Building Sounds

We each have a unique relationship to London that depends on where we live, work and play. In this episode, we explore how our relationship to the city - from the chaotic to the classic - is shaped by photography and design, and the importance of collaboration across communities. Host Eliza is joined by Damla Turgut (Founder, Otto Tiles) and Gareth Gardner (Photographer and Gallerist) to talk all things photography and design, and how the practices both mirror and mould our relationship to the built environment. Otto Tiles and Gareth Gardner Gallery are collaborating on a series of workshops and exhibitions taking place in June, during the London Festival of Architecture. Head to the LFA website to sign up or find out more. To explore Damla's work and browse products, you can visit the Otto Tiles website. And for more information on Gareth Gardner's Deptford Gallery and ongoing exhibitions, head to the site now.   This episode was edited and produced by Katya Spiers. You can download the transcript here. Image © Gareth Gardner     Timestamps for this episode: 0:09 - relationship to design, photography and collaboration 07:08 - evolution of design trends across industries 16:24 - shared perspectives and the importance of dialogues 27:50 - exciting opportunities to get involved

This month, we're joined by Elliott Wood Director Andy Downey and Make Architects Founder Ken Shuttleworth to explore Fitzrovia's unique history as a hub for architects, engineers and designers. From the iconic BT Tower to the hidden cobbled lanes, join host Eliza Grosvenor to learn about the area's workshop origins, and investigate the unique collaborative atmosphere that's constantly innovating Fitzrovia. Ken and Andy offer insights into their roles in reshaping this area while balancing the urgency of sustainable development and fostering the essence of community that makes Fitzrovia buzz with creativity. To download the ETHICS Manifesto and find out more about Elliott Wood, head to their website. To learn about Make Architects and explore current projects, keep up online. To find out more about #LFAat20 or how to get involved in the Festival, head to the LFA website here. Have a question for the podcast? Email info@londonfestivalofarchitecture.org or call 020 7636 4044. This episode was edited and produced by Katya Spiers. You can download the transcript here. Image: Great Titchfield Street Party © LFA and Woods Bagot Timestamps for this episode: 00:09 - Introductions and quick-fire questions 12:36 - Collaboration and community in Fitzrovia 18:20 - Urban development and design 24:08 - Sustainable urban planning and design

When we talk about public spaces, we often throw around the word 'placemaking' without considering what the term really means. In this conversation, host Eliza Grosvenor is joined by Ruchi Chakravarty (Urban Designer, Masterplanner, Architect and Placemaker) and Federico Ortiz (Head of Content, NLA) to talk all things placemaking, and unpack the meaning of the word. To stay up-to-date with Ruchi's projects, you can follow her on LinkedIn. To keep in the loop with all upcoming NLA events and research, head to the website. You can download the New London Agenda here, and contribute to our Public London research here. To find out more about #LFAat20 or how to get involved in the Festival, head to the LFA website here. Have a question for the podcast? Email info@londonfestivalofarchitecture.org or call 020 7636 4044. This episode was edited and produced by Katya Spiers. You can download the transcript here. Timestamps for this episode: 1:03 Ruchi's relationship with the built environment 2:50 Quick-fire questions 4:20 Unpacking LFA theme 'Reimagine' 5:50 Defining 'placemaking' 11:01 Gillet Square, Dalston 15:30 Meanwhile projects and Harrow Road 18:37 Challenges of placemaking 21:45 Key pillars of placemaking 25:14 The New London Agenda with Federico 27:49 How to use the Agenda and upcoming NLA Research 32:34 Public London 33:57 What does the future of placemaking look like? 37:21 A challenge to LFA organisers 39:53 What would you reimagine?  

