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Open City is a charity dedicated to making architecture and built heritage more open, accessible and equitable. This feed includes our weekly show, The Brief which features news and analysis covering the big issues in British architecture, heritage, housing and planning. We also release longer form shows breaking down big issues connecting urbanism and politics with in-depth discussion. Our shows are hosted by a roster of architectural critics and practitioners, featuring guests from across architecture and design, as well as artists, academics, policy makers and journalists.Open City Friends get early, ad-free access to all Open City podcasts, and help support accessible independent journalism and life-changing education programmes. Sign up as an Open City Friend today.This show is made possible in part by Bloomberg Connects, a free mobile app featuring guides to over 200 museums, galleries and cultural spaces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Camden, Heritage, HS2 and TfL with Owen Hatherley
This week Camden is crowned the start up capital, heritage battles rage across the city, HS2 is part-dumped and TfL faces dire financial woes - yet three big names in the London architecture scene make it to the top of the rich list.... Owen Hatherley - the architecture writer, journalist and author of Red Metropolis; a polemical history of municipal socialism in London - joins Merlin in the studio.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:0425/11/2021
Londown Live with Nana Biamah-Ofosu and Hettie O'Brien from the SLG
This week, the Londown was recorded in front a of a live studio audience at the beautiful South London Gallery. Merlin took to the stage with architect and director of Studio Nyali Nana Biamah-Ofosu, and Guardian Opinions Editor Hettie O'Brien to discuss this week in architecture. As COP26 drew to a close this weekend, we look at the response in architecture and the built environment, and spotlight Norman Foster’s contentious Tulip tower which was last week vetoed over embodied carbon concerns. We also discuss the enormous £1.4 bn burden appalling housing puts on the NHS each year, the serious racism allegations mounting against London's cultural giant the Barbican, and the dreaded 4 month Northern Line closure on the horizon!The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43:5518/11/2021
More on the Marble Arch mound with Jonathan Glancey
This week, Merlin spoke to the renowned architecture critic and writer Jonathan Glancey. Tune in to hear them discuss the staggering cost of making our homes green, what we mean by radical zebra crossing revolutions, the awful permanent evacuation of an east London tower block, and of course the infamous marble arch mound... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:1711/11/2021
Biobased materials, futuristic architecture, and vertiports with Alpa Depani
This week Zoe caught up with architect Alpa Depani to discuss this week in architecture. The stories this week include the U+I buyout by behemoth rival, the ground-breaking new research tackling the housing AND climate crisis', why youth homelessness is surging in the city, the new exhibition exploring a novel kind of 21st century architecture, and Grimshaw's plans to electric flying taxi vertiports! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30:2204/11/2021
The budget and COP26 with Will Ing
This week Merlin is joined by fellow AJ journalist Will Ing. On the menu: A 1.8 billion pounds budget boost for new homes on post industrial ‘brownfields’ | 'Greenwash’ accusations over a rash of vertically planted ‘living walls’ sprouting over London | Outrage after MPs green light dumping sewage in London’s rivers | Hotel plans for Grade-I listed Customs House unanimously voted down | And what the COP26 climate summit could mean for London’s built environment? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:3228/10/2021
Estate Demolition, Cycling, and Podcasts with Luke Jones
Sadiq Khan announces a major review into affordable housing delivery | Lambeth Council forced to compensate residents over refurb works which left Grade II-listed Kate Macintosh-designed homes in disarray | 'Failing to learn the lessons of Grenfell'. A bitter row erupts over redevelopment plans for Ernö Goldfinger's Notting Hill estate | How private companies are ejecting vulnerable Londoners to cheaper cities | The tens of thousands still waiting for safe bicycle parking spaces | And the Londown is named Best Podcast at the 2021 Archiboo Awards!Tune in to hear Merlin and Luke Jones; host of the podcast 'About Buildings + Cities' discuss this week in Architecture.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38:3221/10/2021
