Researching Atomic Heart: Soviet Architecture and Utopian Ideology
My research into Atomic Heart began with historical investigation rather than gameplay analysis. I examined Soviet architectural movements, including Constructivism, Stalinist neoclassicism, and Brutalism, to understand the visual references embedded in the game.
Academic discussions of Soviet utopian planning helped contextualize why architectural unity, monumental scale, and functional design were central to state ideology. This background research clarified how Atomic Heart exaggerates these qualities to expose their dystopian implications.
Researching Cyberpunk 2077: Capitalism, Density, and Verticality
In contrast, my research into Cyberpunk 2077 focused on urban capitalism and spatial hierarchy. Readings on cyberpunk theory, combined with architectural references such as Metabolism and Kowloon Walled City, revealed how density and vertical separation visualize class division.
Rather than portraying a centralized ideological system, Night City reflects fragmented power structures dominated by corporations. Architecture becomes a mechanism for reinforcing inequality rather than collective identity.
This distinction became important in differentiating the two case studies.
Class review
Developing an Investigation — The Principle of Argument
What Is an Academic Argument
An academic argument is your central claim and how you support it with evidence.
It expresses your viewpoint and answers a research question in a persuasive and logical way.
A strong argument:
- Runs consistently through the entire work
- Guides structure and research
- Is supported by evidence, not opinion
Key Elements of an Argument
- Statement of the problem
- Literature review
- Clear research focus (question, aim, or hypothesis)
- Methodology
- Evidence / results
- Discussion and conclusion
Your Voice in Academic Writing
Your voice appears through:
- Interpretation and evaluation of sources
- Clear connections between ideas
- Critical commentary (“so what?” sentences)
Academic writing is not just summarising others — it is joining the conversation.
Literature Review & Research Gap
A literature review:
- Engages critically with existing research
- Identifies limitations or gaps in knowledge
- Establishes the originality and significance of your study
Key Takeaway
Academic writing is argumentative writing: make a claim, support it with evidence, and show where you stand.
Choosing and Researching a Topic — Key Notes
Choosing a Topic
A good topic should:
- Hold your interest long-term
- Be focused, researchable, and challenging
- Relate to art, design, or visual culture
Avoid topics that are too broad, too obvious, or purely descriptive.
Research Question
Your topic becomes your research question.
Strong research questions:
- Are specific and analytical
- Drive structure and investigation
- Cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”
Structuring the Research
- Break the main question into sub-questions
- Use sub-questions to shape your structure
- Modify the topic as research develops
Research Process
Four main stages:
- Researching the research
- Planning the research
- Doing the research
- Finishing the research
Use primary and secondary sources, take careful notes, and always evaluate credibility and bias.
Key Takeaway
A focused research question is the foundation of a strong investigation.
Composition, Screen Direction & Staging — Key Notes
Composition in Filmmaking
Composition is the arrangement of visual elements within the frame.
It guides the viewer’s attention and supports storytelling.
Common techniques include:
- Rule of thirds
- Leading lines
- Balance and symmetry
- Use of space and depth
Screen Direction & Continuity
Screen direction refers to how movement appears on screen.
Maintaining consistent direction prevents audience confusion.
Key rules:
- 180-degree rule (axis of action)
- Once direction is established, it must be maintained
- Crossing the axis must be visually motivated
Staging & Blocking
Staging is the clear presentation of action, emotion, and story.
Blocking is the choreography of actors in relation to the camera.
Good staging:
- Makes internal emotions visible
- Clarifies relationships and space
- Directs attention to what matters
Core Principle of Staging
Every movement must serve the story.
Avoid unnecessary action that distracts from the narrative.
Key Takeaway
Composition, screen direction, and staging work together to create clarity, continuity, and emotional impact.