Explore the world of architecture with A is for Architecture, a podcast hosted by Ambrose Gillick. Each episode delves into the design, history and social signi...
Stylianos Giamarelos: Critical Regionalism versus Postmodernism.
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].
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Robert G. Hollands: Culture and the Creative City.
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
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Chris Younès: Rethinking Architecture - Space, architects, ethics and ecology.
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
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Cameron McEwan: Aldo Rossi and the Analogical City.
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
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Dorina Pojani: Power, prestige and inequality in new capital cities.
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
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Music credits: Bruno Gillick
Explore the world of architecture with A is for Architecture, a podcast hosted by Ambrose Gillick. Each episode delves into the design, history and social significance of the built environment, making architecture accessible to everyone. Through engaging conversations with industry experts, scholars and practitioners, the podcast unpacks the creative and practical sides of architecture, from urban planning to sustainable design. Whether you're a professional, student, or design enthusiast, A is for Architecture offers fresh insights on how buildings shape society and inspire innovation.