

Ecogradia
Nirmal Kishnani
How do we design buildings and cities for a planet in crisis? And how do we create an equitable world for all life?
Join sustainability strategist and author, Nirmal Kishnani, on Ecogradia, a new weekly podcast where we explore the way forward with experts and practitioners at the frontlines of sustainable architecture and urbanism.
If you seek inspiring stories and provocative points of view, innovative ideas, and solutions that are future-ready, Ecogradia is for you. Each episode pushes the boundaries of knowledge so you can shape your own journey, beyond ‘less harm’ to ‘doing good’.
To get even more out of this podcast, go to ecogradia.com to find all our episode notes.
You can also follow us, leave a review or share your views on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The first season of Ecogradia is sponsored by the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction.
Join sustainability strategist and author, Nirmal Kishnani, on Ecogradia, a new weekly podcast where we explore the way forward with experts and practitioners at the frontlines of sustainable architecture and urbanism.
If you seek inspiring stories and provocative points of view, innovative ideas, and solutions that are future-ready, Ecogradia is for you. Each episode pushes the boundaries of knowledge so you can shape your own journey, beyond ‘less harm’ to ‘doing good’.
To get even more out of this podcast, go to ecogradia.com to find all our episode notes.
You can also follow us, leave a review or share your views on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The first season of Ecogradia is sponsored by the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 17min
How to create urban public spaces that people love
As land in cities becomes scarce and expensive, public spaces are bearing the brunt. Can new models of urban development reconcile communal needs with profit?
The post How to create urban public spaces that people love appeared first on Ecogradia.

Apr 29, 2025 • 20min
Living in the city is hard, but good design can fix this
In a warming, anxious world, can buildings heal both mind and planet? Unpack how wellbeing is reshaping sustainable architecture from the inside out.
The post Living in the city is hard, but good design can fix this appeared first on Ecogradia.

Feb 4, 2025 • 34min
This sustainable design award has launched careers — here’s how it works
Think design competitions aren’t worth your time? Laura Viscovich, Executive Director of the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction, shares how competition entries can turn into career breakthroughs, even if you don’t win.
The post This sustainable design award has launched careers — here’s how it works appeared first on Ecogradia.

Jan 28, 2025 • 17min
How sponge cities can fix urban flooding (and save millions in costs)
When it comes to extreme weather, our first instinct is to build higher walls and stronger barriers. Discover how sponge cities are turning convention on its head by embracing water instead of resisting it.
The post How sponge cities can fix urban flooding (and save millions in costs) appeared first on Ecogradia.

Jan 21, 2025 • 15min
How to design a net zero energy building: proven strategies that work
From energy budgets to climate-specific strategies, designing a net zero energy building is a puzzle with countless moving pieces. This episode reveals how to turn overwhelming complexity into possibility.
The post How to design a net zero energy building: proven strategies that work appeared first on Ecogradia.

Dec 17, 2024 • 46min
Material smart: Designing low-carbon buildings
Timber is having its moment in the global sustainability discourse. Will it replace concrete and steel, or be used in combination to usher in a new era of low-carbon construction?
The post Material smart: Designing low-carbon buildings appeared first on Ecogradia.

Dec 3, 2024 • 42min
How greening buildings could transform our cities into thriving ecosystems
As cities grow greener, plants are often used as superficial decoration. But what if architecture could create genuine ecosystems? Catie Ryan Balagtas and Anuj Jain reveal how buildings can support all life.
The post How greening buildings could transform our cities into thriving ecosystems appeared first on Ecogradia.

Nov 19, 2024 • 35min
Will Indonesia’s new $33 billion capital be the end of Jakarta?
What makes people choose a new city as home? Ridwan Kamil returns to share how Nusantara aims to evolve from master plan to living city, all while balancing bold aspirations with the practical steps needed to build a thriving capital.
The post Will Indonesia’s new $33 billion capital be the end of Jakarta? appeared first on Ecogradia.

Nov 5, 2024 • 37min
Indonesia’s new capital is its “most expensive political decision” ever
New capital cities rarely succeed. Will Nusantara — Indonesia’s largest urban gamble to date — be different? In this episode, we find out how Nusantara will avoid the pitfalls of planned cities from the past.
The post Indonesia’s new capital is its “most expensive political decision” ever appeared first on Ecogradia.

Oct 22, 2024 • 12min
5 interiors designed to boost mind, body, and work
How can we design interiors that not only minimise environmental harm, but also actively promote human well-being? Some architects and designers are sparking fresh ideas about how our built spaces can perform better.
The post 5 interiors designed to boost mind, body, and work appeared first on Ecogradia.


