MVC is an evolution of a three layered traditional architecture. Many components of the three layered architecture are part of MVC. So below is how the mapping goes:
Functionality | Three layered / tiered architecture | Model view controller architecture |
Look and Feel | User interface | View |
UI logic | User interface | Controller |
Business logic /validations | Middle layer | Model |
Request is first sent to | User interface | Controller |
Accessing data | Data access layer | Data Access Layer |