99% Invisible Roman Mars on Bullseye with Jesse Thorn
Dec 18, 2020
Roman Mars, host of the acclaimed podcast 99% Invisible and founder of the Radiotopia Podcast Network, shares his intriguing journey from aspiring geneticist to podcast pioneer. He discusses how the pandemic has reshaped urban design, hinting at lasting changes in our cities. Mars explores the emotional impact of architecture, highlighting how everyday objects and overlooked details tell rich stories about society. His reflections on creativity and community resilience resonate deeply, making for a captivating conversation about the design of our world.
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Episode notes
Radio for Architecture
- Roman Mars prefers radio for architecture because it avoids visual biases.
- Focusing on problem-solving in design allows for a deeper appreciation before seeing the building.
Montgomery Ward Building
- Roman Mars initially disliked the Montgomery Ward building in Chicago.
- Learning about its egalitarian design, eliminating corner offices, changed his view.
Stories About Stuff
- Roman Mars avoids "person-behind-the-thing" stories.
- He focuses on broader ideas, values, and unintended consequences of design.