When the Festival was founded in 2004, Peter Murray had no idea of the legacy that the London Festival of Architecture would go on to have. In this episode, Building Sounds host Eliza Grosvenor sits down with two key people from the Festival's history to talk all things impact, 20th-anniversary, and uncover some intriguing stories from the early days. Eliza is joined by Peter Murray OBE (Co-Founder, NLA and Founder, LFA) and Moira Lascelles (Executive Director and Head of Partnerships, UP Projects) to explore the LFA2024 theme of 'reimagine' and to explore the role that an architecture festival can play in shaping the city. From jelly building to sheep herding, Peter and Moira dive into some of the iconic projects that have shaped the LFA over the past 20 years. To find out more about #LFAat20 or how to get involved in the Festival, head to the LFA website here. Have a question for the podcast? Email info@londonfestivalofarchitecture.org or call 020 7636 4044.   Timestamps for this episode: 01:30 Introductions 02:25 Quick-fire questions 04:45 Thoughts on 'Reimagine' 08:50 The beginnings of the LFA, or 'Clerkenwell Architecture Biennale' 14:55 Millennium Bridge Sheep Drive 16:25 Early days with NLA 19:35 Stand-out projects from the Festival's history 23:30 Importance of supporting emerging designers, students and international practices 25:48 Challenges over the years 28:59 Advice for LFA2024 organisers 30:47 Closing questions   This episode was produced and edited by Katya Spiers. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript here

With shifting priorities post-pandemic and the transition to hybrid working, office occupancy is at an all-time low. What does the future of work look like, and how can we 'reimagine' workspaces that reflect our changing needs and minimise our impact on the planet? In this episode, we are joined by Gerhild Orthacker (Associate Director, Zaha Hadid Architects) and Uli Blum (Senior Associate, Zaha Hadid Architects) to explore the LFA2024 theme of 'reimagine' and to share with us the way that working patterns are shifting, and what the practice is doing to provide a workspace that meets the needs of their workforce. The Alis Meeting Pod, mentioned in the conversation, is on display at Zaha Hadid Architects London Gallery until January 2024. More information on the practice, visiting, and Gerhild and Uli's work can be found on the ZHA website here. To find out more about #LFAat20 or how to get involved in the Festival, head to the LFA website here. Have a question for the podcast? Email info@londonfestivalofarchitecture.org or call 020 7636 4044.   Thanks to Zaha Hadid Architects for hosting Building Sounds for this recording. Timestamps for this episode: 00:00 Introductions 02:04 Quick-fire questions 04:41 Intro to Alis Meeting Pods 07:52 Multi-functional design and adapting for the future 10:04 Working internationally and changes to ways of working post-pandemic 14:22 Lessons learnt and the future of workplace design 17:30 Working with clients and external projects 20:33 The role of AI in the design process 26:28 Final comments and where to find out more   This episode was produced and edited by Katya Spiers. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript here   Episode image: Luke Hayes

What if the built environment was designed with inclusion in mind, taking into account diverse access needs? In this episode of Building Sounds, we speak with some of the individuals who are actively working towards transforming this vision into a reality - Jos Boys, Poppy Levison (DisOrdinary Architecture Project), and Roseanne Scott (Re-Fabricate). We explore the legacy of Seats at the Table, one of the key built projects from LFA2023 consisting of a series of accessible seating and public realm interventions in the City of London by Re-Fabricate and the DisOrdinary Architecture Project, as well as the brilliant work that has followed the project. More information on Re-Fabricate can be found on their website, and for the DisOrdinary Architecture Project, you can learn more using this link. The launch of the mentioned 'Many more Parts than M!' compendium will take place on Tuesday 23rd Manchester at Manchester School of Architecture and on Thursday 8th February in London at the RIBA. Head to the team's websites for more information. To find out more about #LFAat20 or how to get involved in the Festival, head to the LFA website. Have a question for the podcast? Email info@londonfestivalofarchitecture.org. Finally, a big shout out to RSBC's Life Without Limits Centre for hosting us for this conversation, to listen to our conversation with the charity and EPR Architects about the centre, you can do so here.   Timestamps for this episode: 00:10 - Introductions and quick-fire round 07:05 - Seats at the Table project overview and design process 15:30 - Learnings from the project 20:50 - What's been happening post June 26:30 - 'Many more Parts than M!' compendium 28:59 - Changes needed in the industry and design 31:27 - What is Spoon Theory? 35:00 - The importance of accessible design for all 39:42 - Challenges for LFA2024 organisers 46:30 - One thing that the team would like to 'reimagine' 56:20 - Social media links and closing comments   This episode was produced and edited by Katya Spiers. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript   If you'd like to listen to our podcast on the RSBC's Life Without Limits Centre, you can do so here.   Episode image: Seats at the Table intervention in Postman's Park © Luke O'Donovan

