The Urbanist

We explore an innovative pay-to-grow scheme that is helping to encourage tree growth in Sierra Leone’s capital city. Plus, Stockholm’s Battle of the Elms and making a greener Denver.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elena Kuji Buteică guides us through Casa Vintilă Brătianu’s storied past and the careful restoration turning it into a space for community and public life in the heart of the Romanian capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We recap the successes of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial. Plus: worker housing in Saudi Arabia and a new urban-farming development in London’s Canada Water district.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sally Howard tells us the secrets behind a repolished jewel in Manhattan’s hospitality crown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born partly out of the necessity to store the V&A’s extensive collection, the V&A East Storehouse is already a curious asset in its own right. We uncover its design, construction and operation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how the V&A East Storehouse is reviving the memories of Robin Hood Gardens, a brutalist icon. Hear about the untold stories of its former residents through the eyes of students exploring vibrant narratives. The podcast showcases the transformative power of art in the community, revealing resilience through creativity and color. It also emphasizes the importance of food and storytelling in connecting diverse cultures, making museum narratives more relevant to everyday lives.

In this insightful discussion, speaker Carlota Rebelo, a reporter from Bratislava, sheds light on how to create urban spaces that are not just child-friendly but beneficial for everyone. She explores innovative designs that prioritize children's voices in planning, like Bratislava's transformative 'City for Children' initiative. Topics include rethinking traditional playgrounds to encourage creativity, integrating gender perspectives into urban development, and promoting safe, interactive neighborhoods where the community thrives. It's a call to rethink how we envision our cities!

Liam Syed, a writer passionate about cultural expression, takes us on a journey to the Wonder Cabinet in Bethlehem. This unique space blends modern architecture with traditional craftsmanship, showcasing Palestinian identity. Syed discusses how the facility fosters artistic expression amidst the challenges of occupation, promoting local art and community resilience. He emphasizes the significance of cultural spaces in war-affected areas, revealing how creativity can strengthen voices and interconnectedness.

Julia Barfield, a designer from Marks Barfield Architects, co-created the iconic London Eye, while Martin Luque is an architect deeply connected to the legacy of Luis Barragán, particularly Casa Guilardi. They discuss how architectural marvels like the London Eye and Barragán's works shape urban identities. The enriching complexities of spirituality in Barragán's designs are highlighted alongside the innovative construction challenges of the Eye. They also reflect on the vibrant transformation of London’s South Bank and its future sustainability initiatives.

Camille Rodríguez Montilla, a talented writer, takes listeners on a journey to the Biblioteca Pública Virgilio Barco in Bogotá. She highlights its stunning architecture by Rogelio Salmona, which beautifully melds modern design with Colombian culture. The library serves as a serene oasis amidst the bustling city, showcasing how thoughtful architecture can enhance community well-being. Montilla also discusses Bogotá's unique mountainous landscape and climate, emphasizing how these elements influence the library's design and function.