How 'Dune' Replicated Real-Life Ancient Architecture | Architectural Digest

Today, Michael Wyetzner of Michielli + Wyetzner Architects returns to AD for an in-depth look at the architectural design in Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of ‘Dune’. Surviving on the desert planet Arrakis is no mean feat-see how the movies took design inspiration from brutalism and Earth’s ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Aztecs, to bring the ‘Dune’ universe to life.
Director: Hiatt Woods
Director of Photography: Charlie Jordan
Editor: Ron Douglas
Host: Michael Wyetzner
Producer: Skylar Economy
Line Producer: Joe Buscemi
Associate Producer: Brandon Fuhr
Production Manager: Melissa Heber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Camera Operator: Jake Robbins
Audio Engineer: Lily Van Leeuwen
Production Assistant: Ryan Coppola
Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew
Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
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[@oleha7920]

Actually it doesn't take place 8,000 years in the future. The Story of the first movie begins in 10,191 AG. The "AG" stands for 'after guild' and marks the establishment of the Spacing Guild's monopoly. So the year 10,191 AG corresponds to the year 23,352 A.D., so it's actually more than 21,000 years in the future.

[@maverickbull1909]

Nerd 😅

[@oleha7920]

@@maverickbull1909😅

[@zigmasslusnys3596]

Thanks for this info!

[@maverickbull1909]

@@oleha7920 just messing with you. This is cool info thanks for clarifying. This story has a very rich history

[@bennettmcknight2373]

Thank you. The extreme future is important conceptually. Assuming Arakene is constructed of concrete because the set dressing was is also an unsupported supposition.

[@akshitmishra1738]

This is one of those movies whose architecture was impeccable.

[@RAZR_Channel]

Ya... but they didn't spend enough time on it... for real... all these details are just passed over in a few shots... It would be Really cool if they would put it up on a website to explore because in the films all we get is maybe 2 minutes total... ( just an estimate of course but that's the way it feels ). The desert has more screen time...

[@Aranglorion]

I always enjoy Mr. Wyetzner's videos. I would very much like to see part 2!

[@kristinadutton3259]

Yes!

[@StillSNEAKERfreaker]

What people have to remember is that when Frank Herbert wrote the books, there was no internet to do a quick word research in arabic or google image search of mandarin architecture references. Incredible!

[@antzpantz]

He did have books though...

[@allangibson8494]

Arabic to English dictionaries are a “thing”…

[@GraydenProductions]

In an interview, Herbert said he read over 200 books in his research for writing Dune. That's insane to think about, but yes, no Internet means a lot more legwork.

[@damonroberts7372]

It's very much in character for House Harkonnen to use a "thirsty" material like concrete in the middle of a desert... as both an ostentatious display of wealth/power, and a middle finger to the locals. _But..._ just because it looks like concrete doesn't mean that it _is_ concrete. It's established canon in the Dune universe that interstellar travel is enormously expensive, so there would be incentive to use local materials. I thought the formwork texture suggested a construction method similar to rammed earth. It could even be laser sintered, and the texture is like a 3D printer artifact.

[@nietzscheankant6984]

The brutal, inhumane nature of the architecture is also an intentional demonstration of uncaring, cruel dominance over the local population, and thus the use of 'cold', wasteful and unecological concrete, and unempathetic, domineering brutalist architecture is a great choice. Brutalism, after all, being the optimal architectural style to represent the death of the human soul, love of beauty, and the humane touch and spirit.

[@bartvandenpoel8568]

@@nietzscheankant6984 A bit like the castles (the tower of London for ex.) the Normans put up all over England after William Conquered it in 1066.

[@BlueSunHiredGun]

“8000 years in the future…” *hundreds of Dune fans begin rushing to the scene to correct the error*

[@h0w1inmaDStudios]

The Emperor’s homeworld Kaitain was actually all filmed at Scarpa’s Brion Tomb in Dune Part 2!

[@babyhols777]

In italy yes

[@Fyuesiy]

It did look very Mediterranean !

[@samfilmkid]

Can’t believe he didn’t mention that!

[@reesefrancis]

@@samfilmkid surely he knew but just chose to say it reminded him of Scarpa? when they actually filmed in Tomba Brion, just weird.

[@AUMOTmusic]

He's probably waiting to mention it until they cover Part 2

[@bbartky]

Yes, please do a part 2! I would love to hear your take on Geidi Prime.

