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History of Art and Architecture: Special Topics - Traversing Transnational Luxury: Wagons-Lits and G
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:32:56
Abstract
This elective approaches semi-public interior spaces of Grand Hotels and sleeper cars as a continuous, transnational space, marketed to Europe’s upper class. This elective questions the role of this “brand identity” and transnational identities of the upper class in its imagery and advertisement posts, which simultaneously incorporated local, vernacular and exoticized elements to allure clients.
Objective
Aims: • deduce relevant materials from a variety of historical primary and visual sources concerning the cultural meaning and identity of architecture and interior space(s) • Critically read images and interpret them • formulate, critically assess and adjust a historiographical hypothesis based upon information drawn from these primary and visual sources
Content
The Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (CIWL, founded 1872) and its daughter companies managed a network of train routes with sleeper and dining cars (the Orient Express, the Nord Express) and alongside its Grand Hotels (Pera Palace in Istanbul, Elysée Palace in Paris) to appeal to elite travellers. These semi-public spaces, both the hotels and train carriages (hotels on rails) have been identified as markers of luxury and exclusivity, a “grand community of properties … that promised luxury, safety, and a certain degree of predictability in major destinations, all built to a similar style and standard.” While this “brand identity” was one of the company's main selling points, its visual language and advertisement posters incorporated local, vernacular and exoticized elements to allure its clients. This elective approaches these semi-public interiors as a transnational continuous space that (re)produced and transferred a shared, transnational identity between Europe’s upper-class communities, parallel to the technoscientific integration of Europe. This elective specifically focuses on how these identities were visualised and translated through promotional and advertisement materials. Students will select one project (a hotel, a specific train route/sleeper car service) and explore the visual imagery created around this semi-public space. Visual sources (posters, postcards, …) will be collected in digitised archives and literature. Results will be communicated through presentations in class, and an essay (1000 words + 5 images, pass/fail). Presence during class is recommended.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
History of Art and Architecture: Special Topics - Traversing Transnational Luxury: Wagons-Lits and G
No course 21.03.2025 (seminar week) and in the last two semester weeks (s. room reservations!).
|
|
2 h weekly |