Architect Breaks Down the Evolution Of Batman’s Wayne Manor | Architectural Digest

[@PrefabTinyModularHomes]

If you think about it Wayne Manor really is a character in its own. Seeing the evolution of the Batman homes is fascinating. The thoughtfulness each director makes to fit the home into the tone of the movie is something I’d have never thought of.

[@b_uppy]

And most lacking adequate symbology or relating to batman lore.

[@shikaka9032]

Will the new Batman be African American? like a mermaid in a disney 2022 movie where the little mermaid who swam in salty water and at a depth where there is very little light and her skin should be white because melanin would not be produced, but Disney made her an African as if she lives in Africa with zebras .... it remains to work out the gay agenda ....

[@chongymeister14]

@@shikaka9032 wtf u smokin

[@ytuseracct]

@@shikaka9032 "her skin should be white because melanin would not be produced" SHE'S ALSO HALF-HUMAN, HALF-FISH, which also doesn't make sense? it's fantasy for a reason.

[@epicn]

@@shikaka9032 do you even care to watch the little mermaid? This clown world is not worth arguing for or against. Stop wasting your time

[@michaelfilofficial]

What I learned from this is that there is an interesting correlation between Wayne Manor and how accessible wealth (and the wealthy) was to the middle class. From quaint suburban home to remote castle to an apartment akin to one on New York's Billionaire Row.

[@BoitumeloMalatji]

Yup! The homes have gone from wealthy to millionaire to billionaire 😂.

[@RingoLoadagain]

Good observation! This makes me think of it in a very different way. I wonder if the filmmakers over the years had this in mind or if it just reflected the collective psyche of the times.

[@danielchae1452]

Chances are that all what's going on here is that the different productions had different budgets.

[@phuckingtroll2851]

darn inflation lol

[@henrycavillsrealmustache3553]

Well thats his apartment. In the dark knight he still has a true Wayne Manor. It burnt down im in Batman Begins and is being rebuilt. In The Dark Knight Rises he is back in the Mansion

[@masterofallgoons]

I hope this guy does an analysis of the architecture in different depictions of Gotham City as well. That would be equally fascinating.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

This is what I'm hoping for, and I'm also hoping when it happens, he doesn't say Art Deco several times when describing the architecture and adornment.

[@masterofallgoons]

@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar - that's gonna be hard to avoid

[@thestartupspecialist]

Yeah! That would be awesome! Gotham is very captivating.

[@CaptainAmercia]

​@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar I was thinking more Gothic Revival lol

[@fantastaboygaming7503]

Also the rooftops! Batman buys some buildings to put in place safe spots he can use the grappling hook which is how in the comics it’s looks like he’s flying and can stay in the air for like 7 pages. I would love to see an analyse as to how physically possible it would to attachs things like to buildings or how strong an already existing railing or statue would hold a fully armoured Batman.

[@Delvis343]

I look forward to all the videos with this guy. He’s an enjoyable teacher. Can’t wait for more!

[@tdiddy432]

He’s the best teacher easily So likable

[@toddjasper1]

100% agree. Super insightful. It’s so pleasing to hear someone talk about something they’re really passionate and knowledgeable about

[@michlazoo1975]

!!

[@HEATSEEKER00]

He's Jewsplaining ... Do you like being lectured to from a position of privilege ?

[@Courtesyflush52]

​@@HEATSEEKER00 lol what? he's an architect explaining architecture

[@bhargavchaudhari746]

Being a Batman fan, I'm very glad to hear Bill Finger's name ahead of Bob Kane, cause after decades of the fight (of course from Bill's side), finally everyone knows the true legend (Dark knight) behind such an iconic character in the history of both DC & Marvel comics.

[@elluisito000]

It is interesting to see how Chicago has, in a way or another, influenced the way Gotham is supposed to look. Thanks!

[@burtmacklin4497]

It’s pretty interesting because in Batman begins most of the skyline and filming is Chicago, the dark knight is NYC, and the dark knight rises is Pittsburgh. So when you imagine Gotham city in the Nolan movies it’s almost an amalgamation of the three cities

[@tonywellington7854]

gotham is chicago

[@RyanG0899]

​@@tonywellington7854Gotham City is Gotham City.