The Stirling Prize and estate demolitions with Siraaj Mitha
Join critic Phin Harper and head of Accelerate Siraaj Mitha to chew through the week's big stories in London's architecture, housing and planning worlds. On the Londown this week, a Cambridge eco-mosque tipped to win the Stirling Prize, the ARB shake-up architectural education, City of London vetoes new skyscraper next to listed synagogue, an alleged ‘unfair’ estate demolition ballot in Tottenham, iconic post-war housing set to be flattened in massive Lambeth redevelopment, and the life and legacy of the late great Owen Luder.Support the Londown and Open City in making London's built environment more open and equitable by donating the equivalent of one flat white a month to the charity so it can keep making the Londown, staging the free Open House Festival and delivering important educational work supporting children and young people from under-represented backgrounds. Go to open-city.org.uk/flatwhite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:3114/10/2021
Michael Gove, the cladding scandal, and Cosmic House with Edwin Heathcote
This week on the Londown Zoe and FT architecture critic Edwin Heathcote analyse Gove's first public outing as housing secretary, and his comments on 'ugly' concrete and steel buildings. They also discuss why George Clarke is blasting the government over the cladding scandal, the newly opened Cosmic House, the plans for V&A Youth, and the new competition to redesign RIBA HQ... tune in!The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:3107/10/2021
Nine Elms regeneration & retrofit with Cllr Aydin Dikerdem
This week Merlin spoke with Aydin Dikerdem - the councillor for Queenstown Ward in the Battersea and Nine Elms area of Wandsworth, south west London. They discussed the criticism of the Northern Line extension, the very real flooding threat London faces, the pros and cons of retrofit, and the architecture lecturers who are standing up against unfair and discriminatory contracts.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39:3630/09/2021
Londown Live with Cath Slessor and Thomas Aquilina
This week we bring you the first ever Live Londown - direct from the Museum of the Home as part of their Festival of the Home. Merlin is joined by Catherine Slessor; President of the Twentieth Century Society, and architect Thomas Aquilina. Tune into their conversations on legendary bane of architects Michael Gove named housing secretary, the London co-living pioneer teetering on the verge of administration, Kevin McCloud's radical housing reform views, the pedestrianisation of Strand Aldwych, and the explosive planning meeting in Camden that saw furniture fly...The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:3723/09/2021
The Stirling Prize shortlist with Ellis Woodman
Two London landmarks vye for architecture’s highest accolade, the Stirling Prize // Government looks set to water down its contentious planning reforms // New Northern Line stations open at Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms // A leading London architecture studio becomes employee owned // And a major international competition to renew the Barbican Centre...Ellis Woodman - director of the Architecture Foundation, joins Merlin on the Londown this week.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
36:2116/09/2021
Peter Barber and ABBA with Shawn Adams
Rushed Grenfell demolition-plans spark fury over lack of consultation // Architect of London’s new-wave of social housing - Peter Barber - feted for lifetime achievement // Heated debates ignited over fresh wave of iconic London demolitions and retrofits // And why ABBA’s virtual comeback could be big news for architecture.This week Zoe speaks to writer, architectural designer, and cofounder of POoR Collective - Shawn Adams.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
29:4809/09/2021
Transport: cycling and walking with Ruth Lang
Soho ditches al fresco dining as Brick Lane turns car free; A tragic road death sparks new protests over cycling safety; Battle lines drawn over social homes on green spaces; Chloe Phelps leaves Croydon’s Common Ground Architecture; And we ask what this year’s RIBA awards say about architecture in the capital This week Merlin catches up with Ruth Lang: architect, writer, historian, and head of critical practice at the London School of Architecture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49:0802/09/2021
London's 'golf belt', Trellick Tower, and XR with Robin Hutchinson
