Open City

Four more new towns announced and the future of the Museum of London

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

This week on The Brief Sahiba Chadha is joined by Henrietta Billings. Henrietta is the director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, an organisation dedicated to protecting historical buildings. Since joining SAVE in 2016, she has worked on campaigns such as M&S Oxford Street, Anglia Square in Norwich and the historic Grimsby Docks.

The government confirms four more locations for its new towns programme // A derelict church with a Grade II listed mural is finding new life as an arts and community centre // A court has rejected a legal challenge opposing the demolition of the former Museum of London // And a storm is brewing in Edinburgh over plans to transform four listed buildings in the New Town into a pod hostel

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The Open City Podcast is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture platform and produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, London Society, C20 Society and Save Britain's Heritage.

The Open City Podcast is recorded and produced at the Open City offices located in Bureau. Bureau is a co-working space for creatives offering a new approach to membership workspace. Bureau prioritises not just room to think and do, but also shared resources and space to collaborate.

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The Home That Made Me: The place that raised me

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Home that Made me, Nabil Al Kinani reflects on his experience growing up on the Chalk Hill Estate in Wembley, and how his sense of self was challenged as he saw his home through the eyes of others without first hand experience of the place and its community. This experience has profoundly shaped what he wants for his future as well as the responsibility he feels he has to the place and community that helped raise him.

Background image for the artwork is by Nabil Al Kinani.

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The UK government hires AI to help speed up planning decisions and the new architects of the BT Tower revamp

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This week on The Brief Fran Williams is joined by Ben Stuart. Ben is director and co-founder of architecture studio able partners, and the host of Able Diaries, a weekly show that gives a behind-the-scenes look at running an architecture practice.

Government hires Google to speed up planning decisions in England using AI // Orms replaces Heatherwick Studio on the revamp of BT Tower // Restoration plans for the Brutalist Crystal Palace Sports Centre are revealed // And another blow to Glasgow’s heritage as Forsyth House is destroyed in a fire

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Deconstructed: Peckham Library - Millenium Culture

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by John Puttick to discuss Peckham Library, one of a number of civic and community projects commissioned to mark the turn of the millenium. It was designed by Alsop & Störmer Architects with engineering by AKT II and won the Stirling Prize in 2000, and combines ebullient and eccentric design culture with a hard-wearing material palette to create a hugely successful piece of community infrastructure.

John Puttick has over 25 years' experience as an architect and founded John Puttick Associates in 2014. He led the refurbishment of Grade II-listed Preston Bus Station, which was awarded the World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize and Civic Trust’s Special Award for Reuse & Adaptation. The practice’s work includes significant civic and community projects across the UK, and is appointed to the Mayor of London’s Architecture + Urbanism framework.

Background image by John Puttick.

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Retail giant John Lewis closes its housebuilding venture and what style of homes do Londoners want?

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This week on The Brief Sahiba Chada is joined by architect Jeremy Walker. Jeremy is the Head of Design at Human Nature, a property developer currently working on the construction of the UK’s largest timber-structure neighbourhood: the Phoenix development in East Sussex. Together they discuss:

Retail giant John Lewis winds up its housebuilding arm amid economic woes // The London Assembly argues Londoners want more traditional-looking homes // The Royal Institution of British Architects calls for the abolition of the Architects Registration Board // And… raising the profile of women architects and designers… we discuss the winners of the 2026 Jane Drew and Ada Louise Huxtable prizes

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In the Room at Accelerate Debates: Designing With, Designing For

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

In The Room at Accelerate Debates is a podcast which broadcasts the live debates from Accelerate, Open City’s free educational programme. In this episode, you’ll hear our fourth debate of the year, “Designing With, Designing For", where we ask: how often do communities truly get to shape the spaces they live in? This was a special debate held as part of our Open House Festival programme in September 2025 at The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great. For this episode two of our Accelerate Alumni, Khaira Abimbola and Aaron Yonas guest moderated the discussion, and were joined by four guest speakers: Abebaw Mesfin Meri, Director of AM Meri Architects, Kuljeet Sibia, Founding Director of Diverse Dialogues, Peter Sofoluke, Architect and Director at BPTW, and Tasnima Chowdhury, a community organiser and key figure in the Save Brick Lane campaign.

Hosts: Khaira Abimbola and Aaron Yonas

Music: Massive Music

Further reading:

Good Growth by Design: Supporting Diversity handbook

The podcast is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, London Society, C20 Society and Save Britain's Heritage. It's recorded and produced at the Open City offices located in Bureau. Subscribe on Spotify, Soundcloud or iTunes and to further support, become an Open City Friend.

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Generational pedestrianisation plans for London's West End and a controversial overhaul of Liverpool Street station

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This week on The Brief Fran Williams is joined by Christopher Martin. Christopher is the managing director and head of urban design at Urban Movement. Together they discuss:

Massive pedestrianisation plans for London’s West End move forward // The Brutalist Southbank Centre is listed after three decades of uncertainty // Controversial plans to overhaul London’s Liverpool Street are approved // And campaigners are fighting a decision to leave Clandon Park House a preserved ruin

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Deconstructed: Robin Hood Gardens - Brutalism and Demolition

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Matthew Lloyd Roberts was joined by Sam Elbahja to discuss a vanished building with a complicated history. Robin Hood Gardens was a housing estate in Poplar, designed by Alison and Peter Smithson for the LCC, completed in 1972. It was the first opportunity that the Smithsons had to enact their long-developed ideas about modern residential planning, including 'streets in the sky', a principle for community design grounded in the sociological patterns of kinship in the East End. The building was controversial from the outset, and in 2010, Tower Hamlets Borough Council decided to demolish and redevelop the estate. In 2025, the demolition of the estate was completed, and the V&A Storehouse opened in nearby Hackney Wick, featuring a fragment of the facade of the building as part of their collection.

Sam Elbahja is a Moroccan-Thai poet and artist from East London, and a recent Architecture graduate from the University of Cambridge. Sam is an Eden’s Scholar and recipient of the Cambridge David Flemming Prize, she is also a four-time published poet, with work featured by the V&A, Chicago’s Trope, and in her debut collection Naked Pen. Sam’s greatest passion lies in community engagement and exploring the intersectionality of architecture, poetry, and art - recently co-founding an interdisciplinary collective called ISO.

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Government guidance on best practice design and why you should still become an architect in 2026

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This week on The Brief Sahiba Chadha is joined by Caroline Harper. Caroline is the Managing Director of BeFirst, the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham’s urban regeneration agency. Together they discuss:

Government reveals its latest housing design and placemaking guidance // London house prices need to fall, says the housing minister // Níall McLaughlin wins RIBA Royal Gold Medal // And amid downturn and uncertainty is a career in architecture and the built environment still endlessly rewarding?

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The Home That Made Me: When home becomes a prison

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 23:48:07 GMT

Introducing a brand new show from Open City: The Home That Made Me.

In this episode Fiona Chilton is joined by Clare who after years of renting managed to buy her dream flat in London. But, within a matter of months, everything changed and her sanctuary became a place of despair. This experience has profoundly changed how she sees the balance of power in the built environment, and has forever changed what she would look for in any future home.

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Government launches ‘biggest home upgrade plan in UK history’

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

This week on The Brief Fran Williams is joined by Tom Dollard. Tom is an architect and partner for sustainability at Pollard Thomas Edwards. He was recently appointed Mayor’s Design Advocate and is Chair of the Good Homes Alliance. Together they discuss:

Government launches ‘biggest home upgrade plan in UK history’// Westminster Council puts Retrofit at the heart of the city // New plans to protect architects from unqualified rivals // And Mexico’s LANZA picked for this year’s Serpentine Pavilion

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Music credit: Homestead by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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Deconstructed: Tate Modern - Art and Power

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Christian Dimbleby to discuss Tate Modern, the former power station converted into a gallery for modern art by Herzog & de Meuron at the turn of the millennium. Originally built as Bankside Power Station from 1947 to designs by Giles Gilbert Scott, the discussion ranged from the challenges in transforming infrastructure into cultural spaces and the lasting lessons which can be learned from the conversion.

Christian Dimbleby is the UK Head of Sustainability at White Arkitekter, where he leads the integration of sustainable design principles across the practice’s UK portfolio. He is also an active speaker on sustainable and regenerative design, regularly engaging with universities and sustainability organisations such as Architects Declare.

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Labour’s New Towns, rural regeneration and the Da Vinci code of English architectural heritage

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Description: This week on The Brief, Merlin Fulcher is joined by Giles Smith, a founding member of the Turner Prize winning art, architecture and design collective Assemble, to discuss:

Milton Keynes’ original planners call for more social homes in the latest new towns // New plans are set out for a world-leading cultural hub in the remote Scottish Highlands // A discovery in Shropshire offers a breathtaking incite into English architectural heritage // And finally, the great and good of architecture have been celebrated in the New Year Honours list

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In the Room at Accelerate Debates: Rethinking Recruitment

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

In The Room at Accelerate Debates is a podcast which broadcasts the live debates from Accelerate, Open City’s free educational programme. In this episode, you’ll hear our third debate of the year, “Rethinking Recruitment”, where we ask: just how transparent is the recruitment process in the field of architecture and design? Moderators Siraaj Mitha and Jasmin Yeo are joined by six guest speakers: Andrea Villate, Associate Architect who, at the time, was driving talent development and HR policies at architecture practice RCKa; Mat Barnes, architect and director of CAN, an architecture and design studio based in London; Accelerate-alumna and founder of the publication For African People Hani Ali; Nikki Linsell, who was working at the time as Chief Operating Officer at Public Practice; Neil Onions, Creative Strategist, Cultural Leader, and the Founding Director of Beyond the Box CIC and Sana Tabassum, Creative Director of to scale and multi-disciplinary designer.

Hosts: Siraaj Mitha and Jasmin Yeo

Music: Massive Music

This episode includes conversations about problematic practice in recruitment processes that some listeners may find challenging. If you’ve been affected by the issues discussed, please find support through the organisations below:

* Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day) – samaritans.org

* Mind (mental health support) – mind.org.uk

Further reading:

- Open City Accelerate Alumni

- RIBA Future Architects

- Section of Architectural Workers (SAW)

- Future of London Emerging Talent Programme

- Future Architects Front (FAF)

- Beyond the Box

- To Scale

- The London Practice Forum

- CAN instagram

- Public Practice

The podcast is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture platform and produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, London Society, C20 Society and Save Britain's Heritage. It's recorded and produced at the Open City offices located in Bureau. Subscribe on Spotify, Soundcloud or iTunes and to further support, become an Open City Friend.

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RIBA vs ARB, Nnena Kalu's Turner Prize win and data centre design

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This week on The Brief Merlin Fulcher is joined by curator of Digital Design at the V&A Natalie Kane to discuss:

The president of the Royal Institute of British Architects tears up his accreditation in a bid for greater protection // Nnena Kalu wins the 2025 Turner Prize in a breakthrough for neurodiverse artists // London architecture grandee Peter Murray announces a mayoral bid // And finally, amid a surge in new data centres could now be the time for a design rebrand?

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Deconstructed: Matilda House - Co-operative Council Housing

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:06:13 GMT

Deconstructed. Matilda House - Co-operative Council Housing. In this episode, Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Dr Holly Smith to discuss Matilda House, the home of a radical experiment in co-operative housing which was welcomed by politicians of all stripes as a solution to the crises of the late 1970s. Matilda House is one of several projects discussed in Smith's new book, 'Up in the Air: A History of High-Rise Britain', which we also discuss.

Archive photos: © Stephen and Matilda Tenants’ Cooperative © Paul Barbara © Barbara Philips

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Rough sleeping surges to post pandemic-high

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 01:00:00 GMT

This week on The Brief Fran Williams is joined by the writer and activist, Adam Peggs to discuss:

Rough sleeping surges to post pandemic-high // Government housebuilding forecast downgraded // New measures to ease planning for homes near transport hubs // And an alternative vision to save Liverpool Street Station’s vaulted glass concourse roof from being lost to redevelopment

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In the Room at Accelerate Debates: Constructive Criticism

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 22:14:04 GMT

In The Room at Accelerate Debates is a new podcast from Open City, broadcasting the live debates from Accelerate, Open City’s free educational programme. In this episode, you’ll hear our second debate of the year, “Constructive Criticism”, where we ask: where do we draw the line between constructive and destructive criticism in the field of architecture? Moderator Siraaj Mitha is joined by five guest speakers: Shumi Bose, Senior Lecturer in Architecture at Central Saint Martins; Alberto Villanueva who is Associate Professor and Programme Director at Ravensbourne University; Accelerate-alumna and graduate sustainable design consultant at Savills Aretha Ahunanya; Jenny Russell, Director of Education and Learning at the RIBA and Neil Pinder, honorary professor at the Bartlett School of Architecture and head of product design and architecture at Graveney School in South London.

Host: Siraaj Mitha

Music: Massive Music

Image credit: Luke O'Donovan

This episode includes conversations about problematic practice in architectural education as well as discussions of mental health challenges. If you’ve been affected by the issues discussed, please find support through the organisations below:

* Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day) – samaritans.org

* Mind (mental health support) – mind.org.uk

Further reading:

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AI nimbyism threatens to upend UK planning

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 01:00:00 GMT

This week on The Brief Sahiba Chadha is joined by the architect and co-founder of We Made That, Holly Lewis, to discuss:

AI nimbyism threatens to upend UK planning // Highstreet developer goes into liquidation // VAT imbalances found to be incentivising demolition // And a furore over plans to install uPVC windows on Peter Barber’s award-winning housing in Bow

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Deconstructed: The Old Justice - Multiculturalism and the Public House

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:42:04 GMT

In this episode of Deconstructed, Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Alfred Yatlong Yeung to discuss British multiculturalism through the lens of The Old Justice in South Bermondsey, a South Korean styled public house that was built by Sidney C Clark in 1933.

If you’ve enjoyed this series about the London County Council, check out @LCC_Legacy on Instagram. (

https://www.instagram.com/lcc_legacy)

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A new House of Commons report on child-centred design, financial strain for UK architectural firms and bold changes to the London Plan

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, technical editor and deputy architecture editor of the Architects’ Journal Fran Williams is joined by Dinah Bornat, an architect and co-founder of ZCD Architects. She’s also the author of All to Play For: How to design child-friendly housing, published by the RIBA in February this year. Together they discuss:

A new House of Commons report demands a greater role for children in urban design // UK architectural businesses face growing financial strain // London’s affordable housing ratio slips amid a watering down of development guidelines // And the architects picked for the long-awaited pedestrianisation of Oxford Street are revealed

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In the Room at Accelerate Debates: Designing a Safer City

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In The Room at Accelerate Debates is a new podcast from Open City, broadcasting the live debates from Accelerate, Open City’s free educational programme. In this episode, you’ll hear our first debate of the year, “Designing A Safer City”, asking: what does safety in the public realm really mean? Moderators Siraaj Mitha and Jasmin Yeo are joined by five guest speakers: Gaia Crocella, senior researcher at Publica; Accelerate alumna Bhavni Ghedia; Ciaran Thapar, from the Youth Endowment Fund; artist Hanna Benihoud; and Dr David Knight, founding co-director of dk-cm.

Hosts: Manijeh Verghese and Siraaj Mitha

Music: Massive Music

This episode includes discussions of adult themes, including personal safety and abuse, which some listeners may find distressing. If you’ve been affected by the issues discussed, please find support through the organisations below:

* Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day) – samaritans.org

* Refuge (for women and children experiencing domestic abuse) – refuge.org.uk

* Rape Crisis England & Wales – rapecrisis.org.uk

* Men’s Advice Line (for male victims of domestic abuse) – mensadviceline.org.uk

* Mind (mental health support) – mind.org.uk

Further reading:

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Appleby Blue wins the 2025 Stirling Prize and set back for UK cooling towers

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This week on The Brief Sahiba Chadha is joined by the BBC broadcaster, writer and journalist Samira Ahmed to discuss the biggest stories in architecture, conservation planning news:

A 21st century almshouse in Southwark wins the Stirling Prize // How Labour ministers are consistently rejecting Historic England’s listing advice // A bid to save Nottinghamshire’s landmark cooling towers flounders // And a competition to rethink the Denys Lasdun-designed Ziggurats at the University of East Anglia

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Deconstructed: Plumstead Common – Policing and Leisure in a Municipal Park

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, the finale in a trilogy to mark 60 years since the end of the London County Council, Matthew Lloyd Roberts was joined by Dr Rosamund Lily West, Lecturer in Architectural Studies at the University of Manchester. They discussed Plumstead Common, a municipal park in South East London, the site of riots over access to green space by the organised working class communities of Woolwich and one of the first public parks adopted by the newly created London County Council. They explored the complex history of late-Victorian urban parks, the hierarchies of their administration and the policing of their use.

If you’ve enjoyed this series about the London County Council, check out @LCC_Legacy on Instagram. (

https://www.instagram.com/lcc_legacy)

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New Towns, High Streets, Terry Farrell and 'The House of Architecture'

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 06:31:03 GMT

In this episode, host Fran Williams is joined by Jos Boys, a disability design activist who co-founded Matrix Feminist Design Co-operative and is co-director of The DisOrdinary Architecture Project. Together they discuss:

The government reveals the sites for its first new towns // A £5 billion pound fund is launched to revive ‘overlooked’ communities // The Royal Institute of British Architects inaugurates its new president // And we remember a pioneer in postmodern architecture – Terry Farrell

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The future of new towns, record-breaking revenue at Foster + Partners and a new tax on SUVs?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Merlin Fulcher is joined by Dr Jane Hall, architectural historian and founding member of the Turner Prize-winning collective Assemble. Together they discuss:

Lords call for stronger leadership for the government’s new towns // The UK’s largest architecture firm reports record-breaking turnover amid a surge in global projects // Campaigners against the old Museum of London’s demolition win the right to appeal // And they are the biggest cars on the road… could a new tax on sports utility vehicles raise £2 billion for the UK?

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A new housing secretary, the RIBA prize shortlist and the UK's first "super-university"

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Sahiba Chadha is joined by architecture and design writer and features editor at STIR. Anmol Ahuja. Together they discuss:

Can the new housing secretary deliver on the government’s 1.5 million homes pledge? // The shortlist for this year’s RIBA Stirling Prize is revealed // Greenwich and Kent merger to create the UK’s first ‘super-university’ // And a Finnish architect wins the contest for a Helsinki site which has been the focus of thousands of competing designs

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Deconstructed: Carlton Cinema — Islington at the Pictures

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode Matthew Lloyd Roberts was joined by Nigel Smith, who runs ‘Memory Palaces’, a website and programme of walking tours to explore the history of London’s cinemas. They discussed the Carlton Cinema on Essex Road, Islington, which first opened to the public in a grand ceremony in 1930, and represents the changing fashions and fate for cinema-going throughout the 20th-century.

