The Urbanist

We look at adaptive reuse through two lenses: a blockbuster case in the UK capital and an attempt to get European cities to legislate for less demolition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomas Pinheiro explores how the millennia-old settlement of Shanghai has grown into China’s most populous urban area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the effects that war and conflict can have on our cities, and how we go about rebuilding our urban areas better than before.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlotte McDonald-Gibson explains the design secrets and quirks behind this neoclassical US Supreme Court Building in Washington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thomas J. Campanella, a historian at Cornell, discusses the overlooked contributions of women in architecture and urban design. Mary Ann Hunting and Kevin D. Murphy explore how pioneers like Eleanor Raymond shattered barriers in a male-dominated field. They highlight impactful collaborations and the legacy of female architects who shaped modernism. The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing hidden histories and the evolving representation of women in architecture, inviting listeners to appreciate diversity in urbanism.

Guy De Launey, a writer and expert on urban transformation, dives into the captivating history of Kupari Resort, once the gem of the Adriatic coast. He shares its descent from a beloved tourist spot to a haunting symbol of conflict and decay. The conversation touches on its intriguing role in film history and the hurdles involved in its planned revival. De Launey's insights illuminate the complex interplay of architecture, war, and the hopes for regeneration in a site scarred by its past.

Paul Steinbrook, co-founder of Pool is Cool, advocates for making Brussels’ waterways swimmable, emphasizing that access to clean water is vital for urban quality of life. At the Swimmable Cities Summit in Rotterdam, he discusses global efforts to revitalize urban waterways, transforming them into community assets. Topics include the FLOW project’s participatory design approach and citizen initiatives like the rehabilitation of Johannesburg's Jukeske River. Steinbrook highlights the environmental and social benefits of swimming in urban spaces, fostering community engagement and ecological sustainability.

Henry Rees-Sheridan recalls what became of Zaha Hadid’s plans for the Cardiff Bay Opera House.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From inclusive neighbourhoods and climate-resilient design to mobility and destination development, we explore how infrastructure is being redefined – not just as roads and bridges, but as a tool for better living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Petri Burtsov, a writer for Monocle, as he explores the timeless charm of Rannahotel in Pärnu, Estonia. Built in 1937, this architectural gem showcases the functionalist style and symbolizes Estonia's rich cultural history. Petri discusses how the hotel has preserved the nation’s memories and continues to be a beacon of Estonian identity. Discover the stories woven into its walls and the significance of architectural heritage in shaping a nation’s resilience.