[@bradyphillips1995]

1:10 The palace in Arrakeen would not become "the largest manmade structure" until years after the events of Dune part 1 & 2

[@knightonart8886]

Yes. The largest manmade structure was the keep that Paul built. Different building entirely.

[@juansebastianfragozo674]

The New Atreides Imperial Palace.

[@go6obg92]

Please part 2!

[@mohammedsadeysalmi]

This dude needs his own show, I would watch. Very charismatic guy.

[@MG-hr5iz]

Yes. Part 2 please. This was an awsome analysis.

[@fatimazohradamas9490]

dune part 1 and 2 is truly a masterpiece

[@AngiMP]

Thank you so much for this! Looking forward to Part 2!!

[@stockhuman]

2:24 it takes place >20,000 years into the future

[@333dae]

yeah i think he took the year 10000 and assumed it’s in AD

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

Another fascinating discussion of the real roots of fantasy architecture! I would love to see the same in-depth analysis brought to the sequel, please!

[@fletchersheeran144]

Thank you for this, honestly just wish these videos were longer haha. would love to see a video for part 2!

[@officialvisualmastery]

We NEED part 2!

[@geoafe66]

You gotta see this movie at the cinema 🔥

[@LilianTejada]

You got to see it in IMAX

[@geoafe66]

Even better!

[@EGlideKid]

Enlightening. Thank you! Yes, do something like this for Part 2!

[@raymondtownsley9341]

Loved this! Will be using it as a teaching tool. Hope you do part 2 soon.

[@nkck]

Part 2, please! I'd really love to hear you explain more about this vast architecture of Dune :)

[@kerrin6633]

Very cool! I like how you analyze movies and such and comment on them! I see your love for art and symbolism as well via your commentary about the moon gates and circle. Love how you share your opinion as a professional too. We are privileged to see your passion and research into various topics in your videos. Thanks!!

[@marianaluna758]

Wow, thank you! Looking forward to Part 2.

[@octaviodigianni905]

WE NEED PART TWO AND IT HAS TO BE WITH YOU!!

[@Zhang_Lisa]

Would love to see a Part 2! Thanks for the insights 😊

[@queen-malika]

That was very interesting! Looking forward to see more videos like this! Thank you!

[@robertclarkson6064]

Yes please to part two. Thanks so much for these types of videos. Luv them.

[@leocremonezi]

Amazing video! We want part II, please 👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻

[@katypalmer9119]

This was amazing. Please do part 2!

[@mitchjohnson8094]

This is awesome! Would love a part 2

[@brownkiwi13]

Thank you for this incredible video! I'd love to see one on Dune 2 also, and I think many others would too. Thank you again!!

[@michellealler4505]

Loved this take, please do a part 2!

[@gabrielles.]

Wow, this was fascinating, and it made me love dune part 1 even more which i didnt think was possible. Would love to see a similar analyis for Part 2!

[@xzander6870]

Loved the use of Carlo Scarpas, Brion Family Tomb in part 2, absolutely beautiful architecture

[@yoroshiku137]

Yes. Please bring part II!

[@sobeso]

yes we need a breakdown for part 2 pretty please thank you

[@lilangel3034]

Yes, please for part 2.

[@nolomoussy9407]

yeees, please do part 2 cos there is so much more detail about the sietches

[@louisianalevy7484]

I would love to see a breakdown on the architecture of part 2 👍!

[@eola8]

Love it! Yes please, part 2. More on Giedi Prime, and what looks like a massive modern Colosseum for Feyd-Rautha birthday celebrations scene

[@PSEaZ]

Well done! Interesting facts and nice pace of the video, very well brought. One small point of feedback: Sound effects of the visuals swooping in and out is a bit distracting

[@thedofflin]

The attention to detail is insane

[@kindofbluenyc]

That was interesting. Would love to see a part 2.

[@Lucas-hq9ro]

Very well done, do part 2!! 👍

[@MLD.Ltd.]

Omg they actually did this!!! I thought about the architecture the WHOLE time every time there is a short of interior/exterior of a structure!!

[@emilyniedbala]

I would love to hear more, especially with all the new worlds we got to see in part 2!