The staggering scale of London’s ‘golf belt’ revealed, a redevelopment row erupts next to Ernö Goldfinger’s iconic Trellick Tower, a fortnight of Extinction Rebellion climate protests target the City, and Croydon Council abandons its Westfield dream after a decade of disputes.Merlin gets the community perspective from Robin Hutchinson; activist and director of The Community Brain.As ever, listen, like, share, subscribe and this week complete our survey and tell us what you think.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
29:0026/08/2021
Pubs, trains, and grassroots culture with Tim Dunn
New research suggests community-owned pubs help temper extreme political views | Why planning deregulation could be to blame for 800,000 new unsustainable homes | A London council picks infill over estate demolition | And why trains and rail architecture could be Britain’s most overlooked grassroots culture.This week Merlin is joined by Tim Dunn; presenter of Secrets of the London Underground, and The Architecture the Railways BuiltAs ever, listen, like, share, subscribe and this week complete our survey and tell us what you think. The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:0719/08/2021
Devastating climate report, and this years Open House Festival with Phin Harper
Damning climate change report warns of unprecedented devastation in our cities; victory for Save-Latin-Village after fifteen years of campaigning by dedicated community; central London unable to lift footfall as return-to-office-push lacks enthusiastic uptake; and Greenwich Royal Observatory seeks architect for historic upgrade. This week Zoe Cave is joined by none other than Phineas Harper: director of Open City who talks us through some of the highlights of the 2021 Open House London Festival programme.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38:4312/08/2021
Museums, memorials, and mounds with Gillian Darley
David Adjaye’s controversial Holocaust memorial approved following inquiry; the Garden Museum reveals Lambeth Green pavilion finalists; Visitors to MVRDV’s contentious Marble Arch Mound issued refunds; and the enormous glowing sphere which may soon be gracing east London’s skyline.This Week Merlin is joined by author, academic, and architectural historian Gillian Darley.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34:1005/08/2021
The Londown Special Episode: What's this all about?
Twenty five episodes in, Phineas Harper looks back at the show so far and asks: 'what's this all about?' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39:1129/07/2021
lonely, and stressed: how the pandemic has impacted architecture students - with Will Ing
A shock survey reveals the pandemic’s devastating impact on architecture students; New York’s Selldorf Architects picked to rethink London’s National Gallery; Parliament’s Climate Change Committee backs retrofitting over demolition; and ‘irreversible’ construction sees Liverpool stripped of its World Heritage Status - This week Merlin unpicks the weeks architecture news with fellow AJ journalist Will Ing.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:3522/07/2021
Why are EU architect applications plunging? With Eddie Blake
Plunging EU-applications send UK-Architect-numbers into a tailspin, controversial new plans for former site of UK’s largest women's prison, the Conservatives’ unhealthy financial reliance on property developers, winners announced in competition for historic-Highgate-cemetery upgrade, and de-facement of Rashford-mural re-ignites the debate around England’s relationship with racism. In todays show, Zoe digests this week in architecture with architect, academic, and life-long Londoner Eddie Blake.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30:0615/07/2021
London's swimming culture with 20th Century Society president Catherine Slessor
Dive into London's swimming culture with Merlin, and 20th Century Society President, Catherine Slessor this week on the Londown. Shock as Croydon blocks sale of Brick by Brick to Urban Splash, fees hiked at Hampstead Ponds casting shadows over London’s swimming culture, David Chipperfield submits plans for new Chinese Embassy in Tower Hamlets, a new Building Safety Bill promises leaseholders rights to sue developers, and why architecture needs more (and better) public speakers.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34:2108/07/2021
Antepavilion arrests, and the London architects behind huge new Moscow redevelopment with Will Hurst
This week Zoe spoke with Will Hurst, the managing editor of the AJ. Together they discussed the police raid of Hackney’s annual Antepavilion site, Robert Jenrick's blocking of the old London Fire Brigade HQ redevelopment, the leading London architects chosen for enormous Moscow estate re-generation, and why the RIBA has revised its climate targets downwards.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
27:4901/07/2021
Oxford circus rethink, planning reforms, and Charles Jencks’ Cosmic House with Edwin Heathcote