[@InhabitantOfOddworld]

And much of The Batman is based on Liverpool - only the wide skyline shots are Chicago

[@le_meme_man8983]

​@@burtmacklin4497 that's incorrect. Begins was Chicago and a set built for the narrows, while TDK was just Chicago (and Hong kong). TDKR was Pittsburgh, New York and Los Angeles

[@miguelinigopabello5605]

My favorite interior design is that of the new Batman movie. I like how it looks like the inside of a gothic church instead of your typical penthouse or mansion.

[@oliviahayes6427]

listening to this architect is a delight

[@robchristian3103]

What a great point about the family house of Edward Bulwer-Lytton used in Batman 1989 as in the same movie the Joker proclaims "The pen is truly mightier than the sword" after killing Ricorso. Thanks for a fun and educational documentary!

[@BoomKing69]

Wow! So true!!

[@alessandrotorza6120]

Had the same thought. Very nice Easter egg.

[@alexanderguerrero347]

In the dark knight the joker also kills a man with a pencil

[@funnyman8713]

@@alexanderguerrero347 a fooking pencil !

[@moniaco3462]

For me, despite the fantastic of Tim Burton and Joel Schmacher's Mansion and Gotham City, it is more realistic than Chris Nolan's for one reason only, the fantastic and imposing of invented cities makes you believe that they are different places than any other city. in the world and those of Nolan's trilogy when filming in well-known cities (Chicago) takes you out of the hero's universe by identifying the streets and buildings and makes you realize that such city doesn´t exist

[@5oups3yeVi3w]

There's also the former Manor in The Batman, which was donated to Gotham to be an orphanage where the Riddler grows up and Thomas Wayne launches his mayoral campaign. Great breakdown!

[@susanmurphy958]

You are a wonderful teacher, Michael Wyetzner. You need to make more videos like this. They are absolutely fascinating. Keep up the good work!

[@vietnameeseguy]

Bruce’s penthouse in TDK is my favorite. So freaking cool and it would make more sense with him living in the city so he’d be closer to respond to things.

[@Lil_Princess2005]

Cringe

[@mndlessdrwer]

To be fair, as wealthy as he is depicted to be, he should reasonably own multiple properties, so him needing to relocate when Wayne Manor inevitably burns down isn't nearly as inconveniencing as you might think.

[@BillFinger27]

Dude, that historical context for Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Rises is so cool!

[@andybergman7009]

Michael Wyetzner is awesome. I hope his analysis is utilized in many episodes on this channel

[@sumit9803]

This guy is an amazing teacher. He obviously loves Batman, and looks like he really enjoys teaching both Architecture and Batman. Dope video!

[@walterzielinski6654]

Bravo Michael! I wish AD would create a dedicated Wyetzner Playlist. For a lifelong architecture fan, always more informative than any art history lecture I ever attended.

[@limelindsey78]

Obsessed with this series! I get so excited when a new video is posted. One of the manors being a collegiate building is pretty cool. I'd love to see an episode with universities, prep schools, etc.

[@BoitumeloMalatji]

This would really be interesting.

[@ender7278]

I really appreciate covering the comic debut and 40s serials. Most people would just skip those, but you guys were thorough.

[@PioneerBuildersInc]

I'd love to see him talk about the lake house in Batman vs. Superman

[@daninceto0]

Absolutely love these videos. I literally can't get enough of listening to Mr Weytzner break down every detail in each building. Very interesting and captivating.

[@slimphotog]

Me too. Previously I had no interest in architecture.😅

[@MistakenMedia]

Love watching these because I learn what the actual name for things are like the gables, quoins, intel, balustrade and the clerestory windows. Really shows your expertise in this field.

[@galaxy_mosaic3587]

expected this video to be pretty educational but somehow it was more fun than expected. I guess bc of the explanation of the various styles of buildings used. appreciate the level of research done to identify the actual building used (when available) and its history. thank you

[@Cheeksisjeshua]

I would love to point out that in “The Batman” where Batman and Gordon go looking for the Riddler and find the tape about the Waynes, is actually the Wayne Manor. Matt Reeves Twitted saying that the tower is where Bruce stayed while the Manor was being turned into an Orphanage, then an abandoned building. Hopefully we can see that actually becoming the Wayne Manor again.