Nigel will be giving walking tours of London cinemas over the coming months, including the Carlton. For more information, check out his website:

https://memorypalaces.co.uk/walks/former-carlton-cinema/

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UK House Prices Fall, Open House Festival 2025 & Trump's 'Make America Beautiful Again' Campaign

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Fran Williams is joined by Open House Festival Director Celia Mead. Celia is a management consultant who has run major organisations and cultural heritage festivals to discuss:

Less than ten days until Open House Festival 2025 // Environmental concerns over plans to redevelop Liverpool Street Station // An unexpected fall in UK house prices // And Donald Trump’s campaign to ‘Make Federal Architecture Beautiful Again’

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Buzzwords: Care with Jasmina Cibic

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Buzzwords is a new pilot podcast from Open City, produced in collaboration with the arts and culture podcast EMPIRE LINES. The podcast unpacks words and phrases often overused in the fields of art and architecture. Produced by curator, writer, and researcher Jelena Sofronijevic, each episode invites artists, curators, architects, and academics to consider what we really mean when we use terms like “sustainable” or “decolonised.”

In this episode, Jelena speaks with artist Jasmina Cibic about the idea of “care thinking” and what it means to be both care-ful and care-less in the practice, performance, and preservation of art and cultural artefacts. Their conversation ranges from Cibic’s current exhibition The Gift Ecology at Void Art Centre in Derry, to her representation of Slovenia at the 55th Venice Biennale, exploring how care shapes her work and what we might learn from it.

The theme music is “Devotion” by Jim Hall from the Free Music Archive, licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

Subscribe to the Open City Podcast on Spotify, Soundcloud or iTunes

The Open City Podcast is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture platform and produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, London Society, C20 Society and Save Britain's Heritage.

The Open City Podcast is recorded and produced at the Open City offices located in Bureau. Bureau is a co-working space for creatives offering a new approach to membership workspace. Bureau prioritises not just room to think and do, but also shared resources and space to collaborate.

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City Friend.

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Dangerously hot homes, the Oxford Street redesign and the UK's first Museum of Brutalist Architecture

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Merlin Fulcher is joined by the Head of Climate Action and Public Health at Love Design Studio and Shade the UK, Polly Turton. Together, they discuss the biggest stories this week in architecture and planning news:

Warnings over dangerously hot UK homes amid a fourth heatwave this year // The search begins for design teams to upgrade Oxford Street // Brick Lane regeneration plans symbolically rejected // And how a North London school hall could become the UK’s first Museum of Brutalist Architecture

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To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City Friend.

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Deconstructed: London County Hall – A Palace for Municipal Government

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, the second of a trilogy to mark 60 years since the end of the London County Council, Matthew Lloyd Roberts was joined by Dr Ruth Lang. They discussed London County Hall, the purpose-built home of the London County Council which sits on the south bank of the Thames at Westminster. It was designed by Ralph Knott and built from 1911–1939 and was the home of London’s Municipal government until the abolition of the Greater London Council in 1986.

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Kew's Carbon Garden, Selkirk's Brutalist Gem & Relief for Bexhill's De La Warr Pavillion

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Merlin Fulcher is joined by the architecture journalist and co-host of The Brief Fran Williams. Together, they discuss the biggest stories this week in architecture and planning news:

Kew Gardens opens a brand new carbon garden and pavilion // Conservation groups unite to rescue a Brutalist gem in the Scottish borders // Restoration plans for Bexhill’s De La Warr Pavilion revealed // And an opportunity for built environment exhibits inside one of London’s greatest postmodern landmarks

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InterCities: Taipei with Brian Hioe

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT

InterCities is a six-part podcast series from Open City. In it, we travel to a number of cities and boroughs around the world that have transformed over time to discover what we can learn from these places’ achievements, struggles, successes and mistakes.

In this episode, our host Owen Hatherley is joined by Brian Hioe, a Taiwanese-American writer and academic based in Taipei, known for co-founding New Bloom Magazine and for his work exploring Taiwan’s youth movements, politics, and culture. His 2025 debut novel, Taipei at Daybreak, blends activism and fiction to explore the emotional motivations and alienation behind the Sunflower Movement from a ground‑level perspective. We use the novel to talk about Taipei’s shifting identity, the colonial ghosts the city is haunted by and how the architectural and urban spaces of Taipei shape the city's social and political movements.

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The Open House Festival catalogue is live, pedestrianising the West End and can office skyscrapers save nightlife?

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Sahiba Chadha will be joined by guest Mike Althorpe, an architectural researcher at Karakusevic Carson Architects and the mastermind behind The London Ambler tours. They will be discussing:

The programme for this year’s Open House Festival goes live // Bold plans to pedestrianise London’s West End revealed // A last chance to save Milton Keynes landmark pyramid from demolition // And could nightclubbing offer a lifeline to London’s troubled office blocks?

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Deconstructed: Al Manaar Mosque & Cultural Centre - Faith, Space, and Community

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Deconstructed, host Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Shukri Sultan, a lecturer at Westminster University, to explore the story of Al Manaar Mosque in West London. Together, they unpack how this unassuming building became a vital hub for faith, community, and resilience — especially in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Correction, the correct meaning of the word masjid is not "place of prayer", a more accurate translation would be "place of prostration”.

The end quote is attributed to Mariyama Sanyang, Community Coordinator at Al Manaar, who took the time to speak with Shukri about the many wonderful things the centre offers the local community, as well as her personal connection to the space. You can learn more about her work through her Instagram: @callmemaryiama.

From its architectural form to its social function, Al Manaar offers a powerful lens into how buildings serve more than just physical needs — they shape and shelter the emotional and cultural lives of their communities.

Join us as we examine the mosque’s design, its role in public life, and what it reveals about the broader relationship between built space and belonging.

The Open City Podcast is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app and produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, London Society, C20 Society and Save Britain's Heritage.

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

Deconstructed is recorded and produced at the Open City offices located in Bureau. Bureau is a co-working space for creatives offering a new approach to membership workspace. Bureau prioritises not just room to think and do, but also shared resources and space to collaborate.

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Norman Foster to design Queen Elizabeth II memorial, the rise of AI in architecture and saving Britain's buildings

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host and Open City architectural director Merlin Fulcher will be joined by guest Sarah Carrington, the new Director of The Line, a public art trail that connects Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2. They will be discussing:

Norman Foster picked to design Queen Elizabeth’s memorial // The majority of architects are now using AI according to a new study // A major low-carbon heating project gets the green light in Oxford // And SAVE Britain’s Heritage reveals its latest Buildings At Risk register

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InterCities: Jerusalem with Yair Wallach

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode, our host Owen Hatherley is joined by the Israeli-born, UK-based academic and writer Dr Yair Wallach who specialises in the urban history of the Middle East. Today the focus is his 2020 book “A City in Fragments: Urban Text in Modern Jerusalem” which explores the city's history through ephemera and urban text and we use it to look more closely at the history of the city of Jerusalem under the British mandate (1918 - 1948). During this time, the British sought to impose a timeless image on Jerusalem and a number of intriguing characters - including Arts and Crafts architect CR Ashby - were involved in its aesthetic transformation. We also look at the Palestinians who challenged British and Zionist narratives through modernist and poetic expressions and whether an understanding of this time can help us in the context of the conflict today.

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Photo credit: Owen Hatherley portrait © Antonio Olmos

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The Davidson Prize, Working hours and Oxford Street's pedestrianisation

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Sahiba Chadha is joined by Sharon Giffen, Head of Design at The Earls Court Development Company and an architect with more than 20 years experience leading large scale masterplans and infrastructure projects. They will be discussing:

Plymouth high street regeneration wins the 2025 Davidson Prize // From ‘living wage’ to ‘living hours, how an architecture firm is changing working life // Oxford Street’s pedestrianisation set to finally go ahead // And Open City’s Accelerate team is making waves at the AJ100 Awards

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Deconstructed: Crystal Palace Park – Sculpture, Sport and the London County Council

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Deconstructed - the first of a trilogy to mark 60 years since the end of the London County Council - Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Dr Dawn Pereira, historian of architectural sculpture and author of a forthcoming monograph on the artist William Mitchell. They discuss Crystal Palace Park, from its origins as the home of Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace, which was moved from the Great Exhibition at Hyde Park to form a permanent new collection on the hilltops of South London. After the destruction of the palace in a fire in 1936, the London County Council transformed the park, creating the National Sports Centre and a range of public art.

Dawn is the organiser of a conference to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the LCC, you can keep up with the initiative through their Instagram: @lcc_legacy https://www.instagram.com/lcc_legacy?igsh=MTVqZm9lbzYxNXZ2cw==

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

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A major report casts doubt over Labour’s housebuilding targets

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Sahiba Chadha is joined by Billy Reading, Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas for Historic England to discuss:

A major estate agent casts doubt over Labour’s housebuilding targets // Hawkins\Brown wins the contest to upgrade St Pancras // Campaigners call for Central YMCA’s listing // And Norman Foster celebrates his 90th birthday

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InterCities: Kharkiv with Ievgeniia Gubkina

Wed, 28 May 2025 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode, our host Owen Hatherley is joined by the Ukranian architect and urban historian Ievgeniia Gubkina. Gubkina was born in the northeastern Ukranian city of Kharkiv and lived there until the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, after which she fled with her teenage daughter and now lives in London in exile. Today, she talks to us about her upcoming publication “Kharkiv Architectural Guide” and we use it as a lens through which to explore the city’s changing architectural iterations. From a university hub to the capital of Soviet Ukraine, the avant-garde scene in the 1920s to the Stalinist-era "reconstruction" of Kharkiv's modernist buildings, we get a deep insight into the city’s past and a sober reminder of its present.

TW: The content of this episode can be distressing for some people as it mentions suicide. If this affects you, contact the Samaritans, a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day. https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

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Photo credit: Owen Hatherley portrait © Antonio Olmos

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The Mayor of London concedes to green belt housing

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Fran Williams is joined by the architect Daniel Innes, committee member of Architecture LGBT+ to discuss:

The Mayor of London concedes to green belt housing // Five competing visions for a new Queen Elizabeth II memorial revealed // New plans announced to upgrade the Barbican Centre // And a sneak peek inside LGBT+ issue of the Architects’ Journal’s

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Deconstructed: Marlborough Road, Romford - Planning and People

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Deconstructed, Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Calvin Po, Strategic Lead at Dark Matter Labs, Unit Master at the Architectural Association and architecture critic at The Spectator. They discuss 159 Marlborough Road, a house on a typical suburban street in Romford, which was the scene in 1954 of a tragic death resulting from Compulsory Purchase powers created by the 1947 Town and Country Planning Act.

The content of this episode can be distressing for some people as it mentions suicide. If this affects you, contact the Samartians, a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day. https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

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Geology of Britannic Repair: the British Pavillion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale

Wed, 07 May 2025 17:11:04 GMT

In this episode, host Fran Williams is joined by Stella Mutegi, founding director of Cave Bureau and co-curator of the British Pavilion at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale.

Architecture and ‘colonial afterlives’ take centre stage in this year’s British Pavilion at Venice // Gaza’s reconstruction hangs in the balance as Israel vows 'indefinite' military occupation // Proliferating space debris threatening to leave Earth’s orbit an impenetrable junkyard // And a new space dedicated to tackling climate change at Kew Gardens

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is recorded and produced at the Open City offices located in Bureau. Bureau is a co-working space for creatives offering a new approach to membership workspace. Bureau prioritises not just room to think and do, but also shared resources and space to collaborate. To book a free day pass follow this link.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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InterCities: Belgrade with Dubravka Sekulić

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT

InterCities is a brand new podcast from the team at Open City. In this six-part series, we travel to a number of cities and boroughs around the world that have transformed over time to discover what we can learn from these places’ achievements, struggles, successes and mistakes.

In this episode, our host Owen Hatherley is joined by the author and academic Dubravka Sekulić. Sekulić was born in one of Serbia’s lesser-known cities Niš but today, she’s walking us through the capital of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and current capital of Serbia, Belgrade. As we find out, the history of Belgrade’s built-environment is influenced not only by attempts at constructing a socialist state, but also by its notable role in the Non-Aligned Movement, a forum of 120 countries not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc that sprung up after the Second World War. It’s also been shaped by Energoprojekt, an engineering firm which built an enormous number of projects across Serbia and other non-aligned countries in Africa and Asia in the latter half of the 20th century. Ultimately, we learn it’s the city’s historical and political status as a regional outlier that makes it the complex, yet often overlooked, place it is today.

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Photo credit: Owen Hatherley portrait © Antonio Olmos

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C20 reveals its annual 'Risk List'

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Merlin Fulcher is joined by the CEO of Open City, Vickie Hayward to discuss:

The Twentieth Century Society reveals its latest list of architectural heritage at risk // Architects voice copyright fears over the government’s AI plans // A landowner serves notice on a pioneering food forest garden in Devon // And the barriers holding back a community-led housing boom in London

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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Deconstructed: Euston Station - Developing the Railway

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Deconstructed, Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Ewan Harrison, architectural historian and lecturer at the Manchester School of Architecture, University of Manchester. They discuss Euston Station, designed by William Robert Headley and Ray Moorcroft of British Railways in the early 1960s, in consultation with Richard Seifert, who later designed the commercial office scheme which surrounded the concourse on the south side.

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The UK government announces a £2bn boost for affordable and social homes

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT

On The Brief this week, host Fran Williams is joined by Peter George, Strategic Director of Economy and Sustainability at Ealing Council.

Government announces a £2 billion pound boost for affordable and social homes // Design Council warns ‘typical’ approach to new homes may derail zero carbon goals // Studio Egret West reveals plans for the UK’s largest office-to-residential conversion in Croydon // And the London homes pushing raw sewage directly into the Thames

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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InterCities: Sheffield with Johny Pitts

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In our second episode, our host Owen Hatherley is joined by the broadcaster, writer and photographer Johny Pitts. Johny is a Sheffield-native and has witnessed first-hand the huge social and architectural change the city has undergone since the early 1990s. Today, we use photographs from "After the End of History: British Working Class Photography 1989 – 2024" a roving exhibition Johny has curated, to track the cities shifting identity from the so-called Socialist Republic of South Yorkshire to a city where leisure and comfort are the new guiding principles.

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Photo credit: Owen Hatherley portrait © Antonio Olmos

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Plans for Manchester United's new stadium revealed

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 01:00:00 GMT

On The Brief this week, host Fran Williams is joined by Robin Nicholson, fellow of Cullanan Studios, to discuss:

Plans for new 100 thousand-seat Manchester United stadium // Top architecture firms announce redundancies // Labour's new planning and infrastructure bill // And the winner of the 2025 Pritzker Prize

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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Deconstructed: Crossness Pumping Station - The Birth of Modern Sanitation

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Deconstructed, Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Petra Cox – heritage educator, Open City tour guide and Golden Key Academy graduate. They discuss Crossness Pumping Station, constructed from 1859–65 by William Webster to designs by Charles Henry Driver to serve the entire southern half of Joseph Bazalgette's London sewer system. Commissioned by the Metropolitan Board of Works, it transformed London's public health and sanitation, and large parts of the sewer system are still in use today.

Petra Cox will lead a new Open City tour of Crossness and its sewage system on 4 May and 31 May. Tickets via our website https://open-city.org.uk/events

The Crossness Pumping Station will be celebrating its 160th Anniversary by running its steam engines on the 5th and 6th April, for more information visit: https://crossness.org.uk/visit/

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The Open City Podcast is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app and is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, London Society, C20 Society and Save Britain's Heritage.

The Open City Podcast is recorded and produced at the Open City offices located in Bureau. Bureau is a co-working space for creatives offering a new approach to membership workspace.

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City Friend.

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Criterion Capital under the spotlight and how safe are London's Lime bikes?

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:00:00 GMT

On The Brief this week, host Sahiba Chadha is joined by the editor of London Centric Jim Waterson, to discuss:

The man behind Criterion Capital, Asif Aziz // Safety concerns around London Lime bikes // Demonstrations in Peckham against high-rise regeneration // And what this year's winner of the Jane Drew Prize says about architecture in 2025.

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

InterCities: Greenwich with Ana Francisco Sutherland

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In our first episode, our host Owen Hatherly is joined by the architect Ana Francisco Sutherland, the director of Francisco Sutherland Architects. Through the lens of Ana’s latest book Modern Buildings in Blackheath and Greenwich, the pair discuss the changing face of the London borough of Greenwich. In a place where architects often designed for themselves they analyse different models of public space, the Blackheath style wars of the 1950s and 1960s and the vision of modernist property development company Span.

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Photo credit: Owen Hatherley portrait © Antonio Olmos

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Dozens of new towns planned across England and the contentious dismantling of Grenfell Tower

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Merlin Fulcher is joined by the CEO of Open City, Manijeh Verghese to discuss:

UK government unveils plans for dozens of new towns across England // The proposed dismantling of Grenfell Tower is met with strong opposition // Japanese architecture duo SANAA win the 2025 RIBA Royal Gold Medal // And the spiritual leader and champion of Islamic architecture, the Aga Khan, has died at the age of 88

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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Deconstructed: St Anne's Limehouse - East End Baroque

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Deconstructed, Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by George Saumarez Smith, Design Director at ADAM Architecture. They discuss the church of St Anne's Limehouse, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and consecrated in 1730 as one of the 'Queen Anne Churches' built by the New Church Commission.

St Anne's Limehouse is currently campaigning to raise funds for repairs ahead of their tercentenary, with a programme of public events ongoing: https://www.hawksmoor300limehouse.com/.

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

Deconstructed is recorded and produced at the Open City offices located in Bureau.

Bureau is a co-working space for creatives offering a new approach to membership workspace. Bureau prioritises not just room to think and do, but also shared resources and space to collaborate.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barbican revamp revealed, Denys Lasdun’s ‘glass castle’, Archigram and the save Prince Charles cinema campaign

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Merlin Fulcher is joined by Jon Wright, an historian and 20 Century lead at Purcell to discuss:

Plans to revamp London’s Brutalist Barbican Centre // A redevelopment bid for Denys Lasdun’s ‘glass castle’ // Tributes for legendary Archigram member Dennis Crompton // And a campaign to save Soho’s Prince Charles cinema.

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Elizabeth Line sparks jobs and housing growth and a transformative redesign of London's Regent Street

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This week Sahiba Chadha is joined by Julian Maynard, industrial designer and the managing director of Maynard Design Group.