This week Merlin spoke with Edwin Heathcote, the architecture and design critic at the Financial Times. They discuss a new competition looking to design a pedestrian-friendly Oxford Circus, the backlash over government planning reforms after shock by-election defeat, the late Charles Jencks’ Cosmic House to open as a museum this September, and how better pay could be the real way to boost architects' mental wellbeing.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38:3624/06/2021
Four years on from Grenfell. With Ella Jessel
This week was the four year anniversary of the Grenfell disaster, and Merlin reflects on Architecture's response with journalist Ella Jessel. Also on the menu; Protestors gather in Brick Lane to fight the Truman Brewery’s redevelopment; Peter Barber, Sumita Singha and others receive Queen’s birthday honours; and GB News - television’s latest rolling current affairs channel - blames the housing crisis for growing cultural divides.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:2217/06/2021
Audio Walking Tour of Marylebone
Listen to Open City’s on-demand audio tour of Marylebone, one of central London’s most attractive and atmospheric neighbourhoods and home to The Howard de Walden Estate.This fun and engaging audio walking tour led by expert guide Mike Althorpe — an urban historian, architectural researcher, educator and storyteller — follows the route of our popular real-life tour exploring the architecture and history of this urban village.Listening point 1: St Marylebone Parish Church1817 landmark by architect Thomas Hardwick in a grand classical style. It is the fourth such building to serve the parish of Marylebone and symbolic of early 19th century urban changes.Listening point 2: Devonshire StreetDevelopment of Portland Estate summary close to fine examples of 18th century streets and speculative building pattern and site of old Marylebone Gardens - a popular rural entertainment spot.Listening point 3: Marylebone High StreetHome to Marylebone Village. It started life as a rural lane between the highway of Oxford Street and the Manor House. In recent decades carefully curation by The Haward de Walden Estate has created a retail destination with genuine balance and character. – unlike so many other cookie cutter high streets.Listening point 4: Grotto PassageBehind the scenes Grotto Ragged and Industrial School opened in 1846 and Ossington Estate model dwellings1888 and 1892 - landmarks of the urban diversity of the area and shifting pattern of living.Listening point 5: Paddington Street GardensHistoric 1880s landscaped gardens and former site of 18th century Marylebone workhouse - important story of urban change on the edge of the historic estate and life of the parishListening point 6: Manchester SquareLandmark square developed with Hertford House in the 1760s, home to international Wallace collection since 1900. Former site of EMI offices and iconic Beatles photo shootListening point 7: Hinde & Mandeville StreetsLandmark neoclassical Hinde Street Methodist church 1887 by James Weir created in aftermath of impressive 1870s urban clearance projects in French renaissance style at bottom of high streetListening point 8: Scheon ClinicLandmark new development with hidden depths on site of former ironworks with sculpture marking gateway to Marylebone High Street from south.Listening point 9: Debenhams & Wigmore HallColossal department store designed by architects William Wallace and James Gibson in 1907 in an grandiose Edwardian Baroque style and covered in dolton carrara ceramics. And celebrated 1901 concert venue by Thomas Edward Colcutt.Listening point 10: Henrietta PlaceFormer private estate chapel of St Peters, 1724 by James Gibbs and nearby Royal Society of Medicine.Listening point 11: Cavendish SquareFirst move of the historic Portland estate in 1719, mixed fortunes landmark architectural set pieces, sculpture and new development as part of public realm enhancements.Listening point 12: Chandos HouseSpeculatively landmark house built between 1769 - 1761 by Robert Adam, the most prominent architect in Georgian Britain. Rare London house in Edinburgh quarried stone.Listening point 13: Harley StreetThe Harley Street Medical Area (HSMA) is a community of Marylebone-based hospitals, clinics and specialists, renowned for their outstanding patient care, pioneering treatments and use of cutting-edge technologies. – The Centre of which is Harley Street which was first laid out in 1729.Listening point 14: Portland PlaceLandmark urban space laid out by the brothers Robert and James Adam as part of second wave of historic Portland estate surviving terraces of 1780s, transformed in 1820s as part of Nash’s royal route, remade in 1930s with apartments and office. RIBA Landmark at heart of space subject to proposals to change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31:0011/06/2021