[@aadityamittal4821]

The building that they used to depict the "Wayne" building the latest version of is the iconic Tribune Tower in Chicago.

[@pnwmeditations]

The interior of Wayne Manor in The Batman is so damn cool looking. I wish I could wander around in there for hours.

[@BoyDrowned]

I just LOVE when he says "CREATED BY BILL FINGER and bob kane"

[@Abhi-wh3ik]

You can see the joy on his face while talking about Nolan's taste- because it resonates with guys with good taste in architecture, he wasn't necessarily trying to make it seem gothic, or Batman centric compared to Matt Reeves- who wanted to make it as comicbook-y as possible in modern context wirhout completely indulging into fantasy unlike Burton's design which was full on comicbook fantasy. Snyder chose what best describes his vision of the character and the universe he was trying to create- ruins.

[@ivanjuarez7731]

The Wayne Manor in Batman 89 is actually the Knebworth House located in Knebworth, England. It has been used in other productions including Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and The King's Speech.

[@RingoLoadagain]

Please keep bringing Michael back, I really get excited when I see that you've posted a new video from him!

[@anneoboyle8447]

I think 🤔 Michael ought to design the next Wayne Manor! He'd incorporate all of the best of these elements he's explained so artfully here! Thanks, Michael!❤️🍀🏡

[@moniaco3462]

For me, despite the fantastic of Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher's Mansion and Gotham City, it is more realistic than Chris Nolan's for one reason only, the fantastic and imposing of invented cities makes you believe that they are different places than any other city in the world and those of Nolan's trilogy when filming in well-known cities (Chicago) takes you out of the hero's universe by identifying the streets and buildings and makes you realize that such city doesn´t exist, same situation with batman v superman. Conclusion: ironically there is more realism and creativity in the invented cities of Burton and Schumacher than in the newer versions as The Batman with Robert Pattison.

[@Abrahamhamham]

This is a very good exercise in deconstructing and explaining verbally different architectural styles. And not even architecture. You will pretty much fry your brain trying to do it for several objects in a row. It will definitely test your knowledge and enrich your vocabulary, because even if you don't know much about it, it's enough to be interested in it to have an entire universe open up for you. I don't know. That's how i feel right now. The more i know, the greater the hunger for knowledge becomes.

[@rk1356]

What a brilliant guy. I would happily listen to him speak on any video related to architecture and architectural history. I bet he gives an amazing pitch to clients.

[@allthingstoallmen8912]

Absolutely love Michael's breakdowns. Keep on bringing him back for more please!

[@EtruskenRaider]

It’s basically Tribune Tower on Michigan Ave.

[@curiousworld7912]

The post-war, suburban look to 'Wayne Manor' was interesting. I can almost understand the comic book depiction, as the top-line, Sears 'mansion' kit-home from the early 20th cent. As to the various Gothic interpretations; I sort of expect that, given the name of the city is 'Gotham', and the general tone has been dark, which is often associated with that style. Fun video. :)

[@vincentgoupil180]

Actually, Gotham means simple minded fools or, a town of goats. The 40s Batman writer Bill Finger took it out of a telephone book from Gotham Jewelers.

[@curiousworld7912]

@@vincentgoupil180 I didn't know the origin of the word. That's interesting. :) But, I just meant the two words had similar sounds, so going from 'Gotham' to 'Gothic' seemed a short step.

[@vincentgoupil180]

@@curiousworld7912 Easy to do as its commonly understood 'Batman' orginally started in New York City or, as Bill Finger nicknamed it Gotham City, and later combined with Gothic Literature and Gothic Revival architecture 1830-1860.

[@justinwilliams7290]

New York City's nickname is 'Gotham' and that is likely where it comes from. It was coined by Washington Irving in the early 19th century and meant as satire for the fools who lived and ruled there.

[@vincentgoupil180]

@@justinwilliams7290 And Irving took the name from the town of Gotham, Nottinghamshire, England for City of Fools (NYC) or, later as Robin said place for the criminally insane. Also, Gotham/Gottam/City of sheep, goats.