The Elizabeth Line spurs on new development, but across England, planning approvals for housing have seen record lows // A transformative redesign of London’s Regent Street area is won by Allies and Morrison // The first-ever winner of the RIBA Stirling prize is set to be demolished in Salford // And the devastating fires in Los Angeles destroy Modernist landmarks

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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Deconstructed: Finsbury Health Centre - Healthcare for a modern age

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In the first episode of Deconstructed, Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Eleanor Marshall, an architectural designer and civil servant at the Department for Transport who runs Open City’s London Public Health Architecture Walking Tour. They discuss Finsbury Health Centre, an iconic modernist building in Clerkenwell, designed by the architect Berthold Lubetkin’s practice Tecton and built for Finsbury Borough Council from 1935–8.

Eleanor appeared in a video discussing Lubetkin’s legacy, especially his housing at Bevin Court, which you can watch here: https://open-city.org.uk/films/marxism-and-london-ep1

Deconstructed is a new monthly show from Open City produced by Hunter Charlton dedicated to in-depth explorations of the past, present and future of the built environment in London and beyond.

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

Deconstructed is recorded and produced at the Open City offices located in Bureau.

Bureau is a co-working space for creatives offering a new approach to membership workspace. Bureau prioritises not just room to think and do, but also shared resources and space to collaborate.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the UK housing crisis threatening the economy and NHS recovery?

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 01:00:16 GMT

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by journalist and YouTuber Jon Stone to discuss the week's major stories in architecture and the built environment:

Ministers warned UK housing crisis threatens the economy and NHS recovery // How 2025 could be transformative for London cycling // A new study suggests doubling London St Pancras International’s capacity // And could the Palace of Westminster witness a catastrophic Notre Dame-style inferno?

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deconstructed (coming soon)

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:33:14 GMT

De-constructed is Open City's brand new podcast which explores buildings, places, landscapes and communities, taking apart their architecture piece by piece to better understand what makes them so compelling.

Each month, Matthew Lloyd Robert is joined by a different guest and transported to a location of their choice, that reveals something about the past, present and future of the built environment in London and beyond.

Paying tribute to ancient and new, remarkable and everyday, we will help you see these city landmarks with fresh eyes.

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Angela Rayner approves M&S’s contentious Oxford Street redevelopment

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 01:00:52 GMT

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by Peter Murray OBE, the co-founder of New London Architecture to discuss the week's major stories in architecture and the built environment:

Angela Rayner approves M&S’s contentious Oxford Street redevelopment // Keir Starmer sets down new Housing and Infrastructure pledges // New data shows average house prices are no longer affordable on average incomes // And just how safe are the City of London’s streets for pedestrians and cyclists?

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Smithfields closure, unrealistic housing targets and Brighton's white elephant

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 01:00:47 GMT

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by the author, columnist and SAVE founding trustee Simon Jenkins to discuss:

Smithfields meat market closes for good after 850 years // Councils raise concerns over unrealistic government housing targets // Brighton’s i360 enters administration // And cycling in London booms more than 25 per cent in the past five years

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Office for Place scrapped, empty High Streets and C20's 'Coming of Age' campaign

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 01:00:28 GMT

This week Sahiba Chadha is joined by award winning architect Gurmeet Sian, to discuss:

Government design champion, the Office for Place is scrapped // New powers for councils to tackle empty High Street units // Angela Rayner massively restricts right to buy for new council homes // And a new campaign by the Twentieth Century Society to list recent buildings which are … ‘coming of age’

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21,000 Saudi worker deaths, The Duchy of Cornwall and the Pay 100 survey

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 01:00:24 GMT

This week Fran Williams is joined by Ramsey Yassa, an architect and founding director of NOOMA studio, to discuss:

UK architects facing scrutiny amid reports of 21,000 Saudi worker deaths // ACME takes over and reveals scaled-back Liverpool St station revamp plans // Mouldy, hard-to-heat rental homes spell royal scandal for Prince William // And is the architectural profession facing the precipice amid a major exodus of talent

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The budget, China's super embassy and the legacy of Britain's Empire Exhibition

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 01:00:45 GMT

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by the architectural worker, writer and editors of the magazine Failed Architecture to discuss:

Rachel Reeves commits £500 million pounds more for affordable housing // Leading economist calls on Labour to spend large on arts and culture projects // David Chipperfield’s Chinese Embassy plans called in by Angela Rayner // And reflecting on the centenary of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves' billion pound boost for council housing, design codes and the vital role of retrofit

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:04:10 GMT

This week Sahiba Chadha is joined by the architect Tara Gbolade to discuss:

Rachel Reeves' £1 billion boost for council housing in the autumn budget // How planning reform and design codes could help create 1.5 million homes // Calls for the government to engage more with architects on retrofit // And the architecture critic, Joseph Rykwert, has died aged 98

To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City friend by clicking here.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Elizabeth line wins the RIBA Stirling prize, councils declare new UK housing targets unrealistic and the battle for Bethnal Green Working Men's Club

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 23:00:42 GMT

This week Fran Williams is joined by the architectural journalist Amy Frearson to discuss:

The Elizabeth Line comes out on top at this year’s RIBA Stirling Prize // Government housing targets branded ‘unrealistic’ by local authorities // The Olympic Park gets a refresh with a new public space for young women and girls // And the £4 million pound battle for Bethnal Green Working Men's Club

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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Leaking luxury flats, RIBA's big rebrand and London's new 'town architects' named

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:55 GMT

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by the architect David Ogunmuyiwa to discuss:

A luxury Croydon tower needing ‘extensive’ remediation after only two years // The president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Muyiwa Oki announces a rebrand // Mayor picks top names for London’s new ‘town architects’ // And the campaign to see 11 Jubilee Line stations given protected heritage status

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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Affordable homes being run for profit, the nimby-yimby debate and the trouble with Euston Station

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 23:00:00 GMT

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by writer and housing activist Adam Peggs to discuss:

Run for profit affordable homes spark rent rise fears // Questions over the government’s 1.5 million homes pledge amid troubling housing market data // London’s mayor approves controversial Wimbledon tennis redevelopment plans // And the government is set to back HS2 to Euston amid a growing outcry over the current station’s performance

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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Sycamore gap one year on, 'brownfield passports' and the wood burner wars

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:49 GMT

This week Sahiba Chadha is joined by the renowned tree expert and author, Paul Wood, to discuss:

Sycamore Gap one year on // Labour's ‘brownfield passports’ for new housing // the UK's missed tree-planting targets // and how millions of Britons want their cities carfree according to a new poll.

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The Brief is also supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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Could this be the end for Birmingham’s brutalist Ringway Centre?

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:00:24 GMT

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by Ewan Harrison, a lecturer in Architectural Studies at the University of Manchester.

Campaigners lose bid to save Birmingham’s brutalist Ringway Centre // Sadiq Khan wins new powers to pedestrianise Oxford Street // Listing bid for Portsmouth Civic Offices blocked // And an abandoned leisure centre in West Yorkshire reimagined as a state-of-the-art skate park

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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The Grenfell Report: Key Findings from the Inquiry

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:56:10 GMT

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by Tomi Balogun, a young architect studying the Bartlett and winner of the Beyond The Box People's Pavilion prize 2023.

The Grenfell inquiry’s damning verdict sees architect Studio E given ‘very significant’ responsibility for the fire // A new design handbook making cities safer for women // Anthony Gormley slams plans to transform Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross // And a hidden message is discovered during the National Gallery’s contentious redevelopment

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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‘Retrofit-first’ council approves five demolitions in one scheme

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:00:56 GMT

This week Fran Williams is joined by Gino Spocchia, senior reporter at the Architects Journal.

‘Retrofit-first’ council approves five demolitions in one scheme // Foster + Partners rumoured to be designing Manchester United’s new stadium // China revives plans for a new London embassy after Labour’s election victory // And an ‘intimate’ biography of acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid is on the horizon

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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Far-right riots leave communities across the UK scarred

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 23:00:30 GMT

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by Tamsie Thomson, the chief executive of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.

Far-right rioting leaves struggling high streets and communities further scarred // Angela Rayner announces ambitious planning reforms and a New Towns taskforce // A fire breaks out at Glasgow’s beloved Carlton Place // And the London Festival of Architecture announces a new competition to give a much-needed glow up to a gloomy Battersea underpass

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Brief is produced in association with the London Society, Twentieth Century Society and SAVE Britain’s Heritage, and in partnership with the Architects’ Journal.

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RIBA Stirling Prize 2024 finalists revealed

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:21 GMT

This week Sahiba is joined by journalist India Block, Deputy Editor of Homes and Property at the Evening Standard.

The RIBA Stirling Prize 2024: this year’s finalists revealed // Rachel Reeves scraps landmark infrastructure projects // Acclaimed architect Peter Barber’s visionary idea to make Britain self-sufficient // And a London pavement parking ban is proposed as the row over e-bikes escalates

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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Six million people at risk from extreme heat in England

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:00:56 GMT

This week Fran is joined by architect and writer Nana Biamah-Ofosu, the director of YAA Projects: an architecture, design and research practice focused on making, speaking and writing architecture.

Six million people at risk from extreme heat in England, campaign group warns // 80% of potential first-time buyers can’t afford a deposit on a home in their area // Milton Keynes landmark The Point saved from ‘soulless’ redevelopment // KPF unwraps proposals to overhaul Foster’s HSBC tower in Canary Wharf

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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Local authorities in urgent financial crisis

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:24 GMT

For our 150th episode, Merlin is joined this week by Jas Bhalla, an Architect, Town Planner, Urban Designer and founder of Bermondsey-based Jas Bhalla Works.

Local authorities warn of urgent financial threat to council housing // UK’s largest housebuilder cuts output in blow to government targets // Lloyds bank to transform back offices into social housing // And the NIC and IPA are merged into a new infrastructural body: Nista

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app. Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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Labour restores housing targets and resurrects onshore wind

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 00:00:50 GMT

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by Akil Scafe-Smith, urban designer and co-founder of RESOLVE.

Labour bring back housing targets and lifts onshore wind ban // “Levelling up” is stripped from the housing department name and Matthew Pennycook is appointed as Housing Minister // Chris Williamson wins RIBA presidential election // And a contest is launched for the Grenfell tower memorial.

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app. Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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Labour promises a post-election housing surge

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 23:00:53 GMT

This week Fran Williams is joined by Jan Kattein, architect, lecturer, author and founding director of Jan Kattein Architects.

Labour vows major housing announcements ‘within a fortnight’ of winning the election // South London squatters take the emergency housing crisis into their own hands // The mega-bucks tutoring advert spotlighting inequalities within architectural education // And a Post-Modern Egyptian Revival-style home becomes the youngest building in the UK to be given listed status

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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Reimagining UK department stores as sustainable housing

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 23:00:00 GMT

This week Merlin is joined by Hilary Satchwell, architect, urban designer and director of Tibbalds, a South London-based planning and urban design firm.

Bold new plans to reimagine UK department stores as sustainable housing // Architects set out their vision to boost affordable housing after the election // Black cab restrictions look set to be controversially lifted at Bank Junction // And social-housing legend Kate Macintosh receives the AJ100 Contribution to the Profession award

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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Campaign to save the Beatles’ birthplaces

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 19:33:51 GMT

This week Merlin is joined by Henrietta Billings, the Director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, a charity dedicated to securing the long-term future of Britain’s buildings.

86 historic buildings added to SAVE’s building at risk register // Labour’s manifesto commitments on housing watered down // Review into Glasgow School of Art fires ‘too costly’ says Scottish government // Campaign to save the Beatles’ birthplaces

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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Labour moots community buy-outs of derelict land

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:09 GMT

This week Merlin is joined by Jack Cornish, Jack is the author of a new book called The Lost Paths: A history of how we walk from there to here. He also holds the venerable title ‘head of paths’ at The Ramblers - Britain’s largest walking charity.

Labour moots community buy-outs of derelict land // A quarter of a million socially rented homes lost in England // Government facing legal bid over wildlife collapse // And Britain’s most expensive street bans cyclists and pedestrians

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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Architects call for a new ministry of housing

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:42 GMT

This week Sahiba is joined by Hugh Pearman, an architectural writer and editor who is also chair of the 20th Century Society.

Architects demand a new ministry of housing // C20 files for emergency spot listing of London’s City Hall // Cambridge discovers zero emission cement // And could King’s Cross and the Elizabeth Line be front runners for this year’s biggest prize in architecture?

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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The surprise snap election being celebrated by architects

Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:51 GMT

This week Merlin's joined by Adam Peggs, a journalist and activist.

The surprise snap election being celebrated by architects // No Grenfell Tower criminal charges before 2026 // London’s Mayor pledges £100 million pounds to kickstart stalled housing // Liverpool Street station’s contentious redevelopment plans are sent back to the drawing board.

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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Museum of London’s contentious demolition cleared for approval

Thu, 23 May 2024 00:04:37 GMT

This week Merlin's joined by John Elledge, a journalist and author of the new book “A History of the World in 47 Borders: The Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps”.

Museum of London’s contentious demolition cleared for approval // Government minister accused of misleading ‘15-minute city’ claims // How an AI deep fake video conned an engineer out of £20 million pounds // And the new ‘anti-boring architecture’ masters course brought to you by Heatherwick Studio

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

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Calls for new public ballots on all tall buildings above 60 metres

Thu, 09 May 2024 04:00:34 GMT

This week Merlin's joined by Alpa Depani, an architect and the head of strategic planning and design at the London borough of Waltham Forest.

Calls for new public ballots on all tall buildings above 60 metres // House building drops to its lowest level since the pandemic // Single-sex toilets to be required in all new public buildings in England // And Norman Foster calls on architects worldwide to help reconstruct Kharkiv

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

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The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link.

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Labour vows to build on the ‘grey-belt’ and deliver 1.5 million homes

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:00:56 GMT

This week Sahiba spoke to Charles Holland; the architect and author of the new book 'How to Enjoy Architecture: A Guide for Everyone'

// Labour vows to build on the ‘grey-belt’ and deliver 1.5 million homes // Birmingham set to refuse controversial tower above a listed hospital // Scottish architects condemn the ditching of climate targets // And how can we look beyond the day-to-day familiarity of buildings to truly enjoy architecture? //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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Gender pay gap widening among UK architectures biggest firms

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:00:15 GMT

This week Merlin spoke to the architect, author and columnist Eleanor Jolliffe

// Sadiq Khan pledges to end rough sleeping in the capital // The Grenfell Inquiry’s final report delayed yet again // Gender pay gap widening among UK architectures biggest firms // And the AJ and SAVE launch a competition to rethink demolition plans for the M&S on Oxford Street //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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Rent rises set to outpace wage growth for next three years

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:00:51 GMT

This week Merlin spoke to the Chief Executive of Camden Highline, Simon Pitkeathley

// Rent rises set to outpace wage growth for next three years // Outrage over King Charles’ ‘ideal town’ proposal in Kent // Contentious Barbican demolition plans tipped for approval // And the fascination with forbidden spaces; how Camden Highline is opening up a whole new part of London //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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Brutalism and Biodiversity

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 07:00:32 GMT

In this episode Paul spoke to the landscape architect, urban designer and Director of Landscape and Placemaking at Peabody, Dr Phil Askew. Their discussion centered around the landscape-led regeneration of Thamesmead; the brutalist post-war townscape in south east London hailed as the ‘town of tomorrow’.

You can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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Norwich City Council 'disappointed' after sell flagship homes lost to right to buy

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 06:00:44 GMT

This week Sahiba spoke to Amandeep Singh Kalra. Amandeep is the Associate Director of Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham council.

// Norwich City Council 'disappointed' after sell flagship homes lost to right to buy // The UK has the worst value housing of any advanced economy // Stirling Prize winner hits out at flaws in UK built environment procurement // And local heritage found to bring £29 billion pounds in economic benefits linked to wellbeing every year //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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Council housing ratcheting up the political agenda

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:00:00 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to the President of the RIBA, Muyiwa Oki.

// Council housing ratcheting up the political agenda ahead of big year of elections // How generative AI is transforming the work of architects and engineers // Heat pump rollout slammed for being too slow // And V&A’s director warns The Palace of Westminster is on the brink of catastophe //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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Spring budget criticised for failing to boost housing

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 06:00:57 GMT

This week Merlin spoke to Simon Vickery, the Programme Manager of the Open House Festival.

// Spring budget criticised for failing to boost housing // A government report finds Lown Traffic Neighbourhoods are popular and effective // Grimshaw unveils major new redevelopment plans for Waterloo Station // And how simply partying more could help our struggling night time economy //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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Tidal Pools and the Landscape of Swimming

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 07:00:23 GMT

In this episode Paul spoke to the co-founder of architects Studio Octopi and Future Lidos Group; Chris Romer-Lee. Chris is a outdoor swimming enthusiast and tidal pool advocate, and his practice was behind the ambitious Thames Bath proposals which first caught peoples attention nearly a decade ago.

In this episode they discuss the landscape of swimming, with a particular focus on tidal pools and the benefits they can bring to coastal ecosystems and communities.

You can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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Competition Probe into the UK’s Biggest Housebuilders

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:00:12 GMT

This week Merlin is joined by Tom Wilkinson. Tom is a writer and historian, and author of the new book ‘Emergency Money: Notgeld in the Image Economy of the German Inflation, 1914–1923'

// Competition probe into the UK’s biggest housebuilders // Heatherwick to turn BT Tower into a luxury hotel // Government redirects billions from HS2’s scrapped northern leg // And architects report the longest period of pessimism since 2009 //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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Government warned London house building is grinding to a halt

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:00:41 GMT

This week Producer Poppy spoke to Fran Williams - the architectural journalist and occasional host of The Brief - to discuss the big stories in housing, architecture, and planning news this week.

// Government warned London house building is grinding to a halt // A new benchmark for sustainable housing wins planning in East Sussex // Loss of Jewish East End heritage as landmark beigel shop closes its doors // And a 6 million pound rebrand for London's ‘Orange Line’

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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RIBA president slams Labour’s £28bn green U-turn

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:00:04 GMT

This week Sahiba spoke to Rob Fiehn, the Director of the London Society

// RIBA president Muyiwa Oki slams Labour’s £28 billion pound green U-turn // Michael Gove approves controversial South Bank tower plans // The public toilet crisis isolating vulnerable people // And delivery riders stage a Valentine’s Day strike demanding fair wages //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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Landscape-Led Waste Water Infrastructure

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 06:00:48 GMT

In this episode Paul spoke to the architect, curator and urbanist, Madeleine Kessler. Together they looked at waste water management in London, and investigated the value of holistic design-led approaches to major infrastructure projects.