The Serpentine Pavilion, and diversity in the RIBA with Shawn Adams
This week Merlin caught up with Shawn Adams - writer, architectural designer, and cofounder of POoR Collective. They discuss Sumayya Vally's long-awaited Serpentine Pavilion, the government’s chief architect's resignation, the contentious South Kensington tube station overhaul, and the RIBA’s 2021 fellows lack of diversity.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:1210/06/2021
The Londown | 03 June | with Barnabas Calder
This week Zoe catches up with architectural historian Barnabas Calder. They discuss a new contest seeking radical cycle infrastructure concepts, Catherine Slessor being tipped to become the new 20th Century Society president, the human impacts of estate demolition, and Barnabas’ new book ‘Architecture: From Pre-history to Climate Emergency’.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31:5403/06/2021
A review of this years Venice Biennale with Olly Wainwright
This week Merlin speaks with Olly Wainwright - the architecture and design critic at the Guardian - about his recent visit to this years’ Venice Biennale. Also on the menu; A south London school built outside approved plans faces demolition, Keir Starmer criticised for backing new fence around Primrose Hill, and the Barbican Centre’s new exhibition on 1980s feminist design collective Matrix.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:2027/05/2021
Whitechapel Bell Foundry redevelopment and new Open City 'Public House' book with Hettie O'Brien
Merlin speaks with Guardian journalist Hettie O'Brien about her investigations into the contentious Whitechapel Bell Foundry redevelopment approved by the government. Also on the menu; Downing Street aide apologizes for perceived conflicts of interest on approving a property loan to a company he worked for, the government moves to ‘carefully’ taken down Grenfell Tower, and Open City announces a major new book on the social and cultural history of London pubs.The Londown is produced in association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34:3520/05/2021
British Pavilion opening and huge Tory planning reforms with Maddie Kessler
This week Merlin speaks with Maddie Kessler, co-curator of The Garden of Privatised Delights pavilion at the Venice Biennale opening next week. Also on the menu; Radical planning reforms set down in the Queen’s Speech, the winners of Enfield’s Meridian Four contest named, and Urban Splash in final stage talks to buy Croydon’s Brick by Brick.If you enjoy The Londown we recommend subscribing to the Architects’ Journal – for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31:4013/05/2021
What does Sadiq Khan mean for London? With Owen Hatherley
Sadiq Khan set for landslide victory winning a second term as London mayor, Open City trustees win job to design 8 billion pound Thamesmead redevelopment, Serpentine Pavilion criticised over un-sustainable concrete foundations, and NEO Bankside residents take Tate Modern to the Supreme Court. Join Zoe Cave and writer, journalist, and author Owen Hatherley as they dissect this week’s top architecture news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34:0206/05/2021
The Alternative Mayoral Election
Public fruit orchards in the Royal Parks. A ban on politicians standing for mayor of London. Libraries to serve pints of beer and the decriminalisation of soft drugs. This is the mayoral manifesto of the late musician, artist and manager of the Sex Pistols, Malcolm McLaren who stood for mayor at the turn of the millennium with a truly remarkable campaign.Rather than talk more about this year’s election, today we’re dedicating the whole show to the story of Malcolm’s bid to be mayor. As he said at the time, "It’s the biggest job in London, don’t give it to a politician". Zoë Cave speaks to McLaren's biographer, Paul Gorman, artist and designer, Scott King and campaign manager, Peter Culshaw.Listen out for our Thursday morning news show, The Londown, where we will be discussing the 2021 Mayoral Election with Owen Hatherley.You can support Open City and keep this podcast free and accessible for others to listen to by donating and supporting us, go to open-city.org.uk/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38:3503/05/2021
Skyscrapers and the Silvertown Tunnel. With Will Ing
