About Buildings + Cities

In the third episode of our ongoing series on John Soane, we discussed his magnum opus, and one of the most entrancing lost buildings ever: The Bank of England. This vast administrative complex signalled the transformation of London into the capital of a modern imperial state, but by the 1930s, after just a century of its existence, the bank had outgrown Soane's intricate and weighty toplit classicism and the whole thing was demolished. We attempt here to imagine and reconstruct what it was actually like, why it was like that, and how Soane achieved it. See the images we discussed on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/FmY1bFPv-oo 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 episode 2 of our series on John Soane, we discussed the projects he worked on after returning from his Grand Tour of Italy, but before he got his career-defining job as surveyor to the Bank of England. These include several built and unbuilt schemes for country houses, a proposal for a pair of enormous prisons in strict geometrical manner, and several rural outbuildings in a rustic classicism that draw upon the founding myths of architecture. Images for this episode can be found on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/0dAc_Dh1BTk 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

Renowned architect John Soane's early life, influences, and iconic works like the Bank of England and his house are discussed. The podcast explores Soane's origins as a child prodigy draughtsman, his Royal Academy scholarship, and his Grand Tour journey. The episode delves into Soane's unique bridge designs, architectural shapes, and collaborations with wealthy patrons. Exciting plans for future episodes on Soane's legacy and bonus content on his works and lectures are also teased.

Dive into the intriguing cultural clash between European modernism and the unique vibrancy of Manhattan. Explore the whimsical and ironic visions in the speculative appendix of a famous book, alongside a critique of urban ideals shaped by Le Corbusier and Dali. Discover the complexities of architectural representation, highlighting avant-garde designs within a structured urban framework. Delve into captivating tales, like a fantastical journey involving a floating pool, blending modernism with poignant societal themes. This episode showcases the humor and gravity in urban architectural discourse.

Discussion of Rem Koolhaas's vision of skyscrapers as portals to unconventional activities, his unique approach to expressing thoughts through writing style, significance of three skyscrapers from Interwar period, reduction of images in the book and unbuilt project for a church with a massive parking garage. Also, exploration of laughing gas, hydraulic jacks, and Diego Rivera's murals, and the commissioning of a major artist for unique perspectives in architecture.

In this podcast, the hosts discuss Rem Koolhaas's book 'Delirious New York' and its exploration of the city's urban condition. They explore the architect's trajectory, the history and fantasy of New York City, and Koolhaas's descriptions of Coney Island. The podcast also touches on the rise and fall of Dreamland, skyscrapers and architectural frauds, the unconventional designs of the Woolworth Building, and the urban environment and skyscrapers. They even discuss an annual ball where architects dress up as skyscrapers.

This is an unlocked Patreon bonus episode from last year. To get access to all our bonus content and support the show, please subscribe for just £3 a month: https://www.patreon.com/about_buildings In this bonus episode we discussed Neom, the sci-fi project of the Saudi Arabian government to totally reshape the north-west of the country, including a 170km linear city in the desert. We talked a little bit about the history of linear cities from Leonidov to Superstudio, and reflected on what the point of these fantastical publicity projects might be. 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

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.

In the final episode of our Antoni Gaudí series, we discussed his magnum opus, one of the most famous buildings in the world: La Sagrada Familia. However, as is always the case, not everything is as it seems. We discuss the complex origins of this remarkable building, Gaudí's work on it over decades, the tragic circumstances of his death, and the life of the building after his death. In the next couple of days we will be releasing a reflective episode on our Gaudí series, looking back at Gaudí, his legacy, and what it all means. Watch this episode on YouTube to follow along with the images, 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 this episode of our ongoing series on Antoni Gaudí we discussed the unsolved mystery of the Colonia Güell Church. Perhaps the most enigmatic of Gaudí's projects, and the apotheosis of his method and principles, wholly unrestrained. Only the crypt of this vast proposed church was actually built, in a language of burnt bricks, reclaimed stones and baffling geometries. All that survives to us of his plans are photographs of vast models of string, canvas and lead weights used to model the catenary arch structure of the building, along with a few blurry photographs of the drawings. Everything else was lost when Gaudí's studio was burnt. The final episode in this series, on the Sagrada Familia, will be out soon. Make sure you subscribe to the channel so you don't miss it! Images for this episode are available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_gIFS6d3uCo 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