In this episode we explore the chosen theme for the 2024 edition of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA): 'Reimagine'. Ahead of our 20th anniversary year, we're exploring the transformative power of imagination with Jess Neil, CEO of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation and one of our LFA2024 Curation Panel members. Together, we explore how we can reimagine the social justice space and empower young voices to shape a better future.   The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation exists to inspire a more equitable, inclusive society and to foster opportunities for marginalised young people in the UK. Find out more on the Foundation's website. To find out more about #LFAat20 or how to get involved in the Festival, head to the LFA website.   Have a question for the podcast? Email info@londonfestivalofarchitecture.org   This episode was produced and edited by Katya Spiers. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript   Episode image: LFA Curation Panel meeting, September 2023 © Angel Jordan

In this episode of Building Sounds, we'll be exploring how urban farming can convert neglected urban spaces into flourishing vertical farms, reducing food poverty and supporting a more sustainable city.   In conversation with First Sukpaiboon and Dan Bridge, we investigate the transformative nature of vertical farming practices, and explore its role in shaping resilient and eco-friendly cities. A panel discussion and XR installation showcasing the vertical farm-to-form project mentioned in this episode featured as part of our LFA2023 programme. First Sukpaiboon is an architect and entrepreneur who specialises in placemaking and narrative design. She holds a master’s in urban planning and is a creative strategist at spacelab_. First has also conceived a research project funded by the Foundation for Future London, entitled 'Vertical Farming Intervention for Unused Spaces'. Dan Bridge leads the team looking after regeneration in the Royal Docks, alongside a the Mayor of London and the Mayor of Newham. Dan looks after a range of mixed-use development projects that are part of the Mayor of London’s largest land-led regeneration project and a designated Enterprise Zone.   Enjoy this episode? Listen back to our episode on The Factory Project, featuring an interview with Nick Hartwright, founder of Projekt.     This episode was produced and edited by Katya Spiers. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript   Image © spacelab_ Image description: An visualisation of First Sukpaiboon's vertical farming project in the Royal Docks   Building Sounds is a podcast by the London Festival of Architecture team.

In this conversation, we're discussing how we can test new ideas for the public realm with temporary built projects, and the role they can play in shaping a more sustainable and equitable city. We're focussing on two installations that formed part of the London Festival of Architecture 2023 programme. The projects mentioned in this episode are in-situ until August. Find out more information on about On Tenterground and Common Ground on the LFA website. For the first conversation we’re joined by Lydia Allain Chapman, who oversees all built projects and competitions at the LFA. We then speak with Marwa El Mubark (Saqqra) and Nasios Varnavas (Urban Radicals), two of the designers behind Common Ground. We close with a conversation with Chāo Gāo, founding director of ciaociao design, whose On Tenterground is currently installed in Aldgate.   URBAN RADICALS is a collaborative studio that designs objects, rooms, architectures and landscapes. The studio started out in 2019 as a duo between architects Era Savvides and Nasios Varnavas, and is now an expansive network between friends, colleagues and expert collaborators, solving design problems across contexts and scales. Ciaociao Design is a design studio focusing on landscape architecture and art installations, founded by Chao Gao in 2020. Ciaociao Design’s ethos is to create sustainable and memorable spaces for everyone. Chao is a chartered Landscape Architect who has over ten years experience. She has successfully designed and delivered many notable UK and international projects. Saqqra is a new collective founded by writers and researchers Marwa El Mubark and Niall Bridgeman. Saqqra is interested in decolonizing and decarbonizing construction industry and just wider conversations around architecture. Both Marwan and Niall also teach at Kingston and UEL.     This episode was produced and edited by Katya Spiers. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript   Images: On Tenterground © Luke O'Donovan, Common Ground © Joe Howard @ Bar Productions Image description: A compilation image of Common Ground and On Tenterground, the two LFA projects mentioned in this podcast. The upper image of Common Ground is a close up showing the materiality of the project. The bottom image is a close up of the sails which form part of Tenterground.