You can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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Housebuilders throw support behind Labour as Conservatives ‘bow to Nimbyism’

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:00:52 GMT

This week Sahiba spoke to Pooja Agrawal. Pooja is an architect, chief executive of Public Practice, and a trustee of Open City.

// Housebuilders throw support behind Labour as Conservatives ‘bow to Nimbyism’ // Fresh plans submitted for London tower set to be joint-tallest in Europe // Channel 4 to sell iconic Richard Rogers-designed HQ amid job cuts // And the clifftop project dubbed Grand Designs’ ‘saddest ever’ home, goes back on the market //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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Reestablishing the link between housing and health

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:00:52 GMT

This week Merlin spoke to the architect and co-founder of the Stirling Prize-winning practice Haworth Tompkins, Graham Haworth.

// Calls for a Royal Commission into housing and health as 5,000 deaths caused by cold and damp homes // A new wave of multistorey industrial developments transforming urban skylines // South Korean architect Minsuk Cho picked for 2024 Serpentine pavilion //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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Lesley Lokko wins RIBA Gold Medal

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:28:56 GMT

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This week Merlin spoke to Siraaj Mitha, Head of Open City's Accelerate programme.

// Lesley Lokko wins RIBA Gold Medal // The state of Britain’s pavements forces many to stay at home // 2023 named hottest year ever recorded globally by a blistering margin // And the Elizabeth Line station which was nearly never built now faces acute overcrowding //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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Fresh divisions emerge in the debate over greenbelt development

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 06:00:01 GMT

Fill out our 2 minute listener survey to be in with a chance to win a 6 month subscription to Open City's Pocket London printed guides.

On the show this week Merlin spoke to Des Fitzgerald. Des is a professor of medical humanities and social sciences, and author of the new book ‘The City of Today is a Dying Thing’

// Fresh divisions emerge in the debate over greenbelt development // Big oil bankrolls a major British Museum overhaul // Public buildings at risk amid a wave of local authority bankruptcies // And the record-breaking theft of Banksy’s newest Peckham artwork //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20THEBRIEF at the checkout.

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Sustainable Urban Drainage systems for a greener future

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 12:09:59 GMT

In this episode we investigated the importance of Sustainable Urban Drainage systems in building a greener future, with Sue Illman who guest edited this edition of Landscape which is dedicated to the evolving landscape of water.

Sue is a landscape architect and past president of the Landscape Institute. Her career has changed the landscape of water management this year was a recipient of an ‘Outstanding Contribution to SuDS’ award by CIRIA - the Construction Industry Research and Information Association.

You can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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Words on Wood: A Trillion Trees with Fred Pearce

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 06:30:37 GMT

Special episode of award-winning podcast series examining forest restoration.

Open City is delighted to present this special episode of Words on Wood, a fantastic podcast created by the American Hardwood Export Council in conjunction with Disegno journal exploring how the world’s forests can be restored.

We’ve been fans of Words on Wood for for some time. It’s a very well produced show combining interviews with some of the best brains in the timber industry with leading creative practitioners from carpenters to architects.

In this episode, titled A Trillion Trees, the Words on Wood team are joined by multi award-winning science and environmental writer, Fred Pearce whose groundbreaking work covering the natural world spans at least 15 books. The wider Words on Wood series explores a vast set of themes connected to timber and trees featuring interviews with inspiring speakers including educators, architects and craftspeople.

Building on the success of previous seasons, the latest series of Words on Wood will introduce a new mini series titled ‘Making Shorts’. These bite-sized episodes zoom into production techniques for timber, providing concise case studies through interviews with designers on the making processes behind specific projects.

Other highlights include Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng speaking about creating furniture with a chainsaw, and Tanya Singer and Errol Evans, First Nations woodworkers and artists, explaining how they employed high-tech milling machines to create a series of sculptural furniture that tell stories about the climate crisis.

You can find the show here or search Words on Wood wherever you get your podcasts.

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UK rents up by more than a quarter since 2020

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 07:00:11 GMT

This week Merlin spoke to Rowan Moore - the architecture critic of The Observer and author of several books including ‘Property: The myth that built the world’

// UK rents up by more than a quarter since 2020 // MPs still deliberating over Parliament’s restoration // Stratford Sphere given one last chance by Michael Gove // And how the richest 1% account for more carbon emissions than poorest 66% //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Pioneering Parks of the Past and Future

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 07:01:48 GMT

In this episode, Paul spoke to Karen Fitzsimon, Colleen D’Souza and Rajan Dewan. Karen is a chartered landscape architect, historian, and horticulturist. Colleen is Director and Head of Cracknell’s Integrated Horticulture Team. She has been instrumental in expanding the plant typologies used in the Middle East and North Africa regions of the last three decades, challenging local standards and adding ecological and resilience value. And Rajan – Group Design Director at Cracknell– is a specialist in water management and modern irrigation techniques, and has over 40 years’ experience in planning, design, construction detailing, management, construction resourcing and engineering design of hard & soft landscape.

Together they talked about the history of publicly accessible parks, and the challenges they face in the future as the climate crisis threatens water security.

To read their articles and all the others in this edition, you can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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Walking the Walk: A Sustainable Urbanism Themed Tour of Marylebone

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:34:28 GMT

Given the climate and biodiversity crises we currently face, there is an urgent need to make urban environments more sustainable. This walking tour has been produced to raise awareness of key issues, and to highlight ways that cities can be redesigned to prioritise sustainability principles. In line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, there is a particular focus on inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability.

Following this route through central London will encourage you to reflect on the significance of the places you are passing through. Learning through walking is a long established practice, and one that fits the University of Westminster’s commitment to active, experimental education. The tour links two of the University’s campuses in central London, and we hope it will encourage staff and students to walk between sites.

ROUTE NOTES:

Listening Point 1 - Marylebone road monitoring station

Listening Point 2 - Paddington Street Gardens public toilets

Listening Point 3 - Paddington Street Gardens

Listening Point 4 - Marylebone High Street

Listening Point 5 - Manchester Square

Listening Point 6 - Hinde Street

Listening Point 7 - Marylebone Lane

Listening Point 8 - Wigmore Place

Listening Point 9 - Cavendish Square

Listening point 10 - 309 Regent Street

You can find out more information about the route along with a handy map on the Open City website

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Extreme weather labelled ‘greatest threat’ to UK built heritage

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 06:00:25 GMT

This week Merlin spoke to Director of the C20 Society, Catherine Croft.

// Extreme weather labelled ‘greatest threat’ to UK built heritage // Concrete concerns back in the spotlight as Bristol tower block evacuated // Climate questions over Labour’s 1.5 million homes pledge // And the London Mayor refuses Sphere venue plans for Stratford //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Uncertainty rages over the future of HS2’s Euston terminus

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:00:29 GMT

This week Phin spoke to Gareth Dennis, the railway engineer, writer, and sustainable transport advocate.

// Uncertainty rages over the future of HS2’s Euston terminus // Dramatic cabinet reshuffle brings sixth change of housing minister within a year // UK accused of violating international law over poverty levels // And WeWork’s bankruptcy calls into question the future of urban regeneration //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Two pioneering new public green space projects in London

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 07:00:18 GMT

In this episode, Paul spoke to Neil Manthorpe, and Kate Digney. Neil leads the Atkins London Landscape and Urban Design Studio, which has just won planning permission from the City of London Corporation to upgrade and introduce biodiversity gains to the second part of the high walkway which runs around the Barbican Centre and the Barbican Estate. Kate is Head of Landscape at Levitt Bernstein where she leads sustainable design across a range of projects. Recently, she has been masterplanning a park in North London, where she has been working closely with the local community to deliver a space which addresses both climate resilience and the needs of a fast-growing population.

Together they talked about the design process for each of their respective public green space projects, and discussed the role of landscape architects in transitioning to a greener future.

To read their articles and all the others in this edition, you can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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Transforming London golf courses into housing

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 06:00:05 GMT

This week Merlin spoke to Matthew Lloyd Roberts -- the architectural historian, writer, and editor of the About Buildings podcast

// New images of Liverpool Street’s contentious redevelopment revealed // The debate over transforming London golf courses into housing heats up // Could the acclaimed Venice Biennale be about to fall victim to the culture wars? // And the large-scale peaceful protests being dubbed ‘hate marches’ by the government //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Housing crisis takes centre stage in UK media and politics

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 05:00:31 GMT

This week Sahiba spoke to Charlie Edmonds - a project-lead at Civic Square and co-founder of campaign group Future Architects Front.

// Housing crisis takes centre stage in UK media and politics // 10 billion pounds a year extra needed for UK infrastructure amid the climate crisis // Thomas Heatherwick launches a new national conversation around boring buildings // And the online traditional architecture movement is placed under the microscope //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Feminist Cities, and Inclusive Green Design

Sat, 21 Oct 2023 07:00:24 GMT

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow. Host, Laura Schofield, spoke to Kirstin Taylor, Rachel Smith and Jon Rowe.

Kirstin is a director at LDA Design and joint lead of LDA’s Glasgow studio. She is a chartered landscape architect who has led on the regeneration of the Sighthill estate in Glasgow; the rethinking of George Street in Edinburgh; and the restoration of the historic Union Terrace Gardens in central Aberdeen.

Rachel is a chartered landscape architect with an interest in urban placemaking for health, nature, and climate resilience, and is Assistant Group Manager Parks Development for Glasgow City Council.

Finally, Jon is a chartered landscape architect working with Sustrans – the walking and cycling charity – to deliver their new National Cycle Network in Scotland.

To read their articles and all the others in this edition, you can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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The Brief - Housing Special

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 05:00:12 GMT

This week we revisit some of the top housing stories we've covered over the past few months on The Brief

Episodes Featured:

London faces a crisis of dullness with Nabil Al-Kinani

New analysis shows how race and income affect the quality of air you breathe with Merlin Fulcher

Labour group proposes nationalising 500,000 private homes with George Kafka

Low income renters left with nowhere to live amid unaffordability crisis with Prudence Ivey

How UK homes are becoming ‘lethal furnaces’ in heatwaves with Kate Wagner

Labour pledges discount land sales for local authority housebuilders with Peter Apps

Poor housing costing NHS £1.4 billion pounds each year with Melissa York

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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‘Mutant’ housing block facing demolition just one year after completion

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 05:00:41 GMT

This week Phin catches up with Joe Giddings: architect, UK lead at Built by Nature, and co- founding member of Architects Climate Action Network.

// ‘Mutant’ housing block facing demolition just one year after completion // As party conference season begins, Rishi Sunak U-turns on key net zero policies // Outrage over the felling of Northumberland’s iconic Sycamore Gap tree // And is Britain really a ‘nation of drivers’? //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Cursed Objects: The Glass & Steel Totems of Canary Wharf

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 05:01:37 GMT

In lieu of a regular episode of The Brief, we are bringing you an episode of one of our favorite podcasts Cursed Objects. We highly recommend you check out their other episodes via this link, and whilst you're at it why not give them a follow on X and instagram.

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Government takes over bankrupt Birmingham City Council

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 05:00:20 GMT

This week Fran spoke to Barbara Speed, the Deputy Opinion Editor at the Guardian.

// Government takes over Birmingham City Council amid threats of further local authority bankruptcies // HS2’s Manchester leg and Euston terminal both facing the axe // Outrage after benches and ping pong tables removed in Southwark to curb anti-social behaviour // And experts warn banning XL Bully dogs could fail to prevent more fatal attacks //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Crisis in concrete: the school estate shutdown and how we got here

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 10:48:37 GMT

The schools estate is crumbling and new revelations over the risks of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) have forced closures across the country, stoking alarm among parents and forcing the government into crisis. Remediation could cost billions of pounds and meanwhile a whole raft of under-maintained post-war buildings could now face demolition. Is decades of under-investment about to come crashing down?

To help us unpack this complex story is Dr Ruth Lang. Ruth is a lecturer in professional practice at the RCA and London School of Architecture, and lead researcher for Low Carbon Housing at Design Museum. Her PhD in Architectural History focussed on the London County Council’s schools building programme after the Second World War…

Links to articles and events mentioned in the podcast:

Shannon Mattern article

Panel Discussion: Women in Social: Housing & Architecture St Pancras

Islands Talks: Owen Hatherley and Marianna Janowicz

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The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Concrete safety concerns in schools spark a crisis in government

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 05:00:06 GMT

This week Merlin spoke to the new director of The London Society, Rob Fiehn.

//156 schools to close over concrete safety concerns, sparking a crisis in government // Acclaimed social housing architect Peter Barber calls for a mass homes building program // The rising support among Londoners for the Ultra-Low Emission Zone // And Marks & Spencer launches an appeal to resurrect its Oxford Street redevelopment //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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London faces a crisis of dullness

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 05:00:59 GMT

This week Phin spoke to Nabil Al-Kinani. Nabil is a built-environment professional, cultural producer, and guest curator for the Open House Festival 2023

// London faces a crisis of dullness as eccentrics and creatives driven out of the capital // ‘Loo deserts’ across swathes of the capital exclude people and cause surge in public urination // UK’s first anti-apartheid centre to open next year // And just one week to go until the largest celebration of architecture and neighborhoods in the country, Open House Festival //

The Brief is supported by Bloomberg Connects, a free guide to the world's best art exhibitions and museums.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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London's largest architecture event - Open House - launches 2023 program

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 05:12:19 GMT

This week Sahiba spoke to Jim Stephenson and Sofia Smith. Jim is an award-winning architectural photographer and filmmaker. Sofia is a writer and photographic artist, and together they run a small film studio called Stephenson&

London's largest architecture event, Open House Festival launches 2023 program // More media culture wars break out over Low Traffic Neighborhoods // Extraordinary 1960s synagogue and holocaust memorial under threat of demolition in Brighton // And it's architecture awards season! What do the short and long lists for this year's gongs tell us about practice today?

Click here to get early, ad-free access to The Brief, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Brief is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering The Brief supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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What's next for the Museum of London

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 05:00:28 GMT

This week Merlin spoke to Sharon Ament, director of the Museum of London.

Museum of London announces strategic objectives for the next five years // The banks of the river Thames experience a flurry of activity as thousands take up mudlarking // Recent poll results raise questions over the importance of cultural capital during the cost of living crisis // And the knitting renaissance among millennials and Gen Z

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is recorded and produced at the Open City offices located in Bureau. Bureau is a co-working space for creatives offering a new approach to membership workspace. Bureau prioritises not just room to think and do, but also shared resources and space to collaborate. To book a free day pass follow this link.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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The Londown Climate Change Special

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 05:00:41 GMT

This week we revisit some of our favorite climate related stories we've covered over the past year

Episodes featured:

Scientists deliver ‘final warning’ on climate crisis: act now or it’s too late with Merlin Fulcher

UK insulation scheme set to take 300 years to meet government targets with Clare Bennie

Micahel Gove rejects M&S Oxford Street demolition in ‘watershed’ moment for retrofit with Merlin Fulcher

Global heating will push billions outside ‘human climate niche’ with Peter Apps

Britain is addicted to the wrecking ball. It’s trashing our heritage and the planet with Denean Rowe

Carbon credits: towards net zero or zero credibility? with Katy Marks

New legislation mandating verdant urban wetlands to tackle urban flooding with Phin Harper

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Eric Parry's tour of the City of London

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 06:00:51 GMT

This is the second audio tour of a two-part series led by architect and Royal Academician Eric Parry visiting London’s two historic cities: Westminster and the City of London

Eric Parry Architects (EPA) is responsible for the designing of some of the most significant projects in London today with many of its most important architectural works clustered in the City of London and Westminster. Open City has worked with EPA to create a two-part series of print and audio tours celebrating this contribution.

This tour focuses on the City of London and will begin at The Southwark Gateway Needle, London Bridge and take in Fen Court (including the rooftop garden at 120 Fenchurch).

The walking tour will visit key Eric Parry buildings including St Helens Place & Undershaft, Threadneedle Street and Paternoster Square. The tour ends at Salisbury Square, Fleet Street.

EPA has not only developed a reputation for delivering beautifully crafted and well-considered buildings, but also for championing generous amounts of public realm in its projects. The Farringdon-based studio is involved in every scale of making, from a door handle to an urban masterplan.

ROUTE NOTES:

There are eleven listening points on this tour, the first of which is at The Gateway Needle in London Bridge:

Listening Point 1 - The Gateway Needle

Listening Point 2 - Fish Mongers Hall Wharf

Listening Point 3 - All Hallows Staining

Listening Point 4 - 120 Fenchurch st Exterior

Listening Point 5 - The Digital Oculus beneath 120 Fenchurch st

Listening Point 6 - 120 Fenchurch st Roof Top

Listening Point 7 - 1 Undershaft Skyscraper

Listening Point 8 - The Leather Sellers Hall, St Helen’s place

Listening Point 9 - 60 Threadneedle st

Listening point 10 - Paternoster Square and The London Stock Exchange

Listening point 11 - Salisbury Square Development

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Rishi Sunak vows Low Traffic Neighborhoods review

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 05:04:50 GMT

This week Merlin takes to the hot-seat with producer Poppy Waring

// Rishi Sunak vows Low Traffic Neighborhoods review // Micahel Gove rejects M&S Oxford Street demolition in ‘watershed’ moment for retrofit // HS2 rated unachievable by the government’s infrastructure watchdog // And new analysis shows how race and income affect the quality of air you breathe //

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Innovative Signage Strategies and Sustainable Urban Development

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 06:55:34 GMT

In this episode Paul speaks to Abukokkar Siddiki and Patricia Brown. Abu is a British Bangladeshi architect who for the past 3 years has been guiding Birmingham City University students through a sustainable development co-lab project in the village of Kazir Gaon in Northeast Bangladesh. Pat is Director of Central – a consultancy centred on the dynamics of cities and the process of achieving change. In 1999, she played a pivotal role in the pioneering Legible London project which has now been implemented by boroughs across the capital.

Through conversations around urban development on two very different scales, they explore what sustainable development can look like, and evaluate the importance of innovative signage strategies in creating pedestrian friendly urban landscapes.

To read their articles and all the others in this edition, you can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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Lives at risk as blistering heat scorches southern Europe

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 05:01:49 GMT

This week Sahiba spoke to the writer and Design Museum curator, George Kafka.

// Lives at risk as blistering heat scorches southern Europe // Government adviser calls for a major rethink on new road building // Labour group proposes nationalising 500,000 private homes // And the government promises a crack down on ‘rip-off’ university degrees //

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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The housing policy reforms local authorities are calling for

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 05:01:09 GMT

This week Phin spoke to Leo Pollak, who is Councillor for South Bermondsey Ward in the London Borough of Southwark.

