The Building Culture Podcast

I invited Thomas Dougherty, or lead urban designer, back on the Podcast to discuss real life lessons behind several of our current projects at Building Culture.  We discuss Townsend, a 1+ acre infill site with 19 townhomes, a couple live/works and 10,000 SF of boutique commercial, that we are nearing approvals on.  We get into some really practical stuff we’ve learned, such as how we are parking it, dealing with trash, utilities, and balancing privacy with connection. We also discuss an 80-acre master plan we are working on and how we are taking a slightly different approach than many current TNDs. And of course, we bring it back to the human experience, and how we can serve people through building and architecture! If you are reading this, I'd greatly appreciate it if you took a moment to leave us a 5 star review! Enjoy. TAKEAWAYS Innerblock development creates human-scale spaces within blocks, allowing for the creation of vibrant and intimate urban environments. Centers and courtyards are essential elements of innerblock development, providing identifiable and delineated spaces for human interaction. Utilities and fire safety are important considerations in innerblock development, and creative solutions such as geothermal HVAC systems and land condos can address these challenges. Balancing public and private spaces is crucial in creating a cohesive and livable urban environment. Thoughtful design and attention to detail, such as trash management and parking solutions, can enhance the overall experience of innerblock development. Public spaces play a crucial role in fostering community and building relationships. Missing middle building types and diverse housing options are essential for creating inclusive and attainable communities. The design of a community should be responsive to the topography and natural surroundings. The layout of streets and the integration of nature can enhance the pedestrian experience and create a sense of place. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:51 Creating Human-Scale Spaces: The Concept of Interblock Development 12:53 The Value of Centers and Courtyards in Urban Design 25:02 Addressing Utilities and Fire Safety in Innerblock Development 35:02 Innovative Solutions: Geothermal HVAC and Land Condos 38:45 Balancing Public and Private Spaces in Urban Environments 45:07 Enhancing the Urban Experience: Attention to Detail in Innerblock Development 52:46 The Importance of Missing Middle Building Types 58:06 Designing with Topography and Nature in Mind 01:05:16 Enhancing the Pedestrian Experience through Street Design CONNECT WITH TOM https://x.com/NestedUrbanism https://www.instagram.com/innerblock/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell SPONSORS Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

Inspiring and equipping architects, developers, and anyone working in the built environment to craft a more beautiful and resilient world for people.

Las Catalinas might be the most beautiful town built in the 21st century.  And my guest today, Sara Bega, has stewarded its evolution as Town Architect for a decade.  Las Catalinas is a car-free, kid-friendly, multi-generational community in Costa Rica. Their goal is to create a pedestrian-first environment that maximizes kid freedom and allows for independent exploration and discovery. The town is built on 20% of the 1200-acre site, with a mix of houses, flats, hotels, and shops.  We discuss Sara’s professional journey, and the principles and practices behind developing such a stunningly beautiful and human neighborhood that serves as an inspiration and example for what is possible today.   If you do anything today, just click on this link so you can see the town.  It stands as a testament to the beauty humans can cultivate when they set their mind to it: Beach Town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica | Las Catalinas (lascatalinascr.com) TAKEAWAYS Creating a car-free, kid-friendly community allows for independent exploration and fosters curiosity and connection with nature. A pedestrian-first environment benefits not only children but also adults and families, creating a sense of community and connection. Las Catalinas is a successful example of a car-free community, with a mix of houses, flats, hotels, and shops built on a 1200-acre site. The community achieves car-free living through walkability, valet services, and emergency vehicle access. The town architect's role is to oversee the design and planning of the community, ensuring a balance between privacy, walkability, and optimized views. Creating a sustainable and adaptable community requires prioritizing human experience and connection. Designing a walkable town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces fosters a sense of community. The legal structure of a town should allow for flexibility and adaptability over time. Trust in human intelligence and the ability to solve problems is crucial for the success of a community. Creating a sense of place involves considering the local climate, using natural materials, and designing for the long term. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Las Catalinas 09:46 Creating a Kid-Friendly Community 27:56 Shifting Conversations and Culture 39:48 Solving for Walkability, Privacy, and Optimized Views 42:16 Reversing and Backing into Codes and Legal Structure 45:17 Creating a Clear Legal Structure for Ownership and Responsibility 50:10 Treating a Town as a Town 55:38 Balancing Prevention and Allowing the Best to Happen 01:00:37 Guiding a Town's Growth and Adaptation 01:06:21 Allowing a Town to Grow and Change 01:10:56 Creating Timeless and Sustainable Architecture 01:19:19 Approaching Life with Courage CONNECT WITH SARA & SHOW RESOURCES Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/begadesignstudio/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabega/ Las Catalinas: https://www.lascatalinascr.com/ Notre Dame School of Architecture: https://architecture.nd.edu/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell SPONSORS Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