As part of LFA2023, the LFA unveiled the winning installations for the third edition of Showroom Showcase. Now in its third year the Showroom Showcase competition sees a series of innovative installations exploring the theme of reuse by emerging architects and designers displayed in some of London’s leading design showrooms - Gaggenau, Ideal Standard and VitrA Bathrooms. In this episode we speak to the designers of the winning installations to hear the stories behind their designs.   To find out more about the project, head to lfa.london/ss. To explore the whole LFA2023 programme, head to lfa.london/LFA2023.   1:38 - TIME by Raphaé Memon and Sikander Pervez for Gaggenau 10:10 - Nebula by Antoniya Stoitsova for VitrA Bathrooms 15:40 - Beauty in the Broken by Isabella Yurtsever for Ideal Standard   This episode was produced and edited by Katya Spiers. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript   Image: Showroom Showcase Installations, LFA2023 - Kes-tchaas Eccleston Image description: Collage of three images. The first showing a close up of TIME, showing a selection of stacked clocks, showing different times. The second showing a close up of Beauty in the Broken, showing some of the discarded pieces of ceramic hanging from the ceiling. The third showing a close up of Nebula, and the ceramic trapped in the structural form.

As part of LFA2023, the LFA unveiled the winning benches for the third edition of Pews and Perches. The series of benches aims to improve London’s public realm, celebrate emerging architectural talent, and connect people with the buildings and spaces around them. In this episode we speak to the designers of the winning installations to hear the stories behind their designs. To find out more about the project, head to lfa.london/pews. To explore the whole LFA2023 programme, head to lfa.london/LFA2023.   This episode was produced and edited by Katya Spiers. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript   Image: Pews and Perches Benches, LFA2023 - Luke O'Donovan Image description: Collage of four images. The first showing a close up of the Chit Chat Chair, with the water of the Royal Docks in the background. The second showing FLOAT, with Royal Albert Dock in the background. The third showing a close up of Round the Neighbourhood, with UTC in the background. And fourth showing Together We Hold, amongst the greenery of Lyle Park.   1:37 - Round The Neighbourhood by Nicolos Makatsaria and Jericho Cabalan 5:55 - Chit Chat Chair by Studio Groove 10:23 - Together We Hold by Akmaral Khassen 17:20 - FLOAT by Akasaki Vanhuyse  