// An SUV crash at a primary school in Wimbledon kills two children // The Architect Sir David Adjaye steps away from major projects after sexual assault allegations published in the Financial Times // Local authorities call for new raft of policies to transform council housing delivery // And the Jamaican metallurgists rediscovered at the centre of modern architectural and industrial history //

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Parry's tour of Westminster

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 13:52:24 GMT

This is the first audio tour of a two-part series led by architect and Royal Academician Eric Parry visiting London’s two historic cities: Westminster and the City of London

This tour focusses on Westminster where the company is renowned for a number of cultural projects involving sensitive historic buildings such as the restoration of St. John's Church in Waterloo, and the Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square.

From buildings adorned with public art by Turner Prize winning artists, to sculptural faience facades, warped windows, and specialist ecclesiastical furniture, to once-in-a-century reorganisations of historic churches and renovations of elegant corner buildings. How have Eric Parry’s projects transformed the City of Westminster?

This tour tells its story...

THE ROUTE:

Listening Point 1 - 50 New Bond Street & 14 St George Street

Architect: Eric Parry Architects

Listening Point 2 - Maddox Street

Architect: Eric Parry Architects

Listening Point 3 - 23 Savile Row

Architect: Eric Parry Architects

Listening Point 4 - The Albany

Architect: Sir William Chambers

Listening Point 5 - One Eagle Place

Architect: Eric Parry Architects

Listening Point 6 - 8 St James's Square

Architect: Eric Parry Architects

Listening Point 7 - Pall Mall

Listening Point 8 - St Martin in the Fields

Architect: James Gibbs

Listening Point 9 - St Johns Church Waterloo

Architect: Francis Bedford (original building), Eric Parry Architects (2022 restoration)

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Thames Water sinking under more than £14 billion pounds of debt

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 05:04:51 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to Prudence Ivey, Editor of Homes and Property at the Evening Standard, and guest curator of the Open House Festival.

// Thames Water sinking under more than £14 billion pounds of debt // HSBC to vacate iconic Canary Wharf skyscraper // Low income renters left with nowhere to live amid unaffordability crisis // And most UK rail ticket offices set to close within weeks //

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Designing cities to cope with heatwaves and combat loneliness

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 06:00:58 GMT

In this episode Marsha speaks to Professor Debbie Bartlett from The Cool Towns Project, and Clare Penny who is course leader for Landscape Architecture at the University of East London.

Through conversations around two big 21st century issues: loneliness and heatwaves, they explore how landscape architecture can play a vital role in making cities more hospitable on every scale.

To read their articles and all the others in this edition, you can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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Prince William vows to build social housing and end homelessness

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 05:00:48 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to the architectural critic and the blogger behind McMansion Hell - Kate Wagner.

// Prince William vows to build social housing and end homelessness // Acclaimed London housing activist Kwajo refuses an MBE // Backlash over the closure of communal barbecue pits in Burgess Park // And how UK homes are becoming ‘lethal furnaces’ in heatwaves //

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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The battle to save 20th century buildings from the bulldozer

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 05:00:27 GMT

On this week's show Phin speaks to the architecture critic, incoming chair of heritage campaign group Twentieth Century Society, and author of the new book ‘About Architecture: An Essential Guide in 55 Buildings’ - Hugh Pearman.

// Architects issue an open letter to design journalists over the climate crisis // Conservationists' listing bid for Peckham Library rebuffed // Residents with communal heating see energy bills soar by 350 percent // And big changes approved for two iconic 1980s London locations //

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Six years on from Grenfell – we ask why housing is still in crisis

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:50:26 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to the journalist and author of the powerful account of the Grenfell disaster ‘Show Me the Bodies’, Peter Apps.

// Six years on from Grenfell – we ask why housing is still in crisis // Labour pledges discount land sales for local authority housebuilders // RIBA calls for urgent government action on crumbling hospitals // And how climate crisis could force a billion from their homes worldwide

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Shaping spaces to be inclusive to all

Sat, 03 Jun 2023 06:00:09 GMT

In this episode the Landscape Institute's Neelam Sheemar speaks to Glen Macfarlane and Pierre Chin-Dickey from Macfarlane + Associates, and the writer and landscape architect Jill White.

They discuss the power of design in making spaces feel welcoming, safe, and ultimately inclusive to all. Through conversations around signs and a new piece of child-friendly public realm on the site of the former Ilford photographic factory in Redbridge, they cover how designing for one group can risk alienating others, the balance between signage and natural way-finding, the power of speaking to the community, landscape architecture education and much more.

To read their articles and all the others in this edition, you can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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The millions of adults living with parents amid the housing crisis

Thu, 25 May 2023 05:20:54 GMT

This week Fran speaks to the architect, writer and producer Ewa Effiom.

// Close to five million adults living with parents amid the housing crisis // A row over nightime closures of London’s finest skyline viewing point – Primrose Hill // Road safety campaigners call out politicians for normalising dangerous driving // And the world’s largest architecture festival opens in Venice //

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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The British Pavilion at this years Venice Biennale

Thu, 18 May 2023 05:04:22 GMT

This week Merlin travels to Venice to catch up with Jayden Ali, one of the curators for the British Pavilion at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale.

// The British Pavilion shines a light on everyday urban customs at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale // Resident accuses a south London estate regeneration of ‘social cleansing’ in high court battle // BikeStormz under threat due to moral panic and unfair policing // And campaigners fight back over council bid to remove their plant pots //

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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With four months to go Open House Festival announces its guest curators

Thu, 11 May 2023 05:18:46 GMT

This week Sahiba speaks to Open House Festival assistant curator Hafsa Adan.

// With four months to go Open House Festival announces its guest curators // A row erupts over the mass arrests of anti-Coronation protesters // The Museum of London is on target for a delayed 2026 opening // And should people who keep their gardens green receive a tax cut? //

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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SuperBloom and the not-so-green credentials of urban trees

Sat, 06 May 2023 05:30:00 GMT

In this episode Jaideep Warya, landscape architect at Allies and Morrison and Andrew Grant from Grant Associates, discuss how to steer projects and clients towards long-lasting, sustainable outcomes especially in their choice of materials.

Through conversations about SuperBloom (Grant Associate's spectacular landscape in the moat of the Tower of London), and the not-so-green credentials of urban tree planting schemes (researched by Jai in the current edition of Landscape), they delve into issues of biodiversity, carbon sequestration and the profession's progress towards designing for a net zero future.

To read their articles and all the others in this edition, you can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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The Londown Transport Special

Thu, 04 May 2023 05:02:58 GMT

This week we revisit some of our favorite London transport stories we've covered over the past year/

Episodes featured:

The 15-minute city culture war debate with Denean Rowe

Paris bans rental e-scooters with Neal Shasore

The opening of Crossrail (the Elizabeth Line) with Deborah Saunt

The plight of rail workers with Alpa Depani

The argument for dismantling road infrastructure with Phin Harper

Alternative uses for parking spaces with Deborah Denner

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

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Poor housing costing NHS £1.4 billion each year

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 08:45:48 GMT

This week new host Fran Williams speaks to Melissa York, assistant property editor at The Times and The Sunday Times.

|| Poor housing costing NHS £1.4 billion pounds each year || Rishi Sunak scraps housing targets amid pressure from Conservative members || Developers failing to deliver the play spaces London needs || And new data reveals enduring inequalities in the UK’s architecture industry ||

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

The C20 Society are offering Londown supporters 20% off membership, just follow this link and use the code C20LONDOWN at the checkout.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gove admits Coalition policies added to social housing failures

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 08:31:26 GMT

This week Phin Harper speaks to the founder and director of the consultancy Municipal, Claire Bennie.

| Gove admits Coalition policies added to social housing failures || Landlords roll out draconian new vetting procedures || UK insulation scheme set to take 300 years to meet targets || And the architecturally acclaimed London college facing demolition |

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain's first memorial to the victims of the Transatlantic slave trade

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 05:19:04 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to the writer, architecture historian, and head of the London School of Architecture - Neal Shasore.

Paris bans rental e-scooters | A new ‘Superloop’ bus network for suburban London | A memorial to the victims of the Transatlantic slave trade | And a reprieve for Richard Rogers’ iconic Channel 4 Headquarters

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal, and the C20 Society.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Petrochemical reliance & the value of indigenous knowledge

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 06:20:07 GMT

Marsha Ramroop speaks to two contributors of the Material Matters edition of Landscape: Claire Thirlwall and Sandeep Balagangadharan Menon. Together they discuss landscape architecture's reliance on petrochemicals, the value found in indigenous knowledge, the industry's response to the climate crisis and thoughts on the types of questions practitioners and educators should be asking.

To read their articles and all the others in this edition, you can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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the 100th episode of the Londown

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 06:20:54 GMT

In this special bumper 100th episode, Merlin Fulcher takes the guest-pundit hot seat, to answer questions on the housing, cost of living, and climate crises. Guiding him through these meaty topics is new host Sahiba Chadha -- architect and Accelerate tutor.

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link.

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A new budget amid a wave of public sector strike disruptions

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 06:20:23 GMT

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

This week Merlin speaks to Lachlan Anderson-Frank. Lachlan trained as an architect and is a town planner working at the London Borough of Enfield.

A new budget amid a wave of public sector strike disruptions | Three London buildings among the UK’ s most at risk of demolition | A fatal fire in an east London flat housing 18 people | And Elon Musk’s vision for a new build ‘utopia’ in Texas

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Leisured City pt2 - a guided walk around the West End

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 07:30:57 GMT

Following on from Merlin's interview with Angus Lockyer on the Londown this week, here is the second leg of the Leisured City guided walk -- part of Angus' new podcast series historicity.

This episode,we see how some parts of the West End (like Soho) came down in the world, while others (like St James’s) stayed up.

More about the series:

Most existing tours either explore particular themes in a city’s history (like crime) or use the city as a stage for other stories (like works of literature and art). Historicity focuses instead on the city itself, weaving its stories together with its connections to the world beyond, and so explaining why we see what we do. Recorded on location and delivered as a podcast, each walk is designed to be followed in real time, at the listeners' own pace.

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Spotlighting the women written out of London’s built environment history

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 06:20:47 GMT

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

This week Merlin speaks to the historian, and writer and presenter of the audio walking tours series - historicity - Angus Lockyer.

Lambeth pulls the plug on controversial estate demolitions | London’s David Chipperfield wins the Pritzker Prize - architecture’s most coveted title | A UK-wide retrofitting program to unlock 35 billion pounds for the economy | And a new award-winning map spotlighting the women written out of London’s built environment history

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The Rental Crisis with Michael Walker

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 06:20:54 GMT

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

This week Merlin Speaks to the broadcaster and and host of the brand new podcast series Crash Course, Michael Walker.

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Why Materials Matter in the Age of Climate Emergency

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 07:00:58 GMT

In this episode we are zooming in on the importance of materials, as we design our way through the climate emergency.

Joining Paul are Vanessa Norwood and Duncan Paybody. Duncan is Director of Landscape at Studio Egret West, which has just delivered a new six-acre park in the heart of Manchester. Vanessa is a curator and consultant who was Creative Director of the Building Centre from 2018-22, and commissioned the exhibition 'Homegrown: Building a Post-carbon Future' which is on now.

To read their articles and all the others in this edition, you can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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Visionary plans to deliver 1.2 million homes around rural train stations

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 05:00:46 GMT

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

This week Phin speaks to Denean Rowe, project manager at the Town and Country Planning Association.

Visionary plans to deliver 1.2 million homes within walking distance of rural train stations | Britain’s addiction to the wrecking ball costing us 55,000 buildings a year |

A new culture war erupts over 15-minute cities | And the City of London forces office skyscrapers to dim their lights at night.

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Supreme Court grants luxury homeowners victory over Tate Modern

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 06:30:49 GMT

Click here to get early, ad-free access to the Londown, and support accessible independent journalism from Open City.

This week Merlin speaks to Charles Begley, Chief Executive of the London Property Alliance.

Supreme Court grants luxury homeowners victory over Tate Modern viewing platform | Housing in every London borough declared unaffordable for local average earners | First time rough sleeping up by a third in central London | And the long-awaited pedestrianisation of Bank junction finally moves forward

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Carbon credits and zero carbon construction

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 06:15:52 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to the architect and Director of Citizens Design Bureau, Katy Marks.

Huge doubts over carbon credits, a key pillar of Net Zero construction | Pop-up urinal death prompts debate over London’s vanishing public toilets | Michael Gove pledges to scrap ‘feudal’ leaseholder system | And fears Stratford’s LED-clad sphere could shine as bright as the ‘sun’

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Could Architects be Replaced by Machines?

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 06:06:19 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to the architect, director of Frame Projects and chair of Open City; Deborah Denner.

A linear park for Camden on the route of a disused railway wins approval | New research reveals the shocking health inequalities seen with rising house prices | Last year’s huge police raid on Hackney’s Antepavilion ruled unlawful | And could Architects be replaced by machines? We discuss how AI could radically transform the future of London...

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Leisured City - an Audio Walking Tour of The West End

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 07:02:47 GMT

Historicity is a brilliant new series of audio walking tours which explore how cities got to be the way they are - starting with London.

This episode - Leisured City - covers the transformation of the West End, as wealth is invested, hierarchy reproduced, and luxury consumed, in its streets and square…

More about the series:

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Could increasing congestion on London’s roads improve transport?

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 06:15:00 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to the architecture critic and Chief Executive of Open City, Phineas Harper.

Could increasing congestion on London’s roads be the real cure to all transport woes? | Shock as Grenfell firefighters diagnosed with incurable cancers six years on | Right to camp wild under the stars formally outlawed across England and Wales | And the new legislation mandating verdant urban wetlands to tackle urban flooding

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School of Place and the revival of traditional architecure

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 06:20:35 GMT

This week Rachel speaks to the architect and co-author of the new book 'Meanwhile City', Petra Marko.

Census map blows the lid on London's housing and transport inequalities | Michael Gove vows to revive traditional architecture with a new ‘school of place’ | The true scale of social housing demolitions in the capital revealed | And an enormous new public space opens in what was once a major West End road

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What public space designed for men, means for women

Sat, 07 Jan 2023 07:00:28 GMT

In this episode we are looking at how public space has been designed by and for men, and how this can have potentially deadly consequences for women.

Joining Paul are Eleanor Trenfield, Jade Goto and Sophie Thompson. Eleanor and Jade are from EDLA landscape architects, and Sophie leads public realm at LDA Design, and has been involved in the design and delivery of liveable streets, squares, and green space for the past twenty years.

To read their articles and all the others in this edition, you can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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Building with Timber, with engineer Andrew Lawrence and architect Lina Ghotmeh

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 06:30:02 GMT

Open City presents Episode One, Season Two of Words on Wood, a podcast series created by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) in conjunction with Disegno journal, that delves deep into the big questions surrounding forests, the timber industry, and the use of wood as a design material.

With architecture under more pressure than ever to improve the sustainability of buildings, this episode of Words on Wood looks at the potential for timber structures to reshape the field. Given the opportunities and challenges facing the construction of tall timber buildings, what role does wood have to play in the future of our built environment? Engineer Andrew Lawrence and architect Lina Ghotmeh discuss the complexities of the issues.

About Words on Wood

Drawing on interviews and analysis from charismatic industry experts and fascinating figures from across the creative sector, Words on Wood takes a 360º view of timber and its journey from tree to finished application. Featuring contributions and case studies from the worlds of design and architecture, the podcast explores the ways in which we care for and harvest our forests can have far-reaching consequences across the creative fields, and for the world at large.

Each season sees Disegno’s editors Oli Stratford and India Block navigate the complex intersections between the worlds of forestry and design, focusing in on topics such as timber construction, illegal logging, carbon capture, advancing technologies, boundary-pushing designers, and the enduring power of craft. Alongside regular episodes are Tree Shorts – a collection of bite-size episodes each dedicated to a particular tree and the properties of its timber, as revealed through a selected design project that makes use of its distinct qualities.

Subscribe here or search for 'Words on Wood' whereover you get your podcasts

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The Londown Christmas Review of the Year

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 06:00:31 GMT

Join Phin Harper, Peter Arkley Bloxham, Sonny Malhotra, Cath Slessor and Ruth Lang for a epic end of year quiz where we look at some of the biggest, boldest, and down-right strangest stories we've covered on the Londown in 2022...

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Leading London architects called out over Qatar world cup

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 06:00:00 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to the journalist and the former director of inclusion at the RIBA -- Marsha Ramroop.

Leading London architects called out over Qatar world cup | China’s new embassy next to Tower Hill denied planning permission | Conservationists rage over green light for National Gallery overhaul | And Open City names its new chair and board...

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100 years of Women shaping Landscape Architecture

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 08:00:46 GMT

In this second episode of Talking Landscape - a monthly series produced by the Landscape Institute and Open City - host Paul Lincoln speaks to two contributors to the autumn edition of the Landscape journal which celebrates 100 years of women in landscape architecture. They are Jane Findlay, and Dr Luca Csepely-Knorr.

Jane is the Immediate Past President of the Landscape Institute, and guest editor of this edition of the journal.

Luca is a chartered landscape architect and art historian and research chair in architecture at Liverpool University. She is also leading the ‘Women of the Welfare Landscape’ project which we discuss in the show

To read their articles and all the others in this edition, you can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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Audio walking tour of London Bridge

Sat, 26 Nov 2022 08:00:08 GMT

A walking tour of the extraordinary architecture around London Bridge, Southwark and the Square Mile created for Shangri-La The Shard, led by architect Charles Holland.

You can find details about the route on Open City's website

The production of this tour and audio guide was sponsored by Shangri-La The Shard

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From black and white nostalgia to internet memes

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 06:20:19 GMT

This week our host Rachel speaks to the urban designer, and co-director of ZCD Architects, Dinah Bornat.

Toddler killed by mould a defining wake-up call for the housing sector | New Voter ID rules freezing young people out of civic life | ‘Who remembers proper binmen?’ - the nostalgia meme rejecting modern progress | And Wandworth council reclaims the streets… from e-bikes

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You can't pickle a shark in a bedsit

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 06:20:12 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to award winning architectural journalist, and author of 'Monumental Lies: Culture Wars and the Truth about the Past', Robert Bevan.

The Grenfell inquiry concludes and the long road to memorialising 72 deaths begins | London mayor holds emergency summit as more than a third of renters face defaulting | Working class people earning thousands less than middle class peers | And one of London’s oldest pubs faces closure over a landlord rent dispute...

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Austerity hits London's cultural sector

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 06:00:52 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to Alpa Depani, an architect and head of strategic planning and design the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

Austerity restarts with £50 million pounds of cuts to London culture | World leaders talk climate change while sustainable rail transport falters at home | Essex’s newest new town shows one way to meet London’s housing need | And is built environment heritage becoming all too political? | Plus, a cultural roundup.

