Understanding Through Virtual Reality the Cinematic Expressionistic Architecture: The Case Study of The Cabinet of Dr Caligari

This interdisciplinary research project explores the symbiotic relationship between architecture and cinema through the application of Virtual Reality (VR) technology. Focusing on the iconic film The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) by Robert Wiene, renowned for its pioneering narrative and architecturally innovative film sets, the study employs VR to digitally reconstruct these lost film sets. By leveraging archival drawings and meticulous data acquisition, the project's iterative design process models the sets to near-physical accuracy. The resulting VR simulation offers a unique opportunity for scholars, architects, and film enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the expressionist era's spatial and atmospheric environments. Additionally, it advocates for the use of VR as a tool for the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage within the realm of film and architecture. The case study's significance lies in its contribution to the preservation of film culture and the architectural legacy of Expressionism.