Today I get to speak with Alan Pullman, founder of Studio One Eleven, an architecture, urban design and landscape architecture practice focused on human scaled, mixed-use infill projects.  They have a truly impressive portfolio of work.  I love their “practice themes” which I think will resonate with many of you: housing for all, building community + place, renewing the public realm, 21st century mobility, and equitable practice. I was truly inspired by this conversation with Alan, particularly around the community integration and engagement they cultivate in their office.  He intentionally moved the practice out of their “ivory tower” and down into the heart of the community, sharing their office space with artists and facilitating all kinds of community-wide events and workshops.  It’s given me vision for how I want Building Culture to evolve. Alan and his team work closely with developers around the country looking to do difficult and messy – but meaningful – infill projects.  They relish the mess.  And, between running a sizeable practice and doing some of their own development projects, I was extremely impressed with Alan’s practical approach (you know, understanding that the economics have to work to do the project!).  They strike the right balance between idealism + pragmatism to actually pull off incredible projects, and keep people at the center of what they do and why they do it. I hope you find this episode as inspiring as I did!   TAKEAWAYS Reinvesting in cities and putting people at the center of architecture and urban design is crucial for creating meaningful and impactful spaces. Studio One Eleven specializes in infill development, mixed-use projects, and adaptive reuse, focusing on creating places for people and collaborating with developers and public-private partnerships. Affordable housing development is complex and requires specialized knowledge and collaboration with various funding sources, such as state, city, and federal programs. Collaboration and agility are essential in the design process, allowing for co-creation with clients and the ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. Studio One Eleven focuses on incremental development and creating human-scale cities. The firm has transformed their own office into a community space, hosting events, workshops, and an artist-in-residence program. They are passionate about creating places for people and breaking away from the traditional, car-centric approach to city planning CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Studio One Eleven: Focusing on Infill Development and Community Impact 06:04 The Evolution of Studio Eleven: From Large Retail Projects to Community Impact 19:14 Challenges and Opportunities in Affordable Housing Development 32:41 Collaboration and Agility: Keys to Successful Design and Development 37:29 Incremental Development and Human-Scale Cities 38:56 The Financialization of Architecture and Cities 39:23 Curating the Right Mix of Tenants 43:10 Transforming Their Office into a Community Space 48:36 Building Connections and Social Capital 53:28 Creating Places for People 01:05:33 Optimism for the Future and Opportunities for Progress CONTACT ALAN & STUDIO ONE ELEVEN Website: https://studio-111.com/ https://www.instagram.com/studiooneeleven/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-pullman-06197159 https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-one-eleven https://www.facebook.com/studioneleven/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell PODCAST SPONSORS Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/ One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/

I had the opportunity to speak with Bobby Fijan today, who sometimes refers to himself as the Bill James of floorplans.  His focus?  Building apartments for families – and helping others do it too.  He’s a developer, entrepreneur and consultant.   We discuss the lack of family-friendly apartment buildings and the impact on loneliness and community, and how we need to make cities and apartment buildings more family friendly.  We touch on the importance of amenities and spaces that are suitable for children, how floorplans make having even one young child very uncomfortable (thereby incentivizing people to move out), and how to make your next apartment or multi-family project more suitable for families and dynamic living conditions.  Check it out! TAKEAWAYS The current design of apartment buildings caters to a narrow demographic of high-income singles and couples, neglecting the needs of families. The lack of family-friendly apartment buildings contributes to feelings of loneliness and disconnection in urban areas. Apartment buildings should prioritize amenities and spaces that are suitable for children and families, such as toddler rooms and playgrounds. Floor plans should be designed with families in mind, with more bedrooms and more spaces to accommodate children. There is a need for more apartment buildings that are specifically designed to meet the needs of families. To make apartments more family-friendly, consider allocating more space to living areas and smaller bedrooms and closets. Adding an extra room, such as a nursery or a home office, can provide privacy and a dedicated workspace for parents. Differentiating between spaces and creating additional rooms can enhance the functionality and appeal of apartment designs. Design choices, such as the ratio of living room width to bedroom width and the presence of walk-in closets, can impact rent prices. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Narrow Demographic of Apartment Buildings 05:19 Connecting Loneliness to Moving and Multifamily Buildings 13:18 Challenges in Apartment Design for Families 16:38 Importance of Amenities and Spaces for Families 24:45 Designing Floor Plans for Families 25:56 Designing Family-Friendly Apartments 29:17 The Importance of Additional Rooms 43:35 Optimizing Design Choices for Higher Rent Prices CONNECT WITH BOBBY https://x.com/bobbyfijan https://www.tailorbird.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/fijan/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

