Looking to the Mouse: The Plausible Impossible in Architecture and Animation

This thesis explores architecture through the lens of character driven animated film. It will critically analyze select films from the Disney and Pixar catalogue. The research focuses on four films as case studies and undertakes a visual and textual analysis of critical spaces to understand how animation responds to two contemporary themes: environmental stewardship and social sustainability. To link animation to architecture, the thesis considers the plausible impossible, a principle of Walt Disney's animation concerning making the impossible appear rational. The plausible impossible is the method to explore both animation and visionary architecture. Visionary architecture and its associated theories have an extant tradition of exploring the plausible impossible through unbuilt projects that serve to initiate vital discourse within the architectural profession. In conclusion, the thesis exploits the inherent commonality between he plausible impossible and visionary architecture to consider animation as a novel approach to explore pressing architectural issues.