’s obvious whose idea that was.

- maybe if you can convince one of them, they’ll take the magic carpet out for a spin, flying above the school looking down at all the snow, the decorations, lights, and all the people living life below.

- jamil is freezing cold too. he cannot stand it, this man would walk around in layers on layers, yet he’s still freezing.

- he catches kalim making snow angels and ushers him up because he’s going to get sick.

- wait..is that ace? talking to kalim,,, near YELLOW SNOW?? dear god this man is going to have a heart attack.

diasomnia:

- lilia is getting everyone matching sweaters. it’s happening as we speak. sure sure they have ones from past years, but they need new ones are you crazy???

- sebek wears his so proudly knowing he matches with lilia and malleus, why does silver need to match them too though.

- malleus wouldn’t completely understand the holiday fuss, but he would love it, everyone seems so happy, humans are so cute! he’s never celebrated like this, would you be so kind as to help malleus decorate his room as you did ramshackle?

- if you ask kindly enough i malleus supposed he could let you decorate his horns as well.

- silver questions who put tinsel around malleus horns while lilia & the mc look away unsuspectingly as malleus just beams.

- sebek absolutely hates the idea of santa. what do you mean a large man comes breaking into homes??? near his malleus??? are you insane?

- silver isn’t the biggest fan of the cold, all indoor places are just so so warm and cozy, he can’t help it as his eyes start to drift close.

- silver will wear the cutest holiday hats, he loves them, the also cant wait to give his gifts, he just hopes the person likes it.

- a little gift exchange is just so cute, they’re just a little fae (and honorary fae) family experiencing human customs, fully embracing it.

ramshackle:

- grim puts poorly wrapped tuna cans under the tree they have set up, but it only last for a few days after mc catch’s grim feasting on them like it’s his last mean.

- we all know he has fur that keeps him well warmed, but that doesn’t mean he’s not gonna parade around in a cute little sweater anyways, come on mc has one just like it after all!

- a gingerbread house?? mc is going to create such a cute house while grim pitches in, and once they finished and mc took a photo, grims bouncing up and down begging to eat it whole.

- the ghosts decorate with tinsel, a tree, lights, and even mistletoe in the entranceway. though ramshackles foundational quality may not be the best, it sure is a sight to see with decorations lining it.

- grim tried his hardest to decorate the tree but it really just looks like a hot mess.

- grim and mc spend the holiday together, they bake cookies, watch holiday movies, even the ghosts join!

- they have a present exchange, and they video call some people they’re missing a bit too much.

- guess mc just has to invite her favorite people over to help her fix it! would sure be a shame if mc caught a certain someone at the entranceway under the mistletoe.

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