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What a global housing slump means for London

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 06:02:24 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to Russell Curtis, founder of RCKa Architects

A global house price slump is coming – but what does it mean for London and those most in housing need | Mega housing association criticised for evicting tenants over safety concerns in new block | South London council hires one of London's trendiest rising star architects for a new wave of social housing | And Michael Gove promises 300,000 new homes a year. Will it happen and will it help?

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What Rishi Sunak as PM means for London

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 05:20:01 GMT

This week Phin speaks to Aydin Dikerdem. Aydin is a Councillor for Shaftesbury & Queenstown in Wandsworth and Cabinet Member for Housing.

Rishi Sunak – the wealthiest MP in history – becomes the new Prime Minister | Campaign group, Just Stop Oil under threat from new bill targeting peaceful protests | Battersea Power Station finally opens, with flats on sale for £7 million despite 11,000 person waiting list for housing | And new developments on the Barbican site scaled back after quite a backlash

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Talking Landscape - Planning for Beauty

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 08:00:47 GMT

In this first episode of Talking Landscape – a monthly series produced by the Landscape Institute and Open City – host Paul Lincoln discusses beauty in the planning system and beyond with two contributors to the summer edition of the Landscape Journal; Julie Waldron and Ruth Lin Wong Holmes.

Julie – who is Senior Landscape and Water Planning Officer at Edinburgh City Council – embarked on an investigation to try and define what we mean by beauty, and argues why the omission of the term in Scotland's draft National Planning Framework is a missed opportunity.

Ruth – Design Principal Landscape and Public Realm at the London Legacy Development Programme which runs the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – looks at the beauty of the ongoing stewardship of one of London’s newest and biggest public spaces.

To read their articles and all the others in this edition, you can find an online version of Landscape for free here

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Blackstone - one of Europe’s largest landlords under the spotlight

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 05:20:12 GMT

This week Merlin catches up with Hettie O'Brien, assistant opinion director at the Guardian.

Blackstone, one of Europe’s and the UK’s largest landlords under the spotlight | Historic England slams Liverpool Street Station high-rise redevelopment plans | Battersea Power Station’s grand opening boycotted over lack of affordable housing | And could the beleaguered Whitechapel Bell Foundry be about to witness a change of fortunes?

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Campaigners call out misleading data justifying demolition

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 05:20:51 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to Jonathan Morrison, architecture correspondent at The Times and author of a new report on the longevity of architectural firms called The Practice of Succession

Campaigners hit out at ‘misleading’ data justifying Museum of London and Bastion House’s demolition | Government backtracks on tweet claiming stamp duty cut could help average-income London house buyers | Fulham community centre tipped to win UK architecture’s highest accolade | And what Norman Foster’s hypoctratic oath for architects tells us about the important issue of succession within architectural practice

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The mini-budget crashes the pound

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 05:20:06 GMT

This week host Phin Harper is joined by the architectural historian and editor of the brilliant About Buildings and Cities podcast, Matthew Lloyd Roberts.

Mini-budget crashes the pound | Westminster Council to seize oligarch mansions | London architects John McAslan and Partners to redesign New York's biggest architectural blunder | And plans brewing for Queen Elizabeth mini memorial gardens

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Six outstanding examples of long-term low-carbon urbanism unveiled

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 05:20:19 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to Julian Robinson. Julian is Director of Estates at the London School of Economics and winner of this year’s Open City Irene Barclay Prize

Alton Estate spared demolition but more than 100 other London estates face regeneration | Speculation grows over the green belt's future under Liz Truss | Campaigners call for Queen Elizabeth Hall's listing as a mark of respect | And Open City reveals the winners of this year's Stewardship Awards

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London Feeds Itself with Jonathan Nunn

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 17:02:34 GMT

This week Rachel is joined by journalist and author, Jonathan Nunn, to discuss his new book London Feeds Itself.

National mourning and mass cancellations in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death | London’s pubs and restaurants in jeopardy as cost of living spirals | Sadiq Khan praises Scottish rent freeze as ‘exactly what Londonders need’ | London Feeds Itself, Jonathan Nunn’s new guide to London’s food culture.

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Audio walking tour of the Design District

Sat, 10 Sep 2022 08:00:15 GMT

Greenwich Peninsula, located at a bend in the river Thames, East of historic Greenwich and opposite the mouth of the river Lea, has historically been a peripheral area of London. It was a farm and marshland until, in the 19th Century, it became home to Europe’s largest gas works. Until the extension of the Jubilee line and the construction of the Millennium Dome, this industrial legacy was a barrier to the development of the peninsula. The dome — not the O2 Arena — was intended to mark the start of an ambitious plan for a new urban centre, but a post-party wrangling about the area’s future and the onset of the 2008 financial crash slowed progress considerably.

In 2013, the majority of the peninsula was bought by the developers Knight Dragon, who set about one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe. The latest addition is Design District, already named by Time magazine as one of 2021’s World’s Greatest Places, and featuring a rare density of buildings by leading contemporary architects such as 6A, Adam Khan Architects and David Kohn Architects.

This tour tells its story.

We made this tour from our offices in Bureau. Bureau is a co-working space for creatives offering a new approach to membership workspace. Bureau prioritises not just room to think and do, but also shared resources and space to collaborate. To book a free day pass follow this link.

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Open House Festival kicks off today

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 05:00:24 GMT

On the first day of the 30th Open House Festival, Merlin speaks to Chief Curator, Zoë Cave

Open House – London’s biggest festival of architecture and community kicks off today | Questions over new prime minister Liz Truss' vision to tackle the energy crisis | More people than ever seeking warmth and shelter on London’s night buses | And urban parks left reeling after a summer of drought, wildfires, and under-funding

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Right to Buy takes its first bite out of Stirling Prize winning Goldsmith Street

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 05:22:13 GMT

This week Merlin is joined by the journalist and author of Red Metropolis, Owen Hatherley

Wandsworth's new council vetoes a development for lacking affordable homes | Right to Buy takes its first bite out of Stirling Prize winning Goldsmith Street | 70 percent of pubs could be forced to close as energy costs spiral | And could Jacob Rees-Mogg be the next housing minister?

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Designing spaces to bring people back into the office

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 05:33:47 GMT

This week Rachel speaks to Helen Arvanitakis, Director of the Design District in North Greenwich.

Average workers now spending just a day and a half in the office | Emerging small-scale London architects win huge commissions in the capital | Bill Bryson joins the chorus of names calling to save Oxford Street’s M&S from demolition | And could golf courses be taking more than their fair water share as drought strikes Europe?

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Rishi Sunak caught celebrating the defunding of deprived urban areas

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 05:25:38 GMT

This week Merlin is joined by Joris Lechêne, the diversity and inclusion trainer and the man behind the Tiktok channel @Joris_explains

Rishi Sunak caught in video celebrating the defunding of deprived areas | Muyiwa Oki wins the RIBA presidential election | Children of social housing tenants banned from playing in a new Thameside development | And could the new Transport Bill be waging an unfair war on cyclists?

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How soaring inflation is pushing people to the brink, with Ben Page

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 05:38:46 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to Ben Page, the global chief executive of market research firm Ipsos.

Soaring inflation sees one-eighth of households facing no options to cut costs. A power shortage leaves West London with a new homes ban. How buy-to-let landlords fuelled the housing crisis. And the Grade I-listed Finsbury Health Centre is finally set for a refurb

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Why housing isn't on the conservative leadership agenda with Douglas Murphy

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 05:28:49 GMT

Leadership rivals Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak criticised for lack of housing policy. New London buildings dominate the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist. The capital weighs up its Olympic legacy a decade on from the games. And is there a socialist case for traditional architecture?

This week Merlin is joined by the architect and writer Douglas Murphy.

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Extreme heat highlights the inadequacies of London's buildings

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 05:45:27 GMT

This week host Rachel Copel is joined by Fran Williams, deputy architecture editor at the AJ

On the menu: London burns as soaring temperatures highlight the inadequacy of our buildings to cope in extreme weather. Developers accused of bribing social housing residents to vote in favour of estate regenerations. A Southwark councillor is issued with a no fault eviction notice. And Canada Water's Printworks nightclub is set to close ahead of a huge redevelopment.

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Power and Public Space

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 05:30:12 GMT

A new covid wave has meant we are sadly unable to make an episode of The Londown this week. However, instead we're going to play you an episode of the Architecture Foundation's new podcast series Power and Public Space which was made in collaboration with Drawing Matter.

In the episode Matthew Blunderfield speaks with the artists Mark Wallinger. Wallinger's art exists in public space. He’s made films and performance pieces set in tube stations and airports, and was the first artist to occupy the empty fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square in 1999. In this episode of Power and Public Space Wallinger discusses the installation “State Britain”, which reconstructs a protest encampment originally erected in Parliament Square by the peace activist Brian Haw. If you enjoy the show please subscribe to it via the Architecture Foundation wherever you get your podcasts.

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What is the Most Sustainable Way to Build? with Smith Mordak and Richard Ellis

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 05:29:13 GMT

For this weeks Open City Stewardship Awards special host Phin Harper is joined by Director of Sustainability and Physics at the integrated consulting engineers and advisers practice Buro Happold - Smith Mordak, and Director of Sustainability at the housing association Peabody - Richard Ellis.

Damning report warns the UK is already failing its own net zero targets. Census reveals London hollowing out of the London city centre. Star architects dRMM parachuted in for a landmark study to boost timber construction. And conservationists celebrate victory in the battle to save London’s former City Hall from demolition

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RIBA elections with candidate Muyiwa Oki

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 05:31:21 GMT

The Royal Institute of British Architects names its three presidential contenders | A US property price slump casts doubts over London’s residential market | The City Corporation is urged not to demolish the old Museum of London | And the row over a prime ministerial treehouse at Chequers while thousands of homes lay vacant in the capital

This week Merlin is joined by Muyiwa Oki, one of the three candidates in the running to be the next RIBA president.

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Stewardship awards special with Peabody's John Lewis

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 05:20:35 GMT

For this weeks Open City Stewardship Awards special Merlin is joined by the Executive Director for Thamesmead at Peabody - John Lewis.

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Five years on from Grenfell with Pooja Agrawal

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 05:34:23 GMT

Five years on Grenfell survivors say they are still waiting for justice. A toxic culture spanning decades at London’s most famous architecture school. Campaigners warn Right to Buy’s revamp could worsen the housing crisis. And a new inquiry into American sweet shops flooding Oxford Street.

This week Rachel is joined by Pooja Agrawal. Pooja is the co-founder and CEO of Public Practice and is also the co-founder of Sound Advice.

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Help to Buy scrapped early, with Will Jennings

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 01:45:16 GMT

Help to Buy scrapped amid a looming housing market slowdown, Marketisation of landmark buildings takes a twist with some questionable projections, Camden Highline’s submitted for planning as calls for a pedestrian first city grow, And the Platinum Jubilee in architecture – does the reality of Thomas Heatherwick’s ‘Tree of Trees’ live up to the renders?

This week Merlin catches up with Will Jennings; editor of Recessed Space, director of Hypha Studios charity, and architecture lecturer at UCL Bartlett and Greenwich.

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The opening of Crossrail with Deborah Saunt

Thu, 26 May 2022 01:15:16 GMT

Crossrail finally opens with 10 new central London stations, public ownership takes centre stage in Old Oak Common’s redevelopment vision, City Hall sets out plans for a new user-friendly website to review major planning applications, and could a new Renters Reform Bill help out London’s most precarious private tenants?

This week Merlin catches up with DSDHA co-founder Deborah Saunt.

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Protestors clash with police in Dalston - with Will Ing

Thu, 19 May 2022 02:30:30 GMT

Protestors clash with police over immigration arrests in Dalston, Bitter row erupts over last-minute changes to RIBA election rules, Design competition for a memorial at Grenfell tower announced, And could a National Housing Pan be the REAL solution to the housing crisis?

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The local election results are in with Liane Hartley

Thu, 12 May 2022 01:14:20 GMT

Key London councils swing left ending decades of Conservative dominance, Sadiq Khan calls for rent freezes as Bank of England hints at looming recession, New levelling up and planning reforms outlined in the state opening of parliament, And a little known Islington Council architect wins the prestigious MJ Long prize

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Election special with Jenna Goldberg and Shawn Adams

Thu, 05 May 2022 05:15:43 GMT

Cost of living crisis set to dominate London’s local elections, contentious plans to extend Right to Buy are dusted off once again, new data reveals the sickening scale of air pollution in the capital, and the all-party Suburban Taskforce calls for new limits on permitted development rights. This week the Londown was recorded live from the London Communications Agency offices in Covent Garden with Merlin Fulcher, LCA board director Jenna Goldberg, and the writer and architectural designer Shawn Adams.

Apologies for the poor audio quality on Shawn's track – his microphone was not turned on properly.

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What's the deal with Secured by Design? With Fran Williams

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 05:15:03 GMT

Michael Gove puts the brakes on Marks and Spencers’ controversial Oxford Street redevelopment, new questions over Secured by Design allowing the police to reshape our cities, fewer new London skyscrapers coming forward despite record approvals, and Thomas Heatherwick’s tree sculpture for the Jubilee.

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Londown Live from Architect@Work

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 05:44:32 GMT

We recorded this episode at Architect@Work at the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane. This week our host Phin Harper is joined by Open House Festival Chief Curator Zoe Cave, and Hafsa Adan who is a curatorial assistant at Open City.

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Londown Live from the Stirling Prize winning Kingston Townhouse

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 05:21:25 GMT

This episode of the Londown was recorded live at Kingston University with Open City's Siraaj Mitha, the writer and historian Tom Wilkinson, and architect and senior lecturer at Kingston Laura Evans. We experienced some technical difficulties during the recording, so our apologies for the audio quality in this episode.

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Overdevelopment on the Southbank and the problem with MIPIM

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 05:30:23 GMT

Controversial plans to replace ITV’s Southbank studios with new skyscrapers approved. MIPIM: the global property fair where London’s public housing is bought and sold. A conservation row erupts over plans to demolish the 1980s Angel Square in Islington. And the Royal Institute of British Architects seeks a new head of culture just as its diversity chief resigns only one year into the role. Hattie Hartman joins Merlin Fulcher to discuss the big stories in London's architecture, planning and development scene.

The Londown is produced by Open City and the London Society in association with with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link.

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The true environmental cost of new developments in London with Joe Giddings

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 06:14:43 GMT

This week Merlin catches up with the architect and co-founder of Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN), Joe Giddings. On the menu: Stratford Sphere – a colossal 90m-high LED clad orb – wins planning approval // An unbuilt skyscrapers development in London’s troubled Vauxhall Nine Elms regeneration zone changes hands at a colossal loss // Waterloo, the UK’s busiest station seeks a masterplanner for a zero-carbon revamp // And Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement – what does it mean for London’s green construction ambitions in the year ahead?

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Oligarch mansions, the green belt, and Iconicon with John Grindrod

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 06:24:50 GMT

This week Rachel catches up with author of new book 'Iconicon: A Journey Around the Landmark Buildings of Contemporary Britain', John Grindrod. Join us for a discussion all about the squatters who tried to create a refugee centre inside an oligarch mansion, two London developments being hampered by cars, the plans to redevelop London's once iconic Euston Station, and much more...

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Sight loss and the city

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 10:00:48 GMT

This special episode is a collaboration between Sustrans and the Open City podcast. In it, we will hear from members of visual impairment charity Croydon Vision about the impacts of street design on their journeys.

In commissioning this piece, Sustrans hopes to spotlight the importance of design that is inclusive and considerate. Sustrans is a charity focused on making towns and cities more liveable, amplifying voices that are sometimes less heard in the decision making process.

In this podcast, members of Croydon Vision share stories of journeys in the capital in a series of workshops, the recordings of which were edited by the creative minds at Haus Projects.

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The radical new Ulez with Oli Lord

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 06:17:08 GMT

This week Merlin is joined by Oliver Lord, head of Clean Cities Campaign UK. They discuss Sadiq Khan's Ulez expansion whouch could transform air quality and congestion across the city, the £1bn of Oligarch property in the capital, the London architects ditch Russia projects in protest over Ukraine invasion, and yet another cyclist is killed at one of London’s deadliest junctions

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The Great Homes Upgrade with Catherine Croft

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 06:35:37 GMT

This week Merlin catches up with Catherine Croft, who is the Director of the Twentieth Century Society. On todays show; retrofit takes centre stage in upcoming architects protest and the RIBA London awards shortlist, critics slam a new development at Tottenham Court Road accused of 'murdering' the neighbourhood, the RIBA names seven practices vying to redevelop its 66 Portland Place headquarters, and a new projects sets out to immortalise 1,000 dead architects in a series of limited edition NFTs

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Architecture tested to the brink of destruction with Fran Williams

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 06:15:57 GMT

This week Merlin catches up with fellow AJ journalist Fran Williams. They discuss how London's iconic architecture was tested to the brink of destruction by Storm Eunice, why a beautiful estate regeneration has fallen short for local residents, Assemble's psychedelic ‘Dreamachine’ landing in London this spring, and the residents of south London’s Central Hill Estate who are calling on architects to abide their climate pledges.

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One year of The Londown

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 11:00:31 GMT

We can't quite believe it's been a year since we started this show. Join Host Merlin Fulcher, Open City's Phin Harper, and Producer Poppy Waring for a round table discussion all about this show. We hope you enjoy!

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The Silvertown Tunnel and Modern Buildings in Britain with Owen Hatherley

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 08:48:09 GMT

This week architecture critic Phin Harper steps in for Rachel Copel as host, and speaks to the author and journalist Owen Hatherley.

They discuss the 11th hour attempt by Greenwich councillors to block the Silvertown tunnel development, three cases of systemic racism misogyny and discrimination which have appeared in the news this week, the East London pools struggling to stay afloat as demolition and closures loom, and finally Owen's new book 'Modern Buildings in Britain, a new Gazeteer'.

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The cost of living crisis with Sadie Morgan

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 06:10:40 GMT

This week Merlin speaks to Sadie Morgan, founding director of Stirling Prize winning architecture practice dRMM and a board member of Homes England.

Our top stories this week include the cost of living crisis highlighting the long-running failure to insulate UK homes, the new housing minister who voted against forcing landlords to deliver dwellings ‘fit for human habitation’, the announcement that Architect and campaigner Kate Macintosh will be speaking at Open City’s Thornton Lecture, and what really caused the Marble Arch Mound debacle...