[@pats.p1594]

Yes please we’re ready for the Part 2 one!!!! 🎉

[@ccnomad]

YES, Part II pls, this was so great :) How happy was I, a Dune nerd and architecture nerd, to watch this and gain some education

[@sakura2646]

Wow I watched Dune 2 on my birthday! An exciting movie!

[@blakepool6924]

Really interesting stuff. Please do Part 2.

[@idcman]

Can't wait for the Part Two video! :)

[@EHzNow]

Definitely do a Part 2. Thanks.

[@alexandraaluchi3421]

I want to see for part two this kind of video please!

[@DorothyOzmaLover]

Niiice, undeniable skill and effort there that intrigues!

[@sethsmith9834]

Love the references! Cool video! I want to know more about tents!

[@mrki731]

fascinating! Part 2 please!

[@stephaniejensen1644]

Would love to see a part 2!

[@nairina]

Definitely do part 2!

[@zanaleezee]

Definitely wanna see a breakdown of the architecture in Dune 2!

[@NorthChaos]

This was really educational - I want part 2!

[@andysiegel725]

Yeah definitely want a part 2 breakdown!

[@kellysartthrob]

Absolutely want to see a part 2 💯

[@RodrigoRuiz609]

Please make a part 2 where u talk about the architecture in Giedi Prime, Kaitain, and the south of Arrakis

[@mokolabs]

Love this series. More please!!!

[@andrewmartin9550]

This was very interesting please do a Part 2

[@thaihangtruong4559]

This is so fun and ackowledging to watch, please do the Arcgitecture of Dune: Part two, I'm eagle to watch the video ☺

[@DNAConsultingDetectives]

Yes, part 2, please!

[@bensalinas7937]

Let’s get a part 2 !!!

[@freddurrant7234]

Please make another video for part two! ❤

[@kfh123]

Traditional architecture > Modernist architecture

[@miac6371]

I definitely want to see the architecture notes for the psychotic Harkonnen world. The colosseum and stark pyramids were the most dramatic for me and would love to learn more on the influences

[@lindiwenyamayaro8515]

Thank you and yes, please break down Part 2

[@cococheflondon672]

I am Italian and I would love to see part 2. Some of the scenes in Dune 2 are in Tomba Brion realized by Paolo Scarpa. It is the grave of Brion's family near Treviso an amazing place

[@onefeather2]

Absolutely love this research, well done. More like this is great.❤❤❤

[@johnnytrevino7666]

Loved this video. Please do a part 2!

[@suryakantpatre4812]

yes please second part

[@KainedbutAble123]

You’re showing the Brion tomb used for the Emperor’s Palace in Dune Part 2!

[@herethere5053]

yes ! would like a part 2

[@migueldoliveiracomposer]

Loved it. Part 2 please

[@gko18]

Part 2? Yes please!

[@marcuskamau9781]

We want to see part 2

[@arthurmezacasa1021]

The production design in Dune is very well done!

[@connordeyoung6108]

I want to listen to this guy for like an hour

[@williamtsutherland8240]

Part 2? Yes Please!

[@lolapage1105]

This is super interesting ! I love how this video explains movies, culture, architecture and symbolism. A lot more fun that only seeing rich people's homes. More please! 🙂

[@jeanneblondewomanstamping9788]

Excellent analysis. Yes,please! Dune 2 architecture. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@tatopiano]

Part two, please! ♥

[@LucianoOliveira-fr6qv]

Very Interesting explanations . 👏

[@MrSantiagotri]

PART II now! pls

[@dobariyanaitikdineshbhai6832]

We want more of this please

[@user-wl1oz2zt3t]

Great content!

[@Vpaid]

I get that content creators feel rushed to latch on to big brands that are making waves in pop culture but like... this book series has been out for decades and a lot of minor facts that are wrong here can be easily googled. Paul's Palace in Arakeen, the one that is the largest ever built by human hands, is built during his 12-year reign and it is not depicted in the film.

[@dhq12345]

@1:00, the building in Arrakeen reminded me more of the Potala palace in Lhasa

[@vers9034]

I was thinking the same thing

[@rosebullen9207]

I would like another one for part 2 please!

[@rachaelkras2386]

Yes, please do Dune 2!!! Love these videos!

[@alanhalter1826]

Do part 2 please! 🙏

[@go6obg92]

I would trust this guy with building my future desert villa :D

[@madeleinewall7554]

loved this!!!

[@eganyi743]

brilliant video