In this conversation we’re exploring the London Festival of Architecture 2023 programme ahead of the month-long series of events happening across London, across the month of June. We’re joined by one of the LFA2023 Curation Panel members, Melodie Leung and Gonzalo Herrero Delicado. Melodie Leung is an Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) where she has been a leading designer within the practice for over 15 years overseeing notable projects across architecture, interiors, product design, and exhibitions. Gonzalo Herrero Delicado is a curator, educator and architect based in London whose work is at the intersection of architecture and design, exploring their connection to ecology and digital culture. He is Director of the Ecocity World Summit 2023. He is also a Design Fellow at the University of Cambridge and an Associate Lecturer at Central Saint Martins, UAL. To explore the LFA2023 programme, head to lfa.london/LFA2023. To find out more about Eco City, head to www.ecocity-summit.com/ - The code mentioned in the conversation was 23ECOLON25.   Some of the LFA events mentioned are as followed (in order of appearance): - Fleet Street Plant Press, by Wayward (Holborn Circus) - Connecting Colindale: A Flight Path Folly, by Andre Kong Studio and Wayward (Colindale Park) - Seats at the Table by Re-Fabricate and the DisOrdinary Architecture Project (Postman's Park) - Urban Playground, by McCloy + Muchemwa (Fen Court) - The Never Ending Challenge, by London Borough of Bromley (Crystal Palace Museum) - Vertical Farm-to-Fork at the Factory, by Projekt and Spacelab_ (The Factory) - Cycle tour of new Enfield architecture, by IF_DO (Tottenham Hale Station) - Participatory Urbanism, by Zaha Hadid Architects (Zaha Hadid Architects Gallery)   This episode was produced and edited by Eliza Grosvenor. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript   Image: Design Concept for ‘Connecting Colindale: A Flight Path Folly’ by Andre Kong Studio and Wayward Image description: Design concept of the Connecting Colindale installation showing woman sitting on installation, which is covered in greenery, and another group pointing at the installation.  

In this conversation, we explore the theme for 2023 edition of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA)- 'In Common', in the context of two projects, which combine art, science, and history to think about how we create sustainable futures and equitable societies. The projects form part of Sea Change – a season of creative projects in Thames Barrier, Royal Docks (11th – 29th May). For the first conversation we’re joined by Mala Yamey, Kate Liggins and Eleanor Wright to explore Flotilla, a film exploring the relationship of women to the docks, with a connected oral history project led by UCL MA Public History students. For the second conversation we’re joined by Dana Olărescu and Dr Julia Tomei to explore Power In, an installation exploring energy and equity in the Royal Docks. - Mala Yamey works as Assistant Associate Curator with Invisible Dust. - Kate Liggins is an MA Public History student at UCL, with special interest in women's history, and using the medium of audio to encourage public engagement with history. - Eleanor Wright is a Public History MA student at UCL interested in oral history and radio documentary. - Dana Olărescu is a socially engaged artist commissioned by Invisible Dust to create the Power In art installation - Dr Julia Tomei is a social researcher and Associate Professor at the Bartlett School Environment, Energy & Resources, focusing on the human dimensions and governance of energy, natural resources, and land use in Low and Middle-Income Countries. Julia collaborated with Dana on the Power In art installation. To find out more about LFA, the 2023 theme -'In Common', or to explore the LFA2023 programme, head to lfa.london/LFA2023 To find out more about Sea Change, head to royaldocks.london/whats-on/sea-change This episode was produced and edited by Eliza Grosvenor. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript   Image:  Melanie Manchot, Flotilla, 2023, Video still, © the artist, courtesy Parafin, London and Galerie m, Bochum Image description: Images of women and boats on Royal Victoria Dock.  

In this conversation, we explore the theme for 2023 edition of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA)- 'In Common', in the context of cities – and how we can create resilient cities for the 21st century. We’re joined by three people from McGregor Coxall: Adrian McGregor, Michael Cowdy and Yazid Ninsalam. McGregor Coxall is a multi-disciplinary design studio dedicated to assisting cities achieve sustainable prosperity. - Adrian is a landscape architect and biourbanist and is the founder and Chief Design Officer of McGregor Coxall. - Michael is a Director and Landscape Urbanist for McGregor Coxall, based in their Bristol office. - Yazid is an Associate Director at McGregor Coxall, with a focus with Biourbanism. To find out more about LFA, the 2023 theme -'In Common', or how to get involved in the festival, head to lfa.london/get-involved. Find out more about McGregor Coxall here. Check out the ‘Biourbanism: Cities as Nature’ book here. This episode was produced and edited by Eliza Grosvenor. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript   Image Credit: McGregor Coxall

