About Buildings + Cities 107 – Stewart Brand's 'How Buildings Learn' — "What Happens After They're Built"
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Aug 8, 2023 
Stewart Brand, author of 'How Buildings Learn', discusses the lifespan of buildings, criticizing architects for not considering growth and adaptability. They talk about post occupancy studies, maintenance, and designing for loose fit. The Duchess of Devonshire's wisdom and the sins of architects are highlighted. They explore the adaptability of buildings, modifications, and the evolution of communities. The problematic aspects of architecture, preservation, and maintenance challenges are also discussed.
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Brand's Shipping-Container Library
- Brand describes his own workspace in a shipping container, adapted with benches, lighting and reflective paint.
- Hosts question its comfort and argue a shed might perform better environmentally.
Tenure Shapes Adaptability More Than Design
- The hosts argue adaptability often results from tenure and economic conditions, not pure design.
- Ownership, landlord incentives and development value mainly determine whether occupants can alter buildings.
Most Buildings Are A 'Middle Road'
- Brand's 'low road' and 'high road' categories are extremes; most buildings sit in a middle, mutable path.
- The hosts want a clearer 'middle road' analysis for typical urban buildings.