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Ridley Road market rescued with Sahiba Chadha

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 06:15:30 GMT

This week, host Merlin Fulcher catches up with architect Sahiba Chadha, partner at Cullinan Studio and course leader on Open City’s Accelerate programme

Our top stories this week include the saving of Ridley Road’s iconic indoor market, benefit changes threatening to impede access to the elite professions, a site walk-out by workers on a £900 million Nine Elms skyscraper, and a new statue for Greenwich waterside seemingly depicting a creative property director…

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Richard Rogers iconic Lloyd's building with Andrew Waugh

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 06:32:02 GMT

This week, our new host Rachel Copel catches up with the Andrew Waugh, the founding director of Waugh Thistleton Architects and advocate for low carbon design and construction.

Our top stories this week include the future of Richard Rogers' iconic Lloyd's building, the new carbon report which slams the Marks and Spencer flagship store demolition, the Bartlett whistle-blower that was denied access to the RIBA, the new highway code, and we also review who deserves a place in the Architectural canon...

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Kill the bill, and journey charges with Jonn Elledge

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 10:12:45 GMT

This week Merlin is joined by journalist, writer, and author of 'The Compendium of (Not Quite) Everything' - Jonn Elledge.

Join us for a discussion on: the controversy surrounding new laws targeting peaceful protest and homeless people, the new journey charges facing motorists in London in a bid to clean up London's air, and the new Canary Wharf tower which was sent back to the drawing board after the LFB weighed in on pressing fire safety concerns.

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The Colston Four with Rosamund Lily West

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 06:14:42 GMT

For our first show of 2022, Zoe Cave speaks to Rosamund Lily West - the curator, writer, historian, and Open City tour guide.

As Bristol’s Colston Four are acquitted, we ask what next for the decolonisation of London’s built environment / Open City Podcast host Selasi Setufe is awarded an MBE for services to diversity in architecture / Victorian railway arches and Kew treehouses in the spotlight for two new London architecture competitions / And Richard Rogers, Chris Wilkinson and Max Fordham – who all recently passed away – remembered

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The Londown Christmas Quiz Special

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 07:00:41 GMT

The Londown Christmas Special is here!

This week we have four special guests all vying to win this years biggest architecture quiz. On team one we have head of LSA Dr Neal Shasore, and LSA Design Tutor Holly Harrington. Battling them on team two is 20th Century Society president Catherine Slessor MBE, and Director of Open City Phin Harper.

This is a Londown like no other!

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What's ahead for Powell and Moya’s Museum of London with Ella Jessel

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 08:25:52 GMT

New office plans threaten to flatten Powell and Moya’s landmark Museum of London; Government accused of collusion with industry over flammable cladding used at Grenfell; Lambeth Council shortlists three architects to clear away and redevelop the acclaimed Central Hill estate; Trellick Tower residents call on Kensington and Chelsea Council for meaningful co-design of new estate additions; And Open City launches the Academy of British Housing. This week Merlin speaks with Ella Jessel - features and investigations editor at the Architects Journal.

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The cladding scandal, gentrification, and infill with Patricia Brown

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 06:21:20 GMT

This week Zoe Cave is joined by Patricia Brown, the director of the built environment consultancy Central. Join us as we discuss why the cladding scandal is rocking the UK's financial stability, what's sparking new rows over gentrification in Hackney, and why infill plans are proving so controversial in Southwark.

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Camden, Heritage, HS2 and TfL with Owen Hatherley

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 06:31:12 GMT

This week Camden is crowned the start up capital, heritage battles rage across the city, HS2 is part-dumped and TfL faces dire financial woes - yet three big names in the London architecture scene make it to the top of the rich list.... Owen Hatherley - the architecture writer, journalist and author of Red Metropolis; a polemical history of municipal socialism in London - joins Merlin in the studio.

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Londown Live with Nana Biamah-Ofosu and Hettie O'Brien from the SLG

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 06:16:30 GMT

This week, the Londown was recorded in front a of a live studio audience at the beautiful South London Gallery. Merlin took to the stage with architect and director of Studio Nyali Nana Biamah-Ofosu, and Guardian Opinions Editor Hettie O'Brien to discuss this week in architecture.

As COP26 drew to a close this weekend, we look at the response in architecture and the built environment, and spotlight Norman Foster’s contentious Tulip tower which was last week vetoed over embodied carbon concerns. We also discuss the enormous £1.4 bn burden appalling housing puts on the NHS each year, the serious racism allegations mounting against London's cultural giant the Barbican, and the dreaded 4 month Northern Line closure on the horizon!

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More on the Marble Arch mound with Jonathan Glancey

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 06:10:13 GMT

This week, Merlin spoke to the renowned architecture critic and writer Jonathan Glancey. Tune in to hear them discuss the staggering cost of making our homes green, what we mean by radical zebra crossing revolutions, the awful permanent evacuation of an east London tower block, and of course the infamous marble arch mound...

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Biobased materials, futuristic architecture, and vertiports with Alpa Depani

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:20:16 GMT

This week Zoe caught up with architect Alpa Depani to discuss this week in architecture.

The stories this week include the U+I buyout by behemoth rival, the ground-breaking new research tackling the housing AND climate crisis', why youth homelessness is surging in the city, the new exhibition exploring a novel kind of 21st century architecture, and Grimshaw's plans to electric flying taxi vertiports!

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The budget and COP26 with Will Ing

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 05:36:51 GMT

This week Merlin is joined by fellow AJ journalist Will Ing.

On the menu: A 1.8 billion pounds budget boost for new homes on post industrial ‘brownfields’ | 'Greenwash’ accusations over a rash of vertically planted ‘living walls’ sprouting over London | Outrage after MPs green light dumping sewage in London’s rivers | Hotel plans for Grade-I listed Customs House unanimously voted down | And what the COP26 climate summit could mean for London’s built environment?

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Estate Demolition, Cycling, and Podcasts with Luke Jones

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 05:39:39 GMT

Sadiq Khan announces a major review into affordable housing delivery | Lambeth Council forced to compensate residents over refurb works which left Grade II-listed Kate Macintosh-designed homes in disarray | 'Failing to learn the lessons of Grenfell'. A bitter row erupts over redevelopment plans for Ernö Goldfinger's Notting Hill estate | How private companies are ejecting vulnerable Londoners to cheaper cities | The tens of thousands still waiting for safe bicycle parking spaces | And the Londown is named Best Podcast at the 2021 Archiboo Awards!

Tune in to hear Merlin and Luke Jones; host of the podcast 'About Buildings + Cities' discuss this week in Architecture.

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The Stirling Prize and estate demolitions with Siraaj Mitha

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 05:30:38 GMT

Join critic Phin Harper and head of Accelerate Siraaj Mitha to chew through the week's big stories in London's architecture, housing and planning worlds. On the Londown this week, a Cambridge eco-mosque tipped to win the Stirling Prize, the ARB shake-up architectural education, City of London vetoes new skyscraper next to listed synagogue, an alleged ‘unfair’ estate demolition ballot in Tottenham, iconic post-war housing set to be flattened in massive Lambeth redevelopment, and the life and legacy of the late great Owen Luder.

Support the Londown and Open City in making London's built environment more open and equitable by donating the equivalent of one flat white a month to the charity so it can keep making the Londown, staging the free Open House Festival and delivering important educational work supporting children and young people from under-represented backgrounds. Go to open-city.org.uk/flatwhite.

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Michael Gove, the cladding scandal, and Cosmic House with Edwin Heathcote

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 05:19:02 GMT

This week on the Londown Zoe and FT architecture critic Edwin Heathcote analyse Gove's first public outing as housing secretary, and his comments on 'ugly' concrete and steel buildings. They also discuss why George Clarke is blasting the government over the cladding scandal, the newly opened Cosmic House, the plans for V&A Youth, and the new competition to redesign RIBA HQ... tune in!

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Nine Elms regeneration & retrofit with Cllr Aydin Dikerdem

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 05:34:46 GMT

This week Merlin spoke with Aydin Dikerdem - the councillor for Queenstown Ward in the Battersea and Nine Elms area of Wandsworth, south west London. They discussed the criticism of the Northern Line extension, the very real flooding threat London faces, the pros and cons of retrofit, and the architecture lecturers who are standing up against unfair and discriminatory contracts.

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Londown Live with Cath Slessor and Thomas Aquilina

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 05:12:17 GMT

This week we bring you the first ever Live Londown - direct from the Museum of the Home as part of their Festival of the Home. Merlin is joined by Catherine Slessor; President of the Twentieth Century Society, and architect Thomas Aquilina. Tune into their conversations on legendary bane of architects Michael Gove named housing secretary, the London co-living pioneer teetering on the verge of administration, Kevin McCloud's radical housing reform views, the pedestrianisation of Strand Aldwych, and the explosive planning meeting in Camden that saw furniture fly...

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The Stirling Prize shortlist with Ellis Woodman

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 04:45:50 GMT

Two London landmarks vye for architecture’s highest accolade, the Stirling Prize // Government looks set to water down its contentious planning reforms // New Northern Line stations open at Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms // A leading London architecture studio becomes employee owned // And a major international competition to renew the Barbican Centre...

Ellis Woodman - director of the Architecture Foundation, joins Merlin on the Londown this week.

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Peter Barber and ABBA with Shawn Adams

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 05:25:25 GMT

Rushed Grenfell demolition-plans spark fury over lack of consultation // Architect of London’s new-wave of social housing - Peter Barber - feted for lifetime achievement // Heated debates ignited over fresh wave of iconic London demolitions and retrofits // And why ABBA’s virtual comeback could be big news for architecture.

This week Zoe speaks to writer, architectural designer, and cofounder of POoR Collective - Shawn Adams.

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Transport: cycling and walking with Ruth Lang

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 05:16:00 GMT

Soho ditches al fresco dining as Brick Lane turns car free; A tragic road death sparks new protests over cycling safety; Battle lines drawn over social homes on green spaces; Chloe Phelps leaves Croydon’s Common Ground Architecture; And we ask what this year’s RIBA awards say about architecture in the capital

This week Merlin catches up with Ruth Lang: architect, writer, historian, and head of critical practice at the London School of Architecture

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London's 'golf belt', Trellick Tower, and XR with Robin Hutchinson

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 05:30:14 GMT

The staggering scale of London’s ‘golf belt’ revealed, a redevelopment row erupts next to Ernö Goldfinger’s iconic Trellick Tower, a fortnight of Extinction Rebellion climate protests target the City, and Croydon Council abandons its Westfield dream after a decade of disputes.

Merlin gets the community perspective from Robin Hutchinson; activist and director of The Community Brain.

As ever, listen, like, share, subscribe and this week complete our survey and tell us what you think.

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Pubs, trains, and grassroots culture with Tim Dunn

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 05:15:19 GMT

New research suggests community-owned pubs help temper extreme political views | Why planning deregulation could be to blame for 800,000 new unsustainable homes | A London council picks infill over estate demolition | And why trains and rail architecture could be Britain’s most overlooked grassroots culture.

This week Merlin is joined by Tim Dunn; presenter of Secrets of the London Underground, and The Architecture the Railways Built

As ever, listen, like, share, subscribe and this week complete our survey and tell us what you think.

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Devastating climate report, and this years Open House Festival with Phin Harper

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 05:13:49 GMT

Damning climate change report warns of unprecedented devastation in our cities; victory for Save-Latin-Village after fifteen years of campaigning by dedicated community; central London unable to lift footfall as return-to-office-push lacks enthusiastic uptake; and Greenwich Royal Observatory seeks architect for historic upgrade. This week Zoe Cave is joined by none other than Phineas Harper: director of Open City who talks us through some of the highlights of the 2021 Open House London Festival programme.

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Museums, memorials, and mounds with Gillian Darley

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 05:04:31 GMT

David Adjaye’s controversial Holocaust memorial approved following inquiry; the Garden Museum reveals Lambeth Green pavilion finalists; Visitors to MVRDV’s contentious Marble Arch Mound issued refunds; and the enormous glowing sphere which may soon be gracing east London’s skyline.

This Week Merlin is joined by author, academic, and architectural historian Gillian Darley.

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The Londown Special Episode: What's this all about?

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 09:00:54 GMT

Twenty five episodes in, Phineas Harper looks back at the show so far and asks: 'what's this all about?'

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lonely, and stressed: how the pandemic has impacted architecture students - with Will Ing

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 05:16:37 GMT

A shock survey reveals the pandemic’s devastating impact on architecture students; New York’s Selldorf Architects picked to rethink London’s National Gallery; Parliament’s Climate Change Committee backs retrofitting over demolition; and ‘irreversible’ construction sees Liverpool stripped of its World Heritage Status - This week Merlin unpicks the weeks architecture news with fellow AJ journalist Will Ing.

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Why are EU architect applications plunging? With Eddie Blake

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 05:11:20 GMT

Plunging EU-applications send UK-Architect-numbers into a tailspin, controversial new plans for former site of UK’s largest women's prison, the Conservatives’ unhealthy financial reliance on property developers, winners announced in competition for historic-Highgate-cemetery upgrade, and de-facement of Rashford-mural re-ignites the debate around England’s relationship with racism.

In todays show, Zoe digests this week in architecture with architect, academic, and life-long Londoner Eddie Blake.

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London's swimming culture with 20th Century Society president Catherine Slessor

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 05:05:39 GMT

Dive into London's swimming culture with Merlin, and 20th Century Society President, Catherine Slessor this week on the Londown.

Shock as Croydon blocks sale of Brick by Brick to Urban Splash, fees hiked at Hampstead Ponds casting shadows over London’s swimming culture, David Chipperfield submits plans for new Chinese Embassy in Tower Hamlets, a new Building Safety Bill promises leaseholders rights to sue developers, and why architecture needs more (and better) public speakers.

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Antepavilion arrests, and the London architects behind huge new Moscow redevelopment with Will Hurst

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 05:15:48 GMT

This week Zoe spoke with Will Hurst, the managing editor of the AJ. Together they discussed the police raid of Hackney’s annual Antepavilion site, Robert Jenrick's blocking of the old London Fire Brigade HQ redevelopment, the leading London architects chosen for enormous Moscow estate re-generation, and why the RIBA has revised its climate targets downwards.

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Oxford circus rethink, planning reforms, and Charles Jencks’ Cosmic House with Edwin Heathcote

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 05:01:28 GMT

This week Merlin spoke with Edwin Heathcote, the architecture and design critic at the Financial Times. They discuss a new competition looking to design a pedestrian-friendly Oxford Circus, the backlash over government planning reforms after shock by-election defeat, the late Charles Jencks’ Cosmic House to open as a museum this September, and how better pay could be the real way to boost architects' mental wellbeing.

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Four years on from Grenfell. With Ella Jessel

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 05:01:35 GMT

This week was the four year anniversary of the Grenfell disaster, and Merlin reflects on Architecture's response with journalist Ella Jessel. Also on the menu; Protestors gather in Brick Lane to fight the Truman Brewery’s redevelopment; Peter Barber, Sumita Singha and others receive Queen’s birthday honours; and GB News - television’s latest rolling current affairs channel - blames the housing crisis for growing cultural divides.

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Audio Walking Tour of Marylebone

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 15:03:46 GMT

Listen to Open City’s on-demand audio tour of Marylebone, one of central London’s most attractive and atmospheric neighbourhoods and home to The Howard de Walden Estate.

This fun and engaging audio walking tour led by expert guide Mike Althorpe — an urban historian, architectural researcher, educator and storyteller — follows the route of our popular real-life tour exploring the architecture and history of this urban village.

Listening point 1: St Marylebone Parish Church

1817 landmark by architect Thomas Hardwick in a grand classical style. It is the fourth such building to serve the parish of Marylebone and symbolic of early 19th century urban changes.

Listening point 2: Devonshire Street

Development of Portland Estate summary close to fine examples of 18th century streets and speculative building pattern and site of old Marylebone Gardens - a popular rural entertainment spot.

Listening point 3: Marylebone High Street

Home to Marylebone Village. It started life as a rural lane between the highway of Oxford Street and the Manor House. In recent decades carefully curation by The Haward de Walden Estate has created a retail destination with genuine balance and character. – unlike so many other cookie cutter high streets.

Listening point 4: Grotto Passage

Behind the scenes Grotto Ragged and Industrial School opened in 1846 and Ossington Estate model dwellings1888 and 1892 - landmarks of the urban diversity of the area and shifting pattern of living.

Listening point 5: Paddington Street Gardens

Historic 1880s landscaped gardens and former site of 18th century Marylebone workhouse - important story of urban change on the edge of the historic estate and life of the parish

Listening point 6: Manchester Square

Landmark square developed with Hertford House in the 1760s, home to international Wallace collection since 1900. Former site of EMI offices and iconic Beatles photo shoot

Listening point 7: Hinde & Mandeville Streets

Landmark neoclassical Hinde Street Methodist church 1887 by James Weir created in aftermath of impressive 1870s urban clearance projects in French renaissance style at bottom of high street

Listening point 8: Scheon Clinic

Landmark new development with hidden depths on site of former ironworks with sculpture marking gateway to Marylebone High Street from south.

Listening point 9: Debenhams & Wigmore Hall

Colossal department store designed by architects William Wallace and James Gibson in 1907 in an grandiose Edwardian Baroque style and covered in dolton carrara ceramics. And celebrated 1901 concert venue by Thomas Edward Colcutt.

Listening point 10: Henrietta Place

Former private estate chapel of St Peters, 1724 by James Gibbs and nearby Royal Society of Medicine.

Listening point 11: Cavendish Square

First move of the historic Portland estate in 1719, mixed fortunes landmark architectural set pieces, sculpture and new development as part of public realm enhancements.

Listening point 12: Chandos House

Speculatively landmark house built between 1769 - 1761 by Robert Adam, the most prominent architect in Georgian Britain. Rare London house in Edinburgh quarried stone.

Listening point 13: Harley Street

The Harley Street Medical Area (HSMA) is a community of Marylebone-based hospitals, clinics and specialists, renowned for their outstanding patient care, pioneering treatments and use of cutting-edge technologies. – The Centre of which is Harley Street which was first laid out in 1729.

Listening point 14: Portland Place

Landmark urban space laid out by the brothers Robert and James Adam as part of second wave of historic Portland estate surviving terraces of 1780s, transformed in 1820s as part of Nash’s royal route, remade in 1930s with apartments and office. RIBA Landmark at heart of space subject to proposals to change.

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The Serpentine Pavilion, and diversity in the RIBA with Shawn Adams

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 05:30:25 GMT

This week Merlin caught up with Shawn Adams - writer, architectural designer, and cofounder of POoR Collective. They discuss Sumayya Vally's long-awaited Serpentine Pavilion, the government’s chief architect's resignation, the contentious South Kensington tube station overhaul, and the RIBA’s 2021 fellows lack of diversity.

