Theory of Architecture

Dr. Chanuki Illushka Seresinhe is a leading figure in the data science community. She currently holds the position of Chief Data and Technology Officer at Boon, an organisation that integrates AI, psychology, and human expertise to address and solve meaningful societal challenges. Additionally, she is the co-founder of Beautifulplaces.ai, an initiative dedicated to generating informative data on the aesthetics of outdoor spaces. In her prior commercial role at Zoopla and Hometrack, Dr. Seresinhe leveraged machine learning and AI technologies to enhance user experiences and property valuations in the UK property market. Chanuki's commercial experience was first established during her tenure as a commercial data scientist at Channel 4, which laid the groundwork for her subsequent role as the Director of Data Science at Culture Trip. This podcast was recorded in June 2023.

Ann Sussman, an architect and researcher, dives into the intriguing world where cognitive science meets design. She discusses how our unconscious biases influence how we experience architecture. Sussman reveals the potential of eye-tracking technology in understanding visual preferences, alongside advocating for pedestrian-friendly urban planning that enhances community well-being. She connects emotional engagement in architecture to historical contexts, pushing for designs that prioritize human psychological needs and beauty in everyday spaces.

Cleo Valentine, a systems designer and neuroarchitectural researcher, talks about the connection between architectural facades and physical health. They discuss the importance of scientific evidence in architecture and making research findings more accessible. The chapter also explores the challenges in quantifying architectural form and the significance of a comprehensive data set. They highlight the analysis of facades and the impact of exposure time in architecture, and the importance of staying open-minded and collaborative in both architecture and science.

Niall McLaughlin is a Stirling Prize winning Irish architect based in London and Professor of Architectural Practice at the Bartlett School of Architecture.

Mark Foster Gage is an American architect, writer, and theorist based in New York City where he runs his practice, Mark Foster Gage Architects. He is an associate professor at the Yale School of Architecture where his academic focus is on aesthetic philosophy.

Adam Nathaniel Furman is a British artist & designer of Argentine & Japanese heritage based in London. Trained in architecture, Adam's atelier works in spatial design and art of all scales from video and prints to large public artworks, architecturally integrated ornament, as well as products, furniture, interiors, publishing and academia.

Dr Nikos Salingaros is a mathematician and polymath known for his work on urban theory, architectural theory, complexity theory, biophilic design, and design philosophy.

Dusty Gedge is a Green Infrastructure Professional, Speaker, Photographer and Nature Conservationist, as well as President of the European Federation of Green Roof Associations (EFB) and founder of Livingroofs.org. This conversation is all about green roofs, green walls and green infrastructure.

Dr Timothy Brittain-Catlin is Course Leader for the MSt Architecture Apprenticeship at the University of Cambridge. He has also just published a new book, 'The Edwardians and their Houses', the first radical appraisal of the subject for 40 years.

Towards a Holistic Architecture: What is a holistic architecture and how might we best investigate how to achieve it?