In this conversation, we explore the theme for 2023 edition of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA)- 'In Common', in the context of the Design Future London challenge – a design challenge led by the Mayor of London, alongside MOBIE, which aimed to inspire young Londoners to develop an interest in designing beautiful, affordable and sustainable places to live, work and visit. We’re join by Jules Pipe and Natalie Wells from the GLA. As well as three students from UEL, Hussain Akil Sadliwala, Alina Klimenteva and Mohan Ukabhai Dungrani. Jules is Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, working on key priorities for the Mayor. Natalie is a Senior Communications and Engagement Officer at the GLA, as well as lead on the challenge. Hussain, Alina and Mohan are three of the students from UEL, involved in the challenge in 2022.   To find out more about LFA, the 2023 theme -'In Common', or how to get involved in the festival, head to lfa.london/get-involved. To find out more about how you can get involved with the challenge, click this link here. To explore the UEL Teams challenge project, click this link here and search for Entry 5.   This episode was produced and edited by Eliza Grosvenor. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript

In this episode we explore the theme for 2023 edition of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA)- 'In Common', in the context of accessibility, spontaneity and The Architectural Association. We're joined by LFA 2023 Curation Panel member Jordan Whitewood-Neal. Jordan is an architectural researcher, designer and artist whose work focuses on disability, domesticity, cultural infrastructure and the tension between accessibility and retrofitting. He is also Co-founder of the disability centered, research collective, Dis. To find out more about LFA, the 2023 theme -'In Common', or how to get involved in the festival, head to the LFA website and click on 2023 Festival in the menu. To find out more or catch up on the event series mentioned at the AA head to this youtube link.    This episode was produced and edited by Eliza Grosvenor. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript

In this episode we explore the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) – The Richard Desmond Life Without Limits Centre, in the context of the chosen theme for 2023 edition of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA)- 'In Common'. We're joined by Joe Wheeler, Associate at EPR Architects and Shalni Sood, Director of Philanthropy at RSBC. To find out more about LFA, the 2023 theme -'In Common', or how to get involved in the festival, head to the LFA website and click on 2023 Festival in the menu.   This episode was produced and edited by Eliza Grosvenor. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript   Episode image: Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) – The Richard Desmond Life Without Limits Centre - Lounge ©Gareth Gardner

In this episode we explore the chosen theme for 2023 edition of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA): 'In Common'. We're joined by Rosa Rogina, Director of the LFA, and Binki Taylor, partner in participatory place-making organisation, The Brixton Project and one of our LFA2023 Curation Panel members. To find out more about the LFA2023 or how to get involved in the festival, head to the LFA website and click on 2023 Festival in the menu.   This episode was produced and edited by Eliza Grosvenor. You can find a transcript of the conversation using the link below: Download the transcript   Episode image: Somers Town Acts, London Festival of Architecture 2022 © Luke O'Donovan

As part of LFA2022 we're sharing five new stories, exploring the key people and projects shaping the Royal Docks. For our final episode, we explore the Royal Docks through the eyes of the next generation, with four students from London Design & Engineering UTC: Mahia Akther, Tianna Osho, Kev Grieff and Jericho Cabalan. Produced and edited by Eliza Grosvenor.

As part of LFA2022 we're sharing five new stories, exploring the key people and projects shaping the Royal Docks. For our fifth episode, we explore The Factory Project and Community Food Enterprise, with Nick Hartwright and Eric Samuel MBE. Nick is the founder of Projekt. Projekt is an affordable work and event space developer, who currently operates 14 sites across London for cultural and creative communities, with an aim to change the way in which developers and landowners approach commercial and residential spaces in the built environment throughout the UK and Europe. Eric is CEO Community Food Enterprise (CFE), a social enterprise food business which established in 2002 to alleviate food poverty. Produced and edited by Eliza Grosvenor.