Trilith is a newly built (and growing) walkable community located next to Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.  It is one of the most successful TNDs and New Urbanists communities in the country.   Rob Parker, as President, leads a team of designers, architects, planners and builders in creating the 235 acre master-planned residential and mixed use development.  Rob is a transformational leader with a focus on people, and has extensive experience in town building, commercial and retail development, music entertainment, non-profit leadership, marketing, branding and capital development. This episode is a must for developers, investors, planners, architects, engineers or city officials interested in creating more walkable, mixed-use, people-first places.  Hear directly from someone who has actually done it successfully, and learn about the keys to success, as well as some of the pitfalls.  Trilith is built on the principles of new urbanism, with a focus on walkability, sustainability, and a deep sense of community. The vision of Trilith is to create a town for creatives, artists, storytellers, and makers, where everyone feels loved, served, inspired, and connected. The community is designed to promote longer, better, and happier lives for its residents. Trilith is a successful example of a people-centered, walkable community that prioritizes sustainability and quality of life.  TAKEAWAYS Trilith is a walkable community in Atlanta, Georgia, built on the principles of new urbanism. The community is designed to promote longer, better, and happier lives for its residents. Trillith is focused on creating a sense of community and connection among its residents. The community is committed to sustainability and has implemented practices such as geothermal heating and cooling and the preservation of green spaces. Trilith is a people-centered, walkable community that prioritizes sustainability and quality of life. The development focuses on creating smaller footprint, energy-efficient homes and incorporates sustainable technologies like geothermal energy and solar power. Trilith emphasizes the importance of community and mental health, offering enrichment activities and a progressive school. The financing of the project involved patient capital and partnerships with builders and investors. The success of Trilith has led to increased property values and a positive impact on the surrounding area. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Trilith and Rob Parker 03:01 Creating a Walkable Community for Creatives 07:47 Promoting Longer, Better, and Happier Lives 14:42 Fostering a Sense of Community and Connection 18:08 The Freedom of Living in a Walkable Environment 20:29 The Impact of COVID-19 on Trilith 29:05 The Importance of Sharing the Vision 37:48 Commitment to Sustainability and Green Practices 40:02 Creating a Sustainable and Walkable Community 41:30 Incorporating Sustainable Technologies in Home Design 44:20 Prioritizing Community and Mental Health 49:48 The Financing and Partnerships Behind Trillith's Success 55:23 The Positive Impact of Trilith on Property Values and the Surrounding Area CONNECT WITH ROB & TRILITH Rob's Linked In Trilith's Real Estate Instagram Trilith's Foundation Instagram Trilith's Facebook Home Website: Trilith Town Website: Town at Trilith Variety Article on Trilith CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

Justin Mares, founder of Kettle and Fire and Perfect Keto, dives deep into the alarming state of the US food and health systems. He discusses how big food corporations exploit our instincts, creating addictive products that jeopardize our well-being. The conversation addresses nutrient depletion in crops and soil, the challenges of sustainable farming, and the crucial need for trust in health information. Justin emphasizes the importance of individual and community action to revamp health priorities, urging listeners to advocate for a system that champions human flourishing.

Entrepreneur Justin Mares discusses starting Kettle and Fire with a landing page, promoting a healthy food system, and critiquing FDA failures. Contrasting US and EU food regulations, he addresses chronic diseases in America, emphasizing the link between physical and mental health for a better future.

