A is for Architecture Podcast

In this episode of A is for Architecture, architect, historian, and scholar Stylianos Giamarelos, speaks about his recent book, Resisting Postmodern Architecture: Critical Regionalism Before Globalisation, published by UCL press in 2022. Postmodernism reshaped architecture in the late 20th century. Stylianos discusses how in turn, critical regionalism emerged in resistance to postmodernity’s eclecticism, and modernism’s cultural bulldozer, offering as it did (and perhaps still does) a more culturally rooted approach to architecture. The origin story we are told of critical regionalism though, is squiffy. Stylianos argues instead that its emergence was in fact shaped by overlooked voices in architectural history, particularly from regions considered peripheral to modernist architectural narratives. We talk through Stylianos’ proposal for a renewed critical regionalism, one that supports the ongoing project of making place and space that sustains communities in a globalised and rhizomatic world.Stelios is Associate Professor at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL and can be found there and on LinkedIn. 🎧 Listen now for some new-old school fusions!#Postmodernism #CriticalRegionalism #ArchitecturalTheory #StylianosGiamarelos #KennethFrampton #AlexanderTzonis #LianeLefaivre #AisforArchitecture+ Music credits: ⁠Bruno GillickImage credit: [Suzana and Dimitris Antonakakis, first-floor apartment, living room, apartment building at 118 Benaki Street, photographed by Dimitris Antonakakis, 1975 (courtesy: Suzana and Dimitris Antonakakis' private archive].

In this episode of A is for Architecture, urban sociologist Robert G. Hollands discusses some themes of his book, Beyond the Neoliberal Creative City: Critique and Alternatives in the Urban Cultural Economy, published by Bristol University Press (2023). We discuss the nature and problems of the "creative city" model, its impact on gentrification and inequality, and alternative urban strategies that promote grassroots initiatives and cultural sustainability.In the book, Robert exposes the contradictions and injustices of the neoliberal creative city. But per the title, he goes beyond critique and advocates for alternative urban models based on justice, sustainability and participatory governance, proposing new ways cities can foster creativity without fuelling displacement.A good episode for anyone involved in equitable city-making.Robert is Emeritus Professor of Sociology in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology at Newcastle University, and can be found there and on LinkedIn. 📖 Learn more about the book: Bristol University Press🎧 Listen now and rethink the future of our cities!📢#UrbanPlanning #CreativeCity #ArchitecturePodcast #RobertGHollands #CityDevelopment #UrbanAlternatives #Gentrification #CulturalEconomy #SustainableCities #AisforArchitecture+ Music credits: ⁠Bruno Gillick

In the newest episode of A is for Architecture, Professor Chris Younès – philosopher, professor emerita at the National School of Architecture of Paris-La Villette and the École Spéciale d'Architecture, a Silver Medalist of the Academy of Architecture in 2005 and Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2014 - discusses the 2024 edition of her book, Architectures of Existence: Ethics, Aesthetics, Politics (Routledge), translated by Cozette Griffin. Building around the notion of [an] ecosophy, Chris explores how the spaces we inhabit shape our identities, experiences, and relationships with both human and non-human worlds. In an era of intersecting crises and social fragmentation, driven by the systems we’ve built to sustain our way of life—can architecture help us reimagine how we live together? Genuinely, Chris is amazing to listen to, so please do.  Chris can be found professionally here. The book is linked above.🎧 Listen now (or quite soon) on only the greatest podcast platforms for more discussions on architecture, philosophy and ethics!📢 #Architecture #Philosophy #Ecosophy #Urbanism #Ethics #Sustainability #ChrisYounes #ArchitecturesOfExistence+ Music credits: ⁠Bruno Gillick

In the latest episode of A is for Architecture,Dr. Cameron McEwan, Associate Professor of Architecture at Northumbria University discusses some few of the ideas behind his book, Analogical City (Punctum Books, 2024), including the relationship between architecture, urban form, and the ways we think about and design cities. Drawing on Aldo Rossi’s concept of the analogical city, Cameron challenges us to rethink the role of history, memory and analogy in shaping the built environment. We discuss how cities transcend their functional role, particularly as it was conceptualised in postwar modernism, but are instead  dynamic entities shaped by layers of meaning, history and collective memory and tradition. Reflecting on the ethical and emancipatory imperatives driving Rossi’ vision, Cameron also reflects on how analogical thinking can help architects, urbanists, and scholars engage with contemporary urban challenges in new and creative ways.Cameron can be found at his workplacehere, and onX,LinkedIn andInstagram. The book is linked above.🎧 Listen now on only the best podcast platforms for more discussions on architecture and stuff!#Architecture #UrbanDesign #AnalogicalCity #UrbanTheory #AldoRossi #ArchitecturalTheory #Urbanism #CreativeCities + Music credits: ⁠Bruno Gillick