City of London opens the way for more skyscrapers, academics demand an ‘emergency review’ of Silvertown Tunnel, London Festival of Architecture boss leaves for Scotland, and an exciting new generation of British architects showcased in the AJ Small Projects prize and the Architecture Foundation’s New Architects 4 book – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Will Ing round up this week’s top London architecture newsIf you enjoy The Londown we recommend subscribing to the Architects’ Journal – for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30:2629/04/2021
The Londown | 22 April | Dave Hill
An in-depth comparison of the election manifestos of London's mayoral election candidates, studies shows no slowdown in skyscraper approvals despite the pandemic, and why drivers so often seem grumpy – could it be down to how cars taint perceptions of the environment around us? Merlin Fulcher and special guest Dave Hill of OnLondon give you the rundown on this week's top London architecture news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30:4322/04/2021
Slavery and the City | the Jamaica Wine House | Episode 3
In this third and final episode, Selasi is joined by Akil Scafe-Smith, a member of the interdisciplinary design team Resolve. In this round table discussion, they explore how informal spaces such as pubs and coffee shops in our cities can be sites for establishing power, and become places of resistance. Through an in depth analysis of the Jamaica Wine House on St Michael's Alley, we question what we mean by informal spaces and examine the myths and rituals that mobilise power in these spaces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
32:3519/04/2021
The Londown | 15 April | Amanda Baillieu
Six finalists vying to upgrade the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing, two winners announced for this year’s Antepavilion, campaigners urge London’s mayor to block Ealing Council’s town hall redevelopment, and the future of nightclubs called into question – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Amanda Baillieu round up this week’s top London architecture news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31:2315/04/2021
Slavery and the City | Guildhall & the Zong massacre | Episode 2
In this episode we speak with academic Anita Rupprecht from the University of Brighton, specialising in interconnected histories and representations of British transatlantic slavery, and Dalia Gebrial, a Rhodes must fall campaigner and PhD student of race, work & digital economy.In the second episode of this series, through an analysis of London’s Guildhall in relation to the Zong massacre, we explore collective amnesia, how society processes guilt with regards to our colonial past, how we can move forward, and what role - if any - does our city's architecture play in this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
45:4312/04/2021
The Londown | 08 April | Phineas Harper
London architect hit with online abuse for criticising Georgian new builds, Square Mile skyscraper set for record £1.8bn sale despite the Work from Home boom, architecture organisations left with slim pickings from the Government’s cultural recovery fund, the Barbican Centre announces a new exhibition on radical 1980s feminist architecture cooperative Matrix, and a new National Covid Memorial takes shape on the Southbank. Zoe Cave and special guest Phineas Harper round up this week’s top London architecture news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31:5107/04/2021
Slavery and the City | Royal Exchange | Episode 1
In this episode, we speak to Kehinde Andrews, Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University and the author of ‘The new age of empire: how racism and colonialism still rule the world’, and Professor Ola Uduku, research professor at the Manchester school of architecture. Through an analysis of the Royal Exchange, we explore how architecture and the built environment can symbolise and embody the legacies of slavery, empire, and colonialism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
29:1905/04/2021
The Londown | 1 April | With Ewa Effiom
Parliament launches a major inquiry into whole life carbon, the slavery links of City landmarks explored in a new Open City Podcast, Stirling Prize winner Haworth Tompkins designs an industrial estate, and reflecting on Zaha Hadid’s legacy five years since she died. Merlin Fulcher and special guest Ewa Effiom round up this week’s top London architecture news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
32:3031/03/2021
The Londown | 25 March | With Ella Jessel
Architectural assistants speak out over poor pay and conditions. Developer rebuilds Maida Vale pub six years after pulling it down'. A parliamentary inquiry launched into permitted development rights. Seven concepts shortlisted for Hackney’s embattled Antepavilion commission. Assemble named among 10 winners in the Festival of Brexit contest. Merlin Fulcher and special guest Ella Jessel round up this week’s top London architecture news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:3224/03/2021