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The Londown | 03 June | with Barnabas Calder

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 05:00:13 GMT

This week Zoe catches up with architectural historian Barnabas Calder. They discuss a new contest seeking radical cycle infrastructure concepts, Catherine Slessor being tipped to become the new 20th Century Society president, the human impacts of estate demolition, and Barnabas’ new book ‘Architecture: From Pre-history to Climate Emergency’.

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A review of this years Venice Biennale with Olly Wainwright

Thu, 27 May 2021 05:00:18 GMT

This week Merlin speaks with Olly Wainwright - the architecture and design critic at the Guardian - about his recent visit to this years’ Venice Biennale. Also on the menu; A south London school built outside approved plans faces demolition, Keir Starmer criticised for backing new fence around Primrose Hill, and the Barbican Centre’s new exhibition on 1980s feminist design collective Matrix.

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Whitechapel Bell Foundry redevelopment and new Open City 'Public House' book with Hettie O'Brien

Thu, 20 May 2021 05:00:32 GMT

Merlin speaks with Guardian journalist Hettie O'Brien about her investigations into the contentious Whitechapel Bell Foundry redevelopment approved by the government. Also on the menu; Downing Street aide apologizes for perceived conflicts of interest on approving a property loan to a company he worked for, the government moves to ‘carefully’ taken down Grenfell Tower, and Open City announces a major new book on the social and cultural history of London pubs.

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British Pavilion opening and huge Tory planning reforms with Maddie Kessler

Thu, 13 May 2021 05:00:47 GMT

This week Merlin speaks with Maddie Kessler, co-curator of The Garden of Privatised Delights pavilion at the Venice Biennale opening next week. Also on the menu; Radical planning reforms set down in the Queen’s Speech, the winners of Enfield’s Meridian Four contest named, and Urban Splash in final stage talks to buy Croydon’s Brick by Brick.

If you enjoy The Londown we recommend subscribing to the Architects’ Journal – for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link.

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What does Sadiq Khan mean for London? With Owen Hatherley

Thu, 06 May 2021 07:01:29 GMT

Sadiq Khan set for landslide victory winning a second term as London mayor, Open City trustees win job to design 8 billion pound Thamesmead redevelopment, Serpentine Pavilion criticised over un-sustainable concrete foundations, and NEO Bankside residents take Tate Modern to the Supreme Court. Join Zoe Cave and writer, journalist, and author Owen Hatherley as they dissect this week’s top architecture news.

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The Alternative Mayoral Election

Mon, 03 May 2021 06:00:55 GMT

Public fruit orchards in the Royal Parks. A ban on politicians standing for mayor of London. Libraries to serve pints of beer and the decriminalisation of soft drugs. This is the mayoral manifesto of the late musician, artist and manager of the Sex Pistols, Malcolm McLaren who stood for mayor at the turn of the millennium with a truly remarkable campaign.

Rather than talk more about this year’s election, today we’re dedicating the whole show to the story of Malcolm’s bid to be mayor. As he said at the time, "It’s the biggest job in London, don’t give it to a politician". Zoë Cave speaks to McLaren's biographer, Paul Gorman, artist and designer, Scott King and campaign manager, Peter Culshaw.

Listen out for our Thursday morning news show, The Londown, where we will be discussing the 2021 Mayoral Election with Owen Hatherley.

You can support Open City and keep this podcast free and accessible for others to listen to by donating and supporting us, go to open-city.org.uk/support

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Skyscrapers and the Silvertown Tunnel. With Will Ing

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 05:30:13 GMT

City of London opens the way for more skyscrapers, academics demand an ‘emergency review’ of Silvertown Tunnel, London Festival of Architecture boss leaves for Scotland, and an exciting new generation of British architects showcased in the AJ Small Projects prize and the Architecture Foundation’s New Architects 4 book – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Will Ing round up this week’s top London architecture news

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The Londown | 22 April | Dave Hill

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 05:00:07 GMT

An in-depth comparison of the election manifestos of London's mayoral election candidates, studies shows no slowdown in skyscraper approvals despite the pandemic, and why drivers so often seem grumpy – could it be down to how cars taint perceptions of the environment around us? Merlin Fulcher and special guest Dave Hill of OnLondon give you the rundown on this week's top London architecture news.

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Slavery and the City | the Jamaica Wine House | Episode 3

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 05:00:48 GMT

In this third and final episode, Selasi is joined by Akil Scafe-Smith, a member of the interdisciplinary design team Resolve. In this round table discussion, they explore how informal spaces such as pubs and coffee shops in our cities can be sites for establishing power, and become places of resistance.

Through an in depth analysis of the Jamaica Wine House on St Michael's Alley, we question what we mean by informal spaces and examine the myths and rituals that mobilise power in these spaces.

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The Londown | 15 April | Amanda Baillieu

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 05:00:31 GMT

Six finalists vying to upgrade the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing, two winners announced for this year’s Antepavilion, campaigners urge London’s mayor to block Ealing Council’s town hall redevelopment, and the future of nightclubs called into question – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Amanda Baillieu round up this week’s top London architecture news.

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Slavery and the City | Guildhall & the Zong massacre | Episode 2

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 06:30:31 GMT

In this episode we speak with academic Anita Rupprecht from the University of Brighton, specialising in interconnected histories and representations of British transatlantic slavery, and Dalia Gebrial, a Rhodes must fall campaigner and PhD student of race, work & digital economy.

In the second episode of this series, through an analysis of London’s Guildhall in relation to the Zong massacre, we explore collective amnesia, how society processes guilt with regards to our colonial past, how we can move forward, and what role - if any - does our city's architecture play in this.

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The Londown | 08 April | Phineas Harper

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 21:29:19 GMT

London architect hit with online abuse for criticising Georgian new builds, Square Mile skyscraper set for record £1.8bn sale despite the Work from Home boom, architecture organisations left with slim pickings from the Government’s cultural recovery fund, the Barbican Centre announces a new exhibition on radical 1980s feminist architecture cooperative Matrix, and a new National Covid Memorial takes shape on the Southbank. Zoe Cave and special guest Phineas Harper round up this week’s top London architecture news.

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Slavery and the City | Royal Exchange | Episode 1

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 07:30:00 GMT

In this episode, we speak to Kehinde Andrews, Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University and the author of ‘The new age of empire: how racism and colonialism still rule the world’, and Professor Ola Uduku, research professor at the Manchester school of architecture.

Through an analysis of the Royal Exchange, we explore how architecture and the built environment can symbolise and embody the legacies of slavery, empire, and colonialism.

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The Londown | 1 April | With Ewa Effiom

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 21:08:11 GMT

Parliament launches a major inquiry into whole life carbon, the slavery links of City landmarks explored in a new Open City Podcast, Stirling Prize winner Haworth Tompkins designs an industrial estate, and reflecting on Zaha Hadid’s legacy five years since she died. Merlin Fulcher and special guest Ewa Effiom round up this week’s top London architecture news.

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The Londown | 25 March | With Ella Jessel

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 21:04:51 GMT

Architectural assistants speak out over poor pay and conditions. Developer rebuilds Maida Vale pub six years after pulling it down'. A parliamentary inquiry launched into permitted development rights. Seven concepts shortlisted for Hackney’s embattled Antepavilion commission. Assemble named among 10 winners in the Festival of Brexit contest. Merlin Fulcher and special guest Ella Jessel round up this week’s top London architecture news.

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The Londown | 18 Mar | With Oonagh Ryder

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 00:58:30 GMT

New restrictions on protests in public spaces, Sarah Everard’s murder and vigil shines a light on spatial inequality, and France’s anti-demolition architects Lacaton & Vassal win the Pritzker Prize – Merlin Fulcher and special guests Oonagh Ryder and Phineas Harper round up this week’s top London architecture news.

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The Londown | 11 Mar | With Hettie O'Brien

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 19:51:22 GMT

London Plan finally published after watering down by government, a social housing architect wins the prestigious MJ Long Prize, RIBA unearths ‘lost’ lectures by women architects and London-based design blog Dezeen sold to new owners – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Hettie O’Brien round up this week’s top London architecture news

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The Londown | 4 March | With Jonn Elledge

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 19:28:44 GMT

A budget for rising house prices, London air pollution narrowly misses a new peak, gender neutral toilets targeted in new building regs consultation, a housing historian picked to lead London School of Architecture and Camden vs Hackney: the final of the Borough Logos World Cup – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Jonn Elledge round up this week’s top London architecture news

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Barbican redevelopment and row over ‘poor cores’ in Walthamstow. With Lucy Watson

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 11:04:08 GMT

Barbican Centre heading for major renewal after Centre for Music scrapped, a row over ‘poor cores’ in Walthamstow, the Church of England promises ‘generous’ use of its land for new homes and Boris Johnson’s vision for a huge roundabout under the Isle of Man – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Lucy Watson round up this week’s top London architecture news.

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MVRDV's Marble Arch Mound. With Catherine Slessor

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 11:01:33 GMT

A competition to rethink National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing, the team behind New York’s Highline chosen for the Camden Highline, a 25-metre tall mound proposed for Marble Arch, and the viral job advert to be Thomas Heatherwick’s new personal assistant – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Catherine Slessor round up and digest this week’s big architecture stories in London.

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Demolition go-ahead for Cressingham Gardens. With Will Ing.

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 11:02:10 GMT

Demolition go-ahead for Brixton’s iconic Cressingham Gardens, a double blow for planning as trailblazer Finn Williams leaves for Sweden and sensational YouTube video exposes committee shambles, and the looming fire sale of Croydon’s Brick by Brick housebuilding arm – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Will Ing round up and decode this week’s big architecture stories in London.

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The Londown | Feb 3 | This week in London's architecture

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 11:05:05 GMT

Protestors tunnelling under Euston Square, enormous British Library extension plans, and warning sounds over jobs in the centre of the capital – Merlin Fulcher and Phineas Harper round up and decode this week’s big architecture stories in London

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Is land to blame for the housing crisis?

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 13:07:23 GMT

Why do we agree to pay extortionate prices for poor quality housing, and will this ever change?In this episode we are joined by Alastair Parvin, founder of Open Systems Lab, to discuss the role land plays in making our urban landscape so political. The latest podcast follows on from our previous episode with Emma Dent Coad, former Labour MP for Kensington, where we discussed housing, the crisis we are in and how competing visions of the city make architecture so political. In this episode we dig deeper into the history of land, it’s increasing value and where this has left us today…We also talk with Anurag Verma, chairman of the community land trust, Russ, in Lewisham who sheds light on how things can be done differently.Listen to Why is Architecture so Political: https://bit.ly/39uXkWl

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The Old Kent Road: Is there room on the gravy train for everyone? 2/2

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:42:34 GMT

For this second part of our two-part episode we continue exploring all the amazing work local people are doing to create spaces and opportunities to thrive in the shadow of ambitious regeneration agendas.Part one is available here: https://open-city.org.uk/podcast-episodes/the-city-and-the-sandwich-22mr6-5m78r

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Old Kent Road: Is there room on the gravy train for everyone? 1/2

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 16:11:52 GMT

In this two part episode we will be learning about one of London's most important roads, Old Kent Road, and the work that local people are doing to make sure that the future of the area is one that belongs to them and their communities. Hosts Arman Nouri and Selasi Setufe are joined by Nicholas Okwulu, social entrepreneur, community organiser and founder of Livesey Exchange - a grassroots cultural and educational space and a vital part of the people's plan to make the multi-billion regeneration of Old Kent Road something that works for them. Over two episodes, we will drive rich industrial history of Old Kent Road, tracing its story through the wreckage of WW2 and exploring the amazing work that local people are doing to create spaces and opportunities to thrive in the shadow of ambitious regeneration agendas.

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Public Transport: What do bus drivers really think of you?

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:22:14 GMT

In this episode we will be discussing how our modes of transport have changed - what works, what doesn’t and what is still needed to make our journeys accessible, enjoyable and effective. Hosts Lara Kinneir and Arman Nouri are joined by Joe Kerr, architectural historian and bus driver of the No.19 route that journeys from Finsbury Park to Battersea Bridge and Jon Little, transport engineer behind the Mini Holland project in Walthamstow, East London. Specifically, this episode looks at how London can provide a greater diversity of transport modes for public need, and what the challenges are for those that provide some of these transport offers, and those that negotiate their design and delivery.https://open-city.org.uk/podcast

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The Fast Consumer City: can a sandwich really run the city?

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:45:16 GMT

How can a cheddar and pickle baguette shape our city? Why does a £3 flat white make a difference to how open a city is? This episode looks at the work and lifestyle habits of the fast consumer city and how our cities start to look and run when they cater to the well heeled urban professional. Hosts Lara Kinneir and Zoe Cave look to the big issues of a global economy on our cities and high streets, alongside the everyday experiences of the humble cafe and its visitors. They are joined by James Meadway, economist and Associate Fellow at the Centre for Economic Justice who discusses how the economy has shaped the city and how we live and consume within it. Alongside this, a visit to the 120 year old E’PElliccis cafe in East London gives an insight into how independent offers in the city survive and strive to serve the communities they are in despite the turbulence of economic social change.

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Would young people design a better London for us all?

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 13:27:11 GMT

"In this Open House special episode we will be talking about how young people are currently shut out of the conversation about planning and regeneration and how they could help design the happy, healthy, sustainable London we all want. Specifically we will be discussing a new Youth Engagement Toolkit which has been developed by Grosvenor Britain & Ireland with ZCD Architects, Sport England and the TCPA as part of a drive to transform our approach to city making.In this episode we are joined by Matt Bell, Director of Corporate Affairs for Grosvenor, Dinah Bornat, Director at ZCD Architects, Hamza Taouzzale, Labour Councillor for Queens Park Ward.

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Lighting up London's bridges

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 18:03:04 GMT

Hosts Merlin Fulcher and Lara Kinneir will be talking about the architecture of London’s bridges. Specifically this episode will be focussing on Illuminated River, an ongoing £20 million project to create a slowly colour-changing lighting scheme synchronised across all 15 of central London’s crossings. It’s designed by US artist Leo Villareal with London architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands and you can see the first phase in place on London Bridge, Canon Street Railway Bridge, Southwark Bridge and Millenium Bridge any evening. With the second phase stretching up to Lambeth Bridge now under way for a spring 2021 completion, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on the bridges themselves and the role light can play in enhancing our experience of their extraordinary architecture.We are joined by Sarah Gaventa, director of Illuminated River Foundation and Benedict O’Looney, director, Benedict O’Looney architects.

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Why is Architecture so Political?

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 09:25:31 GMT

In this episode Merlin Fulcher and Arman Nouri are joined by Emma Dent Coad, former Labour MP for Kensington to discuss why architecture and housing is so political. Dent Coad -- who remains a councillor at Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea -- will discuss how the stories of the Trellick and Grenfell towers reflect the failure of politics to safeguard the notion of public housing as a public good.The debate will cover topical issues stemming from the present housing crisis such as micro-apartments, help to buy and estate regeneration while also revealing the limited lived experiences of MPs who seek to address our present challenges. It will ask whether a new generation of visionaries could be the solution, and how the story of Barcelona shows one way forward...

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Unleashing Londoners' imagination

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:21:41 GMT

In this Open House special episode we will be talking about how imagination -- such as myths which celebrate our real or fictional past -- can transform how we see the city around us, and in turn create better places for everyone. Specifically we will be focussing on Seething Wells in Surbiton, a large former waterworks which played a pioneering role in the delivery of clean drinking water to central London, and was a focus of Jon Snow’s groundbreaking cholera study which created modern epidemiology.https://open-city.org.uk/podcast

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Rethinking London's Green Spaces

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 14:37:56 GMT

In this Open House special episode hosts Merlin Fulcher and Zoe Cave are joined by Ed Green from Grosvenor and Catherine Greig of make:good to discuss green spaces and their future during a time of climate crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically this episode will be focussing on Grosvenor Square in Mayfair which is poised to undergo an ambitious renewal to unlock its full potential as an urban oasis meeting the needs and expectations of our twenty-first century capital. Could the new Grosvenor Square and the deep ongoing discussions around its transformation offer a new template for other public spaces in these challenging times?To learn more about Grosvenor Square click here: https://www.grosvenorsquare.org/To find out more about The Open City Podcast: https://open-city.org.uk/podcast

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The Alternative Guide To London Boroughs

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:33:34 GMT

For this episode of the Open City podcast, we speak to the guest-editor of the book, critic and author, Owen Hatherley, who talks about why this guide and its focus on the extraordinariness of the more ordinary parts of London, is a rare find when talking about the capital’s architecture. We discuss pertinent topics such as London before, during and after lockdown; the disparity between how London is imagined and viewed, compared to how it is lived and experienced across the boroughs; and the unique spatial configurations of this city that shapes the lives of Londoners.The episode is a refreshing and optimistic take on London and Londoners, why so many people build a life here and the architecture that supports and enriches this.To find out more: https://open-city.org.uk/podcast

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The New Pedestrian and Cyclist City

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 11:02:59 GMT

We know active travel is good for health and limiting infection, improves air quality and the quality of our public spaces -- yet even now some of London’s busiest streets remain choked with traffic and are often perilous. So what is holding us back? In this Open House special episode we will be talking to Bruce McVean, Clarisse Tavin, and Laurie Miller-Zutshi from the City of London Corporation which has taken the opportunity to move swiftly in delivering a series of walkability and cyclist friendly upgrades that are in line with its long-term Transport Strategy.Find out more: https://bit.ly/3hK56wj

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Green Cities Start Here

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 09:54:36 GMT

No industry contributes more to global warming than construction. To fight climate change we must radically reform how our cities are designed. In this episode of the Open City podcast, we dive into the cutting edge of ecological architecture with Maria Smith and Clara Bagenal George.To find out more: https://bit.ly/3myifMx

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Public Artworks for our Past and Future

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 10:56:53 GMT

London's historic monuments and statues are in the spotlight following the Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. As we re-interpret Britain's imperial and slave trading past, big questions are being asked about the creation, maintenance, removal and renewal of public artworks. In this episode of the Open City Podcast we talk to Paul Butler, one of the artists behind the Cable Street Mural which commemorates the moment where Jewish and Irish working class communities rallied together against an intolerant march through their neighbourhood.To find out more: https://bit.ly/3hFKW6t

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Introducing the Open City Podcast

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 10:39:46 GMT

The new Open City Podcast will be hosted by a roster of rising stars in architectural criticism, planning and public engagement, and will feature interviews and discussions with leading experts from across architecture and design, as well as artists, academics, economists, policy makers and citizens. This introductory episode features each host reflecting on their work and ambitions for discussions taking place in the podcast. To find out more: https://open-city.org.uk/podcast-episodes/introducing-our-hosts

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