[@whtyc]

This was awesome. Every time I see Michael’s face I know it’s going to be good

[@cameronliddy8520]

Wayne Manor from TDK (Wollaton Hall) is actually very close to Gotham, England (pronounced goat-um). Gotham was used as a nickname for NYC which was taken from the original Gotham in England. Nolan's choice to use Wollaton Hall for the final iteration of Wayne Manor is a clever link to Batman and Gotham City's origins

[@queenofhearts64]

Glad that you gave the correct pronunciation of Gotham so I can add that Wollaton is pronounced Wool -a- tun

[@HeroesOfSmile]

Sadly they forgot Bruce's villa from BvS and Justice League, which is in fact a black replica of Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe (same architect, whose building was used in Dark Knight).

[@NJ-jc9iq]

Yup that was the whole reason I clicked the video. Mies van der Rohe is my favorite architect. Love that house!

[@PHELI0N]

Thank you for this wonderful video. Especially mentioning Bill Finger before Bob Kane made my day! 😊

[@j.mieses8139]

This was an amazing breakdown of the different architectural styles. Mr. Wyetzner explains everything in such detail so well.

[@almovi]

You missed the black Farnsworth House where Ben Afleck lives Batman vs Superman!!!

[@josiah6794]

The house he starts talking about at around 2:50 from the TV series was also Consul Han's house in the Jackie Chan movie Rush Hour!

[@IronMike90]

Great Video! I'm only missing the Bruce Waynes house from the Zack Snyder movie. After Wayne Manor burned down Bruce ist living in an total modern House at the shore of a lake. Always loved that modern minimalistic house.

[@marceng6579]

I was waiting for that part too! Haha because it has inspiration on the Farnsworth House of architect Mies Van der Rohe, same house depicted previously when speaking about the penthouse

[@rsgromek]

@@marceng6579 that was exactly what I was going to say! Too bad they didn’t touch on that one.

[@rbarr6]

Really informative and well thought out video.

[@marcusanark2541]

I'm very impressed and delighted he started with the comic book source material and the lesser known shorts!!!

[@BlueSaphire70]

Delightful episode, as usual!

[@seattlebeard]

Michael Wyetzner is an absolute joy to watch. More, please! :o)

[@robertdraw7726]

Very nice and no commercials which helps tremendously. Thank you.

[@cultureminister]

I was saving all comics depictions of wayne manor for the last 6 years, so this video is really exciting for me. If it also covered all comics manors it would just be the best video on youtube

[@Pakilla64]

In Batman v Superman, after Wayne Manor burned down, Bruce lived in his mother's house that was commissioned by Thomas Wayne. It was modeled after Farnsworth House, also designed by Mies Van der Rohe, and built from scratch.

[@bpetey5970]

The house by the lake right?

[@moniaco3462]

For me, despite the fantastic of Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher's Mansion and Gotham City, it is more realistic than Chris Nolan's for one reason only, the fantastic and imposing of invented cities makes you believe that they are different places than any other city in the world and those of Nolan's trilogy when filming in well-known cities (Chicago) takes you out of the hero's universe by identifying the streets and buildings and makes you realize that such city doesn´t exist, same situation with batman v superman. Conclusion: ironically there is more realism and creativity in the invented cities of Burton and Schumacher than in the newer versions

[@AquaticMammalOnBicycle]

at 13:25

[@natalieeis9284]

I love this series, especially this one. Thank you 🦇🖤

[@angonsframes]

Me too ! hi five. This one is so informative about Batman structural facts. Loved it. Are you a Batman fan ?

[@UnclePaulsTravelVlog]

Its crazy that the knebworth house was used the '89 batman movie since the line "the pen is mightier than the sword" was coined by a descendent of the man who built it and was used by the joker in the movie.

[@RossHall-UK]

IMDB level trivia there. 👍👍

[@Robertbartaa]

to bad they didn’t include the glass lake house that was inspired by the farnesworth house in batman v superman. would have been cool to hear his take on it.

[@Kurdt-zk4wt]

Now your asking foe too much

[@TKE644]

I was unsure about whether or not clicking on this was a good decision, having stumbled upon it, but the Danny Glover Lethal Weapon reference sold me. Great video.

