Open City

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 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 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.



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

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 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 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.



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

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

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

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 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 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.



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

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 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 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.



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

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 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 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.



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

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 freehere

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

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 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 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.



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

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 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 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.



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

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 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 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.



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

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 freehere

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

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 byBloomberg 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 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 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.



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

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 byBloomberg 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 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 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.



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

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

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

// 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 byBloomberg 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 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 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.



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

Fill out our 2 minute listener survey to be in with a chance to win a 6 month subscription to Open City'sPocket 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 byBloomberg 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 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 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.



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

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 freehere

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

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.

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

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



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

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 freehere

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

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

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

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





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

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





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

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 freehere

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

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





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

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



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

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 freehere

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

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



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

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



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

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



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

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



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

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

----

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



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

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



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

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



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

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



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

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.

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.



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

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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 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.

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.

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

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 freehere

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

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 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.

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.



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

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 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.

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.



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

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

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 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)

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

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 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.

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.



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

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 freehere

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

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 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.

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.



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

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 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.

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.



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

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 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.

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.

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

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 freehere

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

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 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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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 freehere

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

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 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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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 freehere

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

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 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. 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.

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

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 

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. 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.

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

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. 

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

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

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. 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.

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

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.

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. 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.

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

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

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

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.

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. 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.

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

Click hereto 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

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. 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.

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

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’

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. 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.

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

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...

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. 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.

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

Historicityis 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:

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. 

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

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 

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. 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.

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

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



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. 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.

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

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

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

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.

AboutWords 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

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

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...

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

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...



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. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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. 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.

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

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...

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. 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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. 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.

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

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

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. 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.

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

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

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

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?

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. 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.

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

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

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. 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.

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

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

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. 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.

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

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

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. 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.

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

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.

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. 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.

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

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.

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

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

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. 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.

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

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?

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. 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.

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

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?

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. 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.

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

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?

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. 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.

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

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

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. 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.

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

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.

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. 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.

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

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.

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. 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.

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

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.

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

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

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. 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.

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

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.

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. 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.

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

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

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. 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.

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