season 3

Overview

The third edition of SF(a) – Society. Film. Architecture took place in Iași, 2–9 July 2024, under the theme “A Clockwork Orange & Brutalism.” Organised by the Romanian Order of Architects – Iași Branch, in partnership with the cultural NGO ALT+A, the event combined architecture, film, literature, and visual arts into a transdisciplinary laboratory of critical reflection. Season 3 explored the way dystopian cinema and brutalist architecture intersect as cultural expressions of modern society, raising questions about memory, ideology, and collective imagination.

Locations & Partners

Activities were hosted at Iași Youth Hub by BCR, FABLAB Iași, and the “Vasile Pogor” National Museum of Romanian Literature, with support from the “G.M. Cantacuzino” Faculty of Architecture (TUIASI), the Faculty of Visual Arts and Design (UNAGE Iași), ASAI – the Student Association of Architects in Iași, and Atelier Spre.

This project was supported by the Romanian Order of Architects, from the Architectural Stamp Duty.

Photo: 1-2 Dodo Visuals, 3 – T.Teodor-Stanciu, 4 – R. Nica

Participants

The edition attracted 123 registered students and graduates from architecture, visual arts and design, and literature, alongside young architects in training. Their diversity enriched the workshops and debates, while a group of 5 volunteersand 4 tutors ensured guidance and coordination. Over 100 people attended the public lectures, making the edition a cultural event open to both academic and general audiences.

Programme – Six “Scenes”

  • Scene 1 (2 July, Iași Youth Hub by BCR): Opening event and case-study screening of A Clockwork Orange(Stanley Kubrick, 1971).
  • Scene 2 (3 July, FABLAB): Narrative and Brutalist Architecture – lecture by Emanuela Ilie, followed by the Literary & Film Review Lab.
  • Scene 3 (4 July, FABLAB): Potential – lecture by Tiberiu Teodor-Stanciu, plus the Alternative Poster Lab (tutorials in Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator).
  • Scene 4 (4 July, Iași Youth Hub by BCR): Hermeneutic Deconstruction – lectures by Radu Cucuteanu, Viola Ruhse, and Dan Perjovschi.
  • Scene 5 (6 July, “Vasile Pogor” Museum): Hermeneutic Deconstruction continued, with talks by Silviu Teodor-Stanciu, Anca Horvath, Dana Vais, and Matei Bejenaru.
  • Scene 5.1 (6 July, Tg. Cucu): Guided city tram tour, Tramvaiul Libertății, led by Dan Perjovschi and Silviu Teodor-Stanciu, on the theme of collective memory and personal experiences in Iași during the totalitarian regime.
  • Scene 5.2 (6 July, Acaju): Informal evening lab, fostering direct exchange between participants and invited speakers.
  • Scene 6 (9 July, Iași Youth Hub by BCR): Final exhibition and award ceremony presenting alternative posters and critical reviews, followed by a round-table moderated by Nely Vînău.

Guest Speakers & Tutors

Season 3 gathered a strong panel of speakers: Dan Perjovschi (visual artist), Dana Vais (professor of architecture, UTCN), Matei Bejenaru (artist, UNAGE), Anca Horvath (Aalborg University, Denmark), Viola Ruhse (University for Continuing Education, Krems, Austria), Emanuela Ilie (UAIC Iași), Radu Cucuteanu (historian, editor), and Silviu Teodor-Stanciu (designer, UNAGE Iași).

Photo: Dodo Visuals

Tutors included Nely Vînău, Tiberiu Teodor-Stanciu, Ana Cristina Tudora, and Gabriel Tudora, ensuring close guidance during the creative workshops.

Exhibition & Awards

The final exhibition showcased 77 works (59 alternative posters and 19 literary & film reviews). The professional juries awarded six prizes and several mentions and nominations, recognising originality and critical interpretation. The event concluded with a public award ceremony and discussion with jury members, highlighting the educational and cultural value of the outcomes.

Media Coverage & Impact

SF(a) Season 3 received broad visibility:

  • TVR Iași and Iași TV Life produced dedicated reports, including participant testimonials and coverage of the tram tour and exhibition;
  • Radio HIT broadcast interviews with the coordinators;
  • Articles appeared in Ziarul de Iași and on the websites of partner institutions (TUIASI, FABLAB, Tramclub Iași, CTP Iași).
  • The project was also presented at the Beta – Timișoara Architecture Biennale in the “Searches” section.

Core Vision

Season 3 confirmed the essence of SF(a): an educational and cultural framework where film becomes a catalyst for critical reflection on architecture and society. By bridging brutalist imaginaries with dystopian narratives, the edition stimulated collective creativity and fostered new forms of dialogue between students, professionals, and the wider public.