The Londown | 18 Mar | With Oonagh Ryder
New restrictions on protests in public spaces, Sarah Everard’s murder and vigil shines a light on spatial inequality, and France’s anti-demolition architects Lacaton & Vassal win the Pritzker Prize – Merlin Fulcher and special guests Oonagh Ryder and Phineas Harper round up this week’s top London architecture news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
53:3918/03/2021
The Londown | 11 Mar | With Hettie O'Brien
London Plan finally published after watering down by government, a social housing architect wins the prestigious MJ Long Prize, RIBA unearths ‘lost’ lectures by women architects and London-based design blog Dezeen sold to new owners – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Hettie O’Brien round up this week’s top London architecture news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41:3510/03/2021
The Londown | 4 March | With Jonn Elledge
A budget for rising house prices, London air pollution narrowly misses a new peak, gender neutral toilets targeted in new building regs consultation, a housing historian picked to lead London School of Architecture and Camden vs Hackney: the final of the Borough Logos World Cup – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Jonn Elledge round up this week’s top London architecture news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39:1603/03/2021
Barbican redevelopment and row over ‘poor cores’ in Walthamstow. With Lucy Watson
Barbican Centre heading for major renewal after Centre for Music scrapped, a row over ‘poor cores’ in Walthamstow, the Church of England promises ‘generous’ use of its land for new homes and Boris Johnson’s vision for a huge roundabout under the Isle of Man – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Lucy Watson round up this week’s top London architecture news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
21:4825/02/2021
MVRDV's Marble Arch Mound. With Catherine Slessor
A competition to rethink National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing, the team behind New York’s Highline chosen for the Camden Highline, a 25-metre tall mound proposed for Marble Arch, and the viral job advert to be Thomas Heatherwick’s new personal assistant – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Catherine Slessor round up and digest this week’s big architecture stories in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30:2718/02/2021
Demolition go-ahead for Cressingham Gardens. With Will Ing.
Demolition go-ahead for Brixton’s iconic Cressingham Gardens, a double blow for planning as trailblazer Finn Williams leaves for Sweden and sensational YouTube video exposes committee shambles, and the looming fire sale of Croydon’s Brick by Brick housebuilding arm – Merlin Fulcher and special guest Will Ing round up and decode this week’s big architecture stories in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
25:1011/02/2021
The Londown | Feb 3 | This week in London's architecture
Protestors tunnelling under Euston Square, enormous British Library extension plans, and warning sounds over jobs in the centre of the capital – Merlin Fulcher and Phineas Harper round up and decode this week’s big architecture stories in London Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
28:1703/02/2021
Is land to blame for the housing crisis?
Why do we agree to pay extortionate prices for poor quality housing, and will this ever change?In this episode we are joined by Alastair Parvin, founder of Open Systems Lab, to discuss the role land plays in making our urban landscape so political. The latest podcast follows on from our previous episode with Emma Dent Coad, former Labour MP for Kensington, where we discussed housing, the crisis we are in and how competing visions of the city make architecture so political. In this episode we dig deeper into the history of land, it’s increasing value and where this has left us today…We also talk with Anurag Verma, chairman of the community land trust, Russ, in Lewisham who sheds light on how things can be done differently.Listen to Why is Architecture so Political: https://bit.ly/39uXkWl Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41:2928/01/2021
The Old Kent Road: Is there room on the gravy train for everyone? 2/2
For this second part of our two-part episode we continue exploring all the amazing work local people are doing to create spaces and opportunities to thrive in the shadow of ambitious regeneration agendas.Part one is available here: https://open-city.org.uk/podcast-episodes/the-city-and-the-sandwich-22mr6-5m78r Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26:0413/01/2021