Open City
204 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingOpen 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.
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This show is made possible in part by Bloomberg Connects, a free mobile app featuring guides to over 200 museums, galleries and cultural spaces.
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Episodes
Museums, memorials, and mounds with Gillian Darley
August 05, 2021 05:04 - 34 minutes - 46.9 MBDavid 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 subscrib...
The Londown Special Episode: What's this all about?
July 29, 2021 09:00 - 39 minutes - 53.8 MBTwenty 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.
lonely, and stressed: how the pandemic has impacted architecture students - with Will Ing
July 22, 2021 05:16 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MBA 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 th...
Why are EU architect applications plunging? With Eddie Blake
July 15, 2021 05:11 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MBPlunging 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 B...
Why are EU architect applications plunging? Zoe is joined by Eddie Blake
July 15, 2021 05:11 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MBPlunging 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 B...
London's swimming culture with 20th Century Society president Catherine Slessor
July 08, 2021 05:05 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MBDive 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 Londow...
Antepavilion arrests, and the London architects behind huge new Moscow redevelopment with Will Hurst
July 01, 2021 05:15 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBThis 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...
Oxford circus rethink, planning reforms, and Charles Jencks’ Cosmic House with Edwin Heathcote
June 24, 2021 05:01 - 38 minutes - 53 MBThis 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 y...
Four years on from Grenfell we reflect on architecture’s response with Ella Jessel
June 17, 2021 05:01 - 35 minutes - 48.6 MBThis 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’ J...
Four years on from Grenfell. With Ella Jessel
June 17, 2021 05:01 - 35 minutes - 48.6 MBThis 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’ J...
Audio Walking Tour of Marylebone
June 11, 2021 15:03 - 31 minutes - 42.6 MBListen 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 Church 1817 landmark by...
The Serpentine Pavilion, and diversity in the RIBA with Shawn Adams
June 10, 2021 05:30 - 33 minutes - 45.6 MBThis 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 stud...
The Londown | 03 June | with Barnabas Calder
June 03, 2021 05:00 - 31 minutes - 43.8 MBThis 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 n...
A review of this years Venice Biennale with Olly Wainwright
May 27, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MBThis 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 re...
Whitechapel Bell Foundry redevelopment and new Open City 'Public House' book with Hettie O'Brien
May 20, 2021 05:00 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MBMerlin 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 asso...
British Pavilion opening and huge Tory planning reforms with Maddie Kessler
May 13, 2021 05:00 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MBThis 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 anal...
What does Sadiq Khan mean for London? With Owen Hatherley
May 06, 2021 07:01 - 34 minutes - 46.7 MBSadiq 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.
Sadiq Khan wins! What does it mean for London?
May 06, 2021 07:01 - 34 minutes - 46.7 MBSadiq 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The Alternative Mayoral Election
May 03, 2021 06:00 - 38 minutes - 53 MBPublic 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 ...
Skyscrapers and the Silvertown Tunnel. With Will Ing
April 29, 2021 05:30 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBCity 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 news If you enjoy The Londown we recommend subscribing to the Architects’ Journal – fo...
The Londown | 29 April | Will Ing
April 29, 2021 05:30 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBCity 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 news If you enjoy The Londown we recommend subscribing to the Architects’ Journal – fo...
The Londown | 22 April | Dave Hill
April 22, 2021 05:00 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBAn 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.
Slavery and the City | the Jamaica Wine House | Episode 3
April 19, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MBIn 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 spac...
The Londown | 15 April | Amanda Baillieu
April 15, 2021 05:00 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBSix 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.
Slavery and the City | Guildhall & the Zong massacre | Episode 2
April 12, 2021 06:30 - 45 minutes - 62.8 MBIn 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 w...
The Londown | 08 April | Phineas Harper
April 07, 2021 21:29 - 31 minutes - 43.8 MBLondon 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 Lond...
Slavery and the City | Royal Exchange | Episode 1
April 05, 2021 07:30 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MBIn 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...
The Londown | 1 April | With Ewa Effiom
March 31, 2021 21:08 - 32 minutes - 44.6 MBParliament 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.
The Londown | 25 March | With Ella Jessel
March 24, 2021 21:04 - 35 minutes - 48.8 MBArchitectural 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 informa...
The Londown | 18 Mar | With Oonagh Ryder
March 18, 2021 00:58 - 53 minutes - 73.7 MBNew 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.
The Londown | 11 Mar | With Hettie O'Brien
March 10, 2021 19:51 - 41 minutes - 57.1 MBLondon 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.
The Londown | 4 March | With Jonn Elledge
March 03, 2021 19:28 - 39 minutes - 53.9 MBA 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.
Barbican redevelopment and row over ‘poor cores’ in Walthamstow. With Lucy Watson
February 25, 2021 11:04 - 21 minutes - 30 MBBarbican 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.
The Londown | 25 Feb | This week in Architecture
February 25, 2021 11:04 - 21 minutes - 30 MBBarbican 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
MVRDV's Marble Arch Mound. With Catherine Slessor
February 18, 2021 11:01 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBA 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.
The Londown | 18 Feb | This week in Architecture
February 18, 2021 11:01 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBA 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Demolition go-ahead for Cressingham Gardens. With Will Ing.
