Beyond Beautiful Buildings: Innovative Architecture And The City

How does architecture shape our daily lives beyond just aesthetics? Nader Tehrani, principal at NADAAA and former Cooper Union Dean, reveals the hidden systems behind modern buildings and cities that most of us never consider.

Tehrani challenges conventional architectural thinking by prioritizing construction techniques before design concepts - a complete reversal of traditional methods. He explains how his firm reclaimed control over building processes when contractors deemed certain designs "unbuildable," and discusses the transition from mass production to mass customization in architecture.

The conversation explores how climate change is forcing architects to rethink building longevity, the unexpected environmental impact of glass facades, and why Boston has more architects per capita than anywhere else in the world. Tehrani also shares insights on architectural education, explaining why he teaches students to "design for uncertainty" rather than specific workplace skills.

Whether you're fascinated by urban spaces, sustainability, or how technology is transforming creative fields, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the innovative architecture that shapes our built environment.

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