I got the chance to chat with Andy Boenau today, who sometimes refers to himself as a Plangineer, with a background in urban planning and engineering.  We chat about the flaws in traffic engineering and the need for a different approach to the built environment.  Andy is passionate about questioning established norms and finding shared interests to drive positive change. He advocates for the need for critical thinking and curiosity in industries that often prioritize conformity.  TAKEAWAYS Traffic engineering often prioritizes efficiency and speed over the needs and well-being of communities. Questioning established norms and finding shared interests can lead to positive change in the built environment. Critical thinking and curiosity are essential in industries that tend to prioritize conformity. Reforming parking and zoning regulations can lead to more vibrant and diverse communities. Unhealthy infrastructure has negative consequences on physical and mental health. Creating a connected network of bike lanes is crucial for promoting cycling as a mode of transportation. Public opinion plays a significant role in shaping infrastructure decisions. There is a need for a shift in urban planning and design to prioritize human well-being. Andy Boenau is working on a documentary on healthy infrastructure and a book on public opinion. CHAPTERS 00:00 Rethinking Traffic Engineering 09:26 The Power of Social Media 35:02 Driving Positive Change 39:30 Creating Vibrant and Diverse Communities 39:59 The Impact of Unhealthy Infrastructure 45:15 Physical Health Consequences of Car Crashes 49:19 Trauma of Walking on Certain Streets 54:54 Dancing as a Mental Health Solution 01:05:51 Creating a Connected Network of Bike Lanes 01:12:06 Upcoming Projects: Documentary and Book CONNECT WITH ANDY Website & Blog: https://www.urbanismspeakeasy.com/ https://x.com/Boenau https://www.linkedin.com/in/boenau/ Documentary: White Collar Epidemic: Infrastructure Is Crumbling Our Minds & Bodies - Film and Storytelling | Seed&Spark (seedandspark.com) CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell https://playbook.buildingculture.com/

Micah is the founder of Monumental Labs, one of the most exciting companies in the architecture and construction industry right now.  It blends humanistic values with tech – much like Apple did to revolutionize the computer industry in the 80’s. His company is building robotic stone carving factories to unleash a renaissance in art and architecture, using robots to create sculptures, architectural pieces, and more. The goal is to bring costs down, unleash creativity, empower people, and to once again build great architecture that will be standing in 500 years. You can see why I’m so excited to talk to him!  We at Building Culture will absolutely be partnering with him on upcoming projects. The use of robots and AI in stone carving raises philosophical and ethical implications, which we discuss.  It’s worth noting the company is working with artists, architects, and stone masons to create these works of art, and is actually bringing people, that is, humans, INTO the trade of stone carving, and creating entirely new forms of artwork not possible before. Enjoy! Takeaways • Monumental Labs is using robots and AI to revolutionize the art and architecture industry by automating the stone carving process. • The use of robots allows for the creation of highly ornate buildings and sculptures that would be too labor-intensive to create by hand. • The company works with artists, architects, and stone carvers, offering new possibilities for creativity and innovation. • While the use of robots and AI raises philosophical and ethical questions, it also opens up new avenues for artistic expression and pushes the boundaries of what is possible. Technology can help preserve traditional craftsmanship and keep the knowledge and skills of handcrafting alive. • Stone carving can provide more job opportunities for artists and allow them to develop their own art while making a living. • There is a debate between copying great works of art and creating original pieces, but both have their place in the art world. • Architecture gains meaning and value when it is thoughtful about its viewers and users, and when it gives back to the community. • The future of architecture may involve a return to building with stone, using AI and robotics to manufacture custom details and reduce costs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Monumental Labs and the Use of Robots in Stone Carving 03:48 Automating the Stone Carving Process for Highly Ornate Buildings 06:14 Scaling Up and Making Stone Carving More Efficient 11:28 The Role of Hand Carving in Art and Architecture 23:13 Balancing Craftsmanship and Automation in Stone Carving 29:03 The Role of Artists as Inventors and Innovators 33:23 The Future of AI in Art and Architecture 35:16 Preserving Traditional Craftsmanship 38:09 The Debate: Copying vs Creating 41:23 The Meaning and Value of Architecture 56:12 The Future of Architecture: Building with Stone and AI CONNECT WITH MICAH Twitter: https://x.com/mspringut Twitter: https://x.com/Monumental_Labs Website: https://www.monumentallabs.co/ CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE https://www.buildingculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/ https://twitter.com/build_culture https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/ CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/ https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell https://playbook.buildingculture.com/