In this episode of A is for Architecture, I was joined by the University of Queensland’s Dr Dorina Pojani to discuss her book Trophy Cities: A Feminist Perspective on New Capitals (Edward Elgar Publishing 2021). We explore how new capital cities –Brasilia, Canberra, Abuja, Sejong, Astana and even Washington DC – are conceived of as totalized projects, dominant visions competing for prestige through iconic architecture and mega-projects - often at the expense of local communities.  From gentrification and political power to inequality and urban branding, this conversation uncovers who really benefits from these grand visions. It's a banger, believe. Dorina can be found at her workplace, and on LinkedIn. Trophy Cities is linked above. 🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform for more discussions on architecture and urbanism! #UrbanDesign #TrophyCities #Architecture #CityBranding #Gentrification #Sustainability #Urbanism #DorinaPojani #AisForArchitecture #CityPlanning #Inequality +  Music credits: ⁠Bruno Gillick

In this episode of A is for Architecture, I spoke to Álvaro Sevilla-Buitrago, associate professor of urban planning at the School of Architecture, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, about his book Against the Commons: A Radical History of Urban Planning (University of Minnesota Press 2022). Challenging conventional ideas of shared urban space, Alvaro explores how planning has historically been used as a tool of enclosure, dispossession, and control—shaping cities to serve elite interests rather than fostering true commoning. We discuss the historical and contemporary nature of commons as spaces that represent marginalisation, but its resolution through collective action and solidarity. We discuss how urban development has often restricted collective life, from the privatization of land to the suppression of grassroots alternatives, reflecting on historical and contemporary struggles over public space, offering insights into how radical urbanism can resist enclosure and reclaim the city for all. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of planning, power, and resistance in the built environment. Alvaro can be found on X, and on his personal website and on Academia. Against the Commons is linked above. 🎧 Listen now & subscribe for more discussions on architecture and urbanism! #UrbanPlanning #Commons #RightToTheCity #RadicalUrbanism #PublicSpace #PeoplePower +  Music credits: ⁠Bruno Gillick

In this discussion, Pablo Meninato, an Associate Professor of Architecture at Temple University, shares his expertise on informal settlements in Latin America. He explores the resilience of self-built communities and their impact on urban landscapes. Topics include the ethical responsibilities of architects, innovative urban transformation in Medellin, and the significance of community engagement in design. Pablo highlights the cultural dynamics of transnational informality and the urgent need for equitable policies to address urban challenges.

⁠For this episode of A is for Architecture I spoke with Dr Franca Trubiano, Associate Professor of Architecture at the Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania about her book, Building Theories: Architecture as the Art of Building, published by Routledge in 2022. Building Theories presents an historical evolution of architectural theory, tracing how ideas about building have been shaped by cultural, technological, and material advancements. It highlights the interplay between theory and practice, emphasizing that construction is not merely a technical endeavour but a critical component of architectural expression. Franca underscores the importance of materials and their performative qualities, examining how they inform design and enrich architectural meaning. Franca can be found on her personal website, on the UPenn website, on Instagram and LinkedIn. The book is linked above. +  Music credits: ⁠Bruno Gillick

For the first episode of A is for Architecture’s 2025 offer, I was very lucky to be joined by the great architect, writer, theorist and educator, Bernard Tschumi.  We discuss, among other things, his most recent book, Event-Cities 5: Poetics (MIT Press 2024). Globally celebrated for his innovative contributions to contemporary architecture and urbanism, Professor Tschumi has gained international acclaim through both his theoretical works, like The Manhattan Transcripts (1976-1981) and Architecture and Disjunction (1994), as well as iconic projects like the Parc de la Villette in Paris (1982-1998). Tschumi’s designs challenge traditional notions of form and function, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between space, movement, and event. A former Dean of the GSAPP at Columbia University, he has authored several influential books, including the Event-Cities series (1994-2024), cementing his status as a leading voice in architectural thought. This was a really special recording for me, and a bit of a dream really. Bernard Tschumi! Unreal. Tschumi Architects can be found here are on Instagram here. The book is linked above. +  Music credits: ⁠Bruno Gillick

For Episode 136 of A is for Architecture, I was joined by Guillaume Couche, the co-founder with Richard Shackleton of Oh Hi Tomorrow—a cutting-edge design practice redefining interface and interaction design - and the co-author of the recent book, Interface Design: Creating Interactions that Drive Successful Product Adoption (BIS Publications 2024), which he wrote with Richard. We explore the art and science of designing intuitive interfaces, the principles behind building products people use, want and, well… love, and how Guillaume and Richard’s unique approach is paving the way for better, more impactful digital experiences. We turn to architecture too, and what that practice might learn from interface design approaches. If you want to elevate your design game, listen. Buy the book too. Guillaume, who also directs Wolf in Motion, can be found on LinkedIn and Instagram. The book is linked above. +  Music credits: ⁠Bruno Gillick