About Buildings + Cities

Dive into the fascinating concept of 'bigness' in architecture, exploring its allure and implications. Discover how modern design can shift from cold slab-like structures to more human-centric spaces. Engage with critiques on high-tech aesthetics versus functionality, and delve into inventive proposals like a unique library and imaginative towers. Learn about blob architecture and its influential figures, while examining the chaos and contradictions in architectural narratives. It's a rich tapestry of innovation, history, and creative challenges.

This is a preview of a bonus episode available on our Patreon feed, please support the show on Patreon for full access: https://www.patreon.com/c/about_buildings In this bonus we talked about the book-within-the-book, the series of quotations and definitions which run the breadth of the alphabet through SMLXL. It includes the usual Koolhaasian mixture of high and low culture, actress's memoirs, advertising, technical manuals, pornography and even Luke's dad! Edited by Matthew Lloyd Roberts. Support the show on Patreon to receive bonus content for every show. Please rate and review the show on your podcast store to help other people find us! Follow us on twitter // instagram // facebook We’re on the web at aboutbuildingsandcities.org

Delve into the chaotic yet coherent themes of architecture through Rem Koolhaas's work. Explore the evolution of prison design, from historic panopticons to modern rehabilitation methods. Discover the tension between architectural ambitions and societal realities, highlighted by a building's troubled legacy. Enjoy a creative critique of design through a comic narrative, and uncover how cyberpunk aesthetics influence urban proposals. The discussion emphasizes the playful and innovative aspects of contemporary architecture.

Dive into the revolutionary chaos of Rem Koolhaas's iconic work, SMLXL, a striking blend of post-modern design and provocative content from the 90s. Explore the complexities architects face in balancing creativity with commercial demands, alongside a humorous critique of urban landscapes. Discover the aesthetic evolution of architectural documentation and the significance of movement in design. Plus, understand how political contexts intertwine with architectural philosophy and the enduring impact of Koolhaas's ideas on today's practitioners.

Dive into the pulse of contemporary architectural culture with insightful reflections on current trends and emerging themes. Discover the intrigue behind the Sainsbury Wing’s controversial design alterations and a hidden letter revealing its legacy. Delve into unionization efforts shaping the industry while exploring the often-overlooked contributions of architects like Denise Scott Brown. Plus, ponder the role of AI in architectural education and its potential impact on creativity. From Tehran to Vegas, witness innovative designs responding to urban challenges.

Discover the fascinating world of Beaux-Arts architecture and its rich tradition of design education. Delve into the unique terminologies and concepts like 'poche' and 'Parti,' pivotal in shaping modern architectural practices. Explore the intricate dynamics of spatial arrangements, particularly in public spaces, and the balance between creativity and established norms. Enjoy insights into the artistic challenges of architectural pastiche and the decline of quality in contemporary designs. Embrace the journey of creativity and imperfection in architectural development!

In the final episode of our series on Sir John Soane we discussed his house and museum on Lincoln's Inn Fields in the centre of London, where the museum kindly allowed us to record this episode. We also talked about Pitzhanger, his country house in Ealing, and the development of his unique collecting practice. To follow along with the images we discussed and see clips from our visit, check out this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/gOzIg5kB2Hg You can see the full length video tour of the house excerpted in this episode on our Patreon feed: https://www.patreon.com/about_buildings. Please consider subscribing to support the show! Edited by Matthew Lloyd Roberts. Support the show on Patreon to receive bonus content for every show. Please rate and review the show on your podcast store to help other people find us! Follow us on twitter // instagram // facebook We’re on the web at aboutbuildingsandcities.org

This is a cilp from our latest Patreon bonus episode, a discussion of Soane's contemporary reputation, particularly satirical and critical writing in the periodical press, not least by his estranged son George! You can listen to this episode in full on our Patreon feed: https://www.patreon.com/about_buildings Edited by Matthew Lloyd Roberts. Support the show on Patreon to receive bonus content for every show. Please rate and review the show on your podcast store to help other people find us! Follow us on twitter // instagram // facebook We’re on the web at aboutbuildingsandcities.org

In the sixth part of our series on John Soane, we discussed some major monumental buildings in and around London. We began with Dulwich Picture Gallery, perhaps the first purpose-built public art gallery in the world. Then we discussed his church buildings in Marylebone, Southwark and Bethnal Green respectively. Watch on YouTube to see the images as we discuss them: https://youtu.be/8IFQjALMaW8 Edited by Matthew Lloyd Roberts. Support the show on Patreon to receive bonus content for every show. Please rate and review the show on your podcast store to help other people find us! Follow us on twitter // instagram // facebook We’re on the web at aboutbuildingsandcities.org

In the fifth part of our series on John Soane, we discussed his designs for speculative housing developments in central London, another building in the middle of the city for the Bank of England's National Debt Redemption Office, and his various hypothetical schemes for transforming the city with a thick encrustation of Corinthian columns. We also discussed his work for the Royal Hospital Chelsea, some of which survives to this day. We talked about John Gwynne's 'London & Westminster Improved (1766) and the ongoing problem of London and Westminster's disorderly urbanism, which Soane's unbuilt schemes cannot convincingly overcome — as always, he is at his best when constrained! To see the images as we discuss them, check out this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/_Rr-GRqsc4Y Edited by Matthew Lloyd Roberts. Support the show on Patreon to receive bonus content for every show. Please rate and review the show on your podcast store to help other people find us! Follow us on twitter // instagram // facebook We’re on the web at aboutbuildingsandcities.org