[@masquerader101]

PLEASE take a look at keyhouse from the Locke & Key comic. It is absolutely gorgeous and the artist has a degree in architecture to top it all off. You will be extremely pleased

[@ThatOtherMikeyGuy]

this is some great work. If there's one thing I love, it's trivial subjects addressed with great intellectual rigour (and, conversely, weighty topics treated flippantly).

[@nathan_p]

I love this series of videos. I always wanted one about the evolution of Professor X's mansion, but I imagine it would be very similar to this one.

[@jallar4]

Professor X's mansion is actually Casa Loma in Toronto which was also used as Wayne Manor for the TV show Titans!

[@hrani]

I experienced the same grief and outrage as he did when describing what happened to the ruined building. What a travesty. Shame on those developers, destroying such a beautiful piece of history for nothing but profit

[@xaayer]

I wish he had covered the Animated Batman's mansion. Mask of the Phantasm was a movie with a theatrical release so it would qualify. Edit: We also had a Wayne manor in Joker.

[@foreverkent2225]

I had no idea that they used the same Wayne manor location for Schumacher films, the Gotham series, and the joker film. 🤯

[@wongus1907]

As an Architect Major this brings joy to my eyes

[@QuanTumm1357]

I really do think that the Wayne manor in the Gotham show is the best we’ve seen. It’s such a shame that it gets overlooked because it’s an underrated show and really should get more exposure in almost every area of batman media, even architecture since it is a mix of gothic styles and modern day New York. The timeless style of the show is shown beautifully in its architecture

[@GG-si7fw]

Is there an episode that you recommend that shows the Wayne Manor. Your comment and this video has peaked my interest in the Wayne Manor. My favorite is the Gaslight Gotham, the Victorian Era Batman as the Batcave is actually in the attic, lead up there via a secret passage behind a grandfather clock.

[@QuanTumm1357]

@@GG-si7fw the manor is probably shown most at the start of the show so I’d recommend watching season 1

[@36melodyproduction]

An analysis of every Wayne Manor depiction in Batman movies/series is the video I didn't knew I needed.

[@MrsAlexisAgnew2019]

He’s having so much fun at 9:02. So that means *I’m* having so much fun. Please bring him back again and and again, so we can continue to have so much fun!

[@TheElectricMayhem]

It makes sense Snyder used a Classical Greek Architecture since the DC Trinity are suppose to be gods of modern mythology.

[@marryamakbaar3014]

Welcome Back, Michael 👋🏼 Seeing you puts a smile on my face, I know what's coming ☺ .. few minutes worth a sea of knowledge , wisdom and knock on head truth ! 🙌🏼 ❤ What I think of is: " pure fun and learning" , thank you 😊

[@SmallBlogV8]

Loads of things I didn't know about the buildings and wouldn't have noticed about little set design easter eggs and the like. Great stuff! Also 'Character Building' is the best possible name for this formula.

[@alexprieto4815]

Excellent video. Would have loved to hear some thoughts on Bruce Wayne’s modern Lake House in BvS

[@MMTrigger]

This might sound silly, but it's oddly fitting that the movie where Joker references the line "the pen is mightier than the sword" features the house of the line's creator.

[@thefonzkiss]

Good spot.

[@WOOF95]

These videos of Michael Wyeztner are superb! He's not a snob like Meier or Gehry.

[@m.showers1242]

Never notice 75% of elements you have presented. I have enjoyed everything presented!

[@Paperfiasco]

Intentional or not, I give this man extra points for crediting Bill Finger first before Bob Kane.

[@JaquesBobe]

I can listen to this guy talk for hours.

[@TheWrathfulSlayer]

I like the in-depth analysis of the manors of Bruce Wayne!! Whether it be comics or the movies/tv shows!!

[@dulio12385]

I wish he'd review the manor in The Batman TV series. That thing is a wierd mix of a manor estate and a brownstone apartment.

