The Phenomenology of Space in Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days: A Dialogue Between Architecture and Cinema

Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days explores the intersection of cinema and architecture through a phenomenological lens. The film examines public restrooms in Tokyo, each with unique architectural characteristics, delving into how these spaces are perceived and how they enhance the viewer’s spatial experience. In the film, spaces transcend their traditional role as mere backdrops to become central components of the narrative. The restrooms featured in the film stand out as significant elements that shape individuals’ sensory awareness, social contexts, and personal experiences from both architectural and phenomenological viewpoints. Architectural design integrates phenomenological qualities of space, such as the interplay of light, shadow, sound, and textures, enriching the viewer’s experience of these locations. This study investigates how these restrooms are conveyed to the audience through the film’s structure and narrative and how they shape sensory and emotional experiences. Qualitative research methods were employed, using document analysis and content analysis to frame the conceptual foundation of the study. It was found that these spaces form layers of both individual and collective meaning through their design elements and relationships with the urban context. The study demonstrates how the concept of phenomenological space can be interpreted through cinema.