The Urbanist cover image

The Urbanist

Revisiting, reviewing and restoring the city

Feb 27, 2025
Sean Mikhailov, a writer renowned for his exploration of Toronto's neighborhoods, and Stefano Boeri, the visionary Italian architect behind Milan's Bosco Verticale, join the discussion. They reflect on the transformative power of urban architecture, celebrating the integration of nature into city life with Bosco Verticale. Mikhailov shares insights from a decade of urban change in Toronto, emphasizing the importance of memory and heritage. They also delve into the meticulous restoration of Haveli Dharampura in Old Delhi, showcasing how architecture revives cultural identity.
30:26

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Walking through neighborhoods in Toronto reveals unique stories and fosters deeper connections to urban life and history.
  • The restoration of a historical Haveli in Old Delhi highlights the potential of heritage revival to stimulate local commerce and culture.

Deep dives

Transformative Urban Experiences in Toronto

A recent exploration of Toronto reveals the significance of walking in understanding the city's intimate details and diverse architectural landscape. The writer Sean Mikhailov emphasizes that each neighborhood tells a unique story, which becomes evident when moving at a human pace. His retracing of steps from his 2010 book, 'Stroll', highlights both profound changes and surprising continuities in the city—many independent local businesses have endured despite rising rents and the pandemic's challenges. Mikhailov’s observations underscore how walking fosters a deeper connection to urban life, allowing individuals to appreciate the intricate layers of character and history that define Toronto.

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