February 11, 2021 11:02 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MBDemolition 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.
The Londown | 11 Feb | This week in Architecture
February 11, 2021 11:02 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MBDemolition 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The Londown | Feb 3 | This week in London's architecture
February 03, 2021 11:05 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBProtestors 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.
Is land to blame for the housing crisis?
January 28, 2021 13:07 - 41 minutes - 47.5 MBWhy 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 ...
The Old Kent Road: Is there room on the gravy train for everyone? 2/2
January 13, 2021 16:42 - 26 minutes - 29.8 MBFor 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.
Old Kent Road: Is there room on the gravy train for everyone? 1/2
December 03, 2020 16:11 - 32 minutes - 37.1 MBIn this two part episode we will be learning about one of London's most important roads, Old Kent Road, and the work that local people are doing to make sure that the future of the area is one that belongs to them and their communities. Hosts Arman Nouri and Selasi Setufe are joined by Nicholas Okwulu, social entrepreneur, community organiser and founder of Livesey Exchange - a grassroots cultural and educational space and a vital part of the people's plan to make the multi-billion regenerati...
Public Transport: What do bus drivers really think of you?
November 26, 2020 11:22 - 31 minutes - 36.3 MBIn this episode we will be discussing how our modes of transport have changed - what works, what doesn’t and what is still needed to make our journeys accessible, enjoyable and effective. Hosts Lara Kinneir and Arman Nouri are joined by Joe Kerr, architectural historian and bus driver of the No.19 route that journeys from Finsbury Park to Battersea Bridge and Jon Little, transport engineer behind the Mini Holland project in Walthamstow, East London. Specifically, this episode looks at how Lon...
The Fast Consumer City: can a sandwich really run the city?
November 12, 2020 14:45 - 41 minutes - 48 MBHow can a cheddar and pickle baguette shape our city? Why does a £3 flat white make a difference to how open a city is? This episode looks at the work and lifestyle habits of the fast consumer city and how our cities start to look and run when they cater to the well heeled urban professional. Hosts Lara Kinneir and Zoe Cave look to the big issues of a global economy on our cities and high streets, alongside the everyday experiences of the humble cafe and its visitors. They are joined by James...
Would young people design a better London for us all?
November 03, 2020 13:27 - 48 minutes - 55.6 MB"In this Open House special episode we will be talking about how young people are currently shut out of the conversation about planning and regeneration and how they could help design the happy, healthy, sustainable London we all want. Specifically we will be discussing a new Youth Engagement Toolkit which has been developed by Grosvenor Britain & Ireland with ZCD Architects, Sport England and the TCPA as part of a drive to transform our approach to city making.In this episode we are joined b...
Lighting up London's bridges
October 28, 2020 18:03 - 40 minutes - 91.9 MBHosts Merlin Fulcher and Lara Kinneir will be talking about the architecture of London’s bridges. Specifically this episode will be focussing on Illuminated River, an ongoing £20 million project to create a slowly colour-changing lighting scheme synchronised across all 15 of central London’s crossings. It’s designed by US artist Leo Villareal with London architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands and you can see the first phase in place on London Bridge, Canon Street Railway Bridge, Southwark B...
Why is Architecture so Political?
October 15, 2020 09:25 - 48 minutes - 55.5 MBIn this episode Merlin Fulcher and Arman Nouri are joined by Emma Dent Coad, former Labour MP for Kensington to discuss why architecture and housing is so political. Dent Coad -- who remains a councillor at Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea -- will discuss how the stories of the Trellick and Grenfell towers reflect the failure of politics to safeguard the notion of public housing as a public good.The debate will cover topical issues stemming from the present housing crisis such as micro...
Unleashing Londoners' imagination
September 28, 2020 09:21 - 39 minutes - 45.6 MBIn this Open House special episode we will be talking about how imagination -- such as myths which celebrate our real or fictional past -- can transform how we see the city around us, and in turn create better places for everyone. Specifically we will be focussing on Seething Wells in Surbiton, a large former waterworks which played a pioneering role in the delivery of clean drinking water to central London, and was a focus of Jon Snow’s groundbreaking cholera study which created modern epide...
Rethinking London's Green Spaces
September 24, 2020 14:37 - 42 minutes - 48.9 MBIn this Open House special episode hosts Merlin Fulcher and Zoe Cave are joined by Ed Green from Grosvenor and Catherine Greig of make:good to discuss green spaces and their future during a time of climate crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically this episode will be focussing on Grosvenor Square in Mayfair which is poised to undergo an ambitious renewal to unlock its full potential as an urban oasis meeting the needs and expectations of our twenty-first century capital. Could the new G...
The Alternative Guide To London Boroughs
September 18, 2020 13:33 - 37 minutes - 42.5 MBFor this episode of the Open City podcast, we speak to the guest-editor of the book, critic and author, Owen Hatherley, who talks about why this guide and its focus on the extraordinariness of the more ordinary parts of London, is a rare find when talking about the capital’s architecture. We discuss pertinent topics such as London before, during and after lockdown; the disparity between how London is imagined and viewed, compared to how it is lived and experienced across the boroughs; and the...