[@michaelimbesi2314]

Interestingly, Stevenson Taylor Hall at Webb Institute wasn’t actually built as a school building. It was built as one of the Pratt mansions in Glen Cove. So despite being a somewhat more stripped down building, it’s actually fairly fitting for Bruce Wayne, having actually been the estate of a wealthy industrialist. It’s also worth noting that the building seems larger in person. The first and second floors have very high ceilings, so the balustrade is actually closer to 35 feet up. As a result, when standing in the courtyard out front, the structure feels fairly massive. Another interesting fact is that while the flat driveway hides it, the structure is actually on a roughly 60 foot hill overlooking Long Island Sound, giving it a somewhat imposing view from the water.

[@claudiamann7111]

Your videos are just fabulous. So interesting and educational. I have learned new terminology from each one. Thanks so much and looking forward to the next one.

[@moniaco3462]

For me, despite the fantastic of Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher's Mansion and Gotham City, it is more realistic than Chris Nolan's for one reason only, the fantastic and imposing of invented cities makes you believe that they are different places than any other city in the world and those of Nolan's trilogy when filming in well-known cities (Chicago) takes you out of the hero's universe by identifying the streets and buildings and makes you realize that such city doesn´t exist, same situation with batman v superman. Conclusion: ironically there is more realism and creativity in the invented cities of Burton and Schumacher than in the newer versions as The Batman with Robert Pattison.

[@MrMetallidude]

This video was so satisfying - especially when he talked about the Burton-movies.

[@thepeculiarswede8617]

Loved your video, my personal favorite is the Batman returns version ( working on a Lego model of that one ) really works for the darker style of that movie.

[@hittkid6312]

I was hoping he would also cover the Gotham Orphanage in The Batman as that used to be Wayne Manor.

[@Michaelengelmann]

Loved the Nolan Wayne Manor the best since a kid, would LOVE to own it. The previous one is grand looking but yea, more like a private school. Less ornate, bland. Still cool.

[@1practicaljoker]

I would just like to add to the fact that Bruce Wayne’s address as stated in the latest Batman film was 139 Kane Avenue. As Michael stated, it was a nod to Bob Kane, but the address was also a nod to the year it first came out which was May 1, 1939.

[@ak_hoops]

Thing that jumped out to me was Christopher Nolan's Batman films using homes that were directly related. Sort of poetic justice to use the Original building to be the "rebuilt" Wayne Manor.

[@dhi_29_04]

I'm just happy to hear Bill Finger and Bob Kane

[@moon12349100]

I could listen to this guy all day

[@GSUnhinged]

15:59 - Even though it may be Chicago enhanced, this Wayne Tower reminds me of the AT&T building in Nashville, TN. The top of that building might be much wider, but it does still have the two spires at the top on the sides.

[@vincentmiller420]

Thanks Michael for the break down! It's very interesting to see it through the eyes of a professional!

[@yaminnadeem98]

I was really hoping he would touch on the glass house from Zack Snyder's Batman

[@EliteEasyE]

Would love to see him go over the Arkham games like Arkham City, Origins and Gotham Knights, etc. as well.

[@cocogravy8684]

The host is clearly a Batman fan and enjoyable to watch.

[@ninjagamer1359]

This video was absolutely fascinating from start to finish. I would love more, though, like all the interiors, rather than just 2, and more versions of Wayne Manor from the comics than just the first-animation, too!

[@VipinTejwani]

Why Ben Affleck Batman Lake House is not covered, but Chicago penthouse is? Could have slipped a little intro of it at least.

[@chrisgray6988]

Your such a clever story teller!!! Love the images...

[@GBglide]

I'd love to see his analysis of Nigel Phelps Drawings of Gotham for Batman '89 and the comics.

[@robertwoodcock-valentine9215]

Favorite one was the one from batman returns. It’s height just gives off a spooky vibe…

[@richmilburne5619]

This was awesome to watch

[@Jake-im8eq]

My favorite is probably bvs/zack snyders justice league. Love the broken down mansion turned into the hall of justice

[@redhouse5835]

Should have asked him to do a 10 min sketch of what he things Wayne manor would have been.

[@ConnAndTheThings]

This feels like a really good way to measure the way we view what it means to be “rich” as time has gone on

[@kingwinner]

I love these videos so much and Wyetzner is an indelible teacher. I checked out his firm's projects and they are gorgeous.