Mixed Signal Podcast

Some architecture projects have nothing to do with buildings. What happens when architecture moves into film, video games, and speculative world-building?In this episode of Mixed Signals, the MXD crew are joined by Liam Young (Director of the Fiction and Entertainment program at SCI-Arc) and Nate Hume (recently appointed Graduate and Post-Graduate chair at SCI-Arc) to discuss how architecture is evolving beyond traditional practice. From cinematic storytelling and planetary futures to architectural pedagogy and the role of speculation, the conversation explores how architects can operate across industries like film, gaming, media, and cultural production.The discussion covers Liam Young’s exhibition Planetary Imaginaries, the rise of architectural storytelling through film and animation, the changing role of the architectural critique, and how architecture schools can better prepare students for creative careers beyond the traditional office. Along the way, the group also explores cyberpunk aesthetics, speculative design, architectural education, and how architects might shape the future through narrative and world-building.Subscribe for more conversations on architecture, design culture, theory, and media. Make sure to follow us on our socials!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mxd_signalTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mxd_signal

In this episode of Mixed Signals, we dive into architectural education, student work, and the future of the discipline with special guest Ryan Scavnicky. From a segment of 'cold crits' looking at recent University of Pennsylvania studio projects to debates about Peter Eisenman, post-digital aesthetics, and neo-brutalism, we ask: what is architecture prioritizing right now?The conversation expands into virtual architecture, video games, Unreal Engine, and the attention economy—exploring how Minecraft, The Sims, Assassin’s Creed, and immersive media are shaping the next generation of architects. Is architecture just about buildings anymore? Or is world-making the real discipline? Plus: OMA’s “Death Star,” fluted facades, and one of the wildest real estate commercials we’ve ever seen a la Japanese Anime.

What happens when the “dream office” looks a lot more like the rest of the industry? In this Mix Signals segment, we get into the uncomfortable reality behind architecture’s prestige economy—where star firms are idolized, but pay, job security, and working conditions can still be fragile. We talk through the reported proposed redundancies at BIG’s London office and why architects protesting publicly feels like a shift in the culture.From there, the conversation opens up into the bigger problem: why architecture struggles to pay a living wage, why “free work” quietly resets the market against everyone, and why students and young designers are forced into impossible tradeoffs (portfolio vs. stability, prestige vs. sustainability). We also connect this to recent unionization efforts and labor disputes in the discipline—what worked, what didn’t, and why the profession keeps normalizing conditions that would be unacceptable in almost any other field.If you’ve been through this (or found a better way), we want to hear it in the comments.Make sure to follow us on our socials!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mxd_signalTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mxd_signal

The MXD crew discusses Digital and Post-Digital Architecture. What's the difference and does it matter? We also discuss student work from the Bartlett and the role of the animation in explaining the projects. Also, is the corporate glossy render done? We talk about the trend of the 'anti-render'.

The MXD crew discusses Architecture and its agency in the political sphere, a feeling of powerlessness as Architecture is less critically impactful in the wider culture. We also review a new batch of student projects, this time from University of Texas at Austin as well as one more OSU project. We also look at architectural anomalies, "Smol vs Somol", and a round of Architecture DND?!Make sure to follow us on our socials!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mxd_signalTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mxd_signalYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MXDSignal

In this episode of Mixed Signals, we dive into a heated conversation on architecture, politics, authorship, and education—using The ATTN Podcast by the Architecture Exchange (Season 8) as a jumping-off point. We unpack what it means to talk about democracy, plurality, and politics in architecture without turning the discipline into a catch-all moral project. From post-critical theory and the legacy of Eric Owen Moss to the “Midwest Mafia,” Possible Mediums, and contemporary academic aesthetics, we debate whether this generation of architects actually lacks a project—or simply refuses to name it. We question the irony of accessibility rhetoric delivered through highly gatekept discourse, and ask whether architecture is a political duty, a cultural instrument, or ultimately a luxury.The episode also critiques viral architectural imagery, asking why certain projects circulate online while others disappear, and what gets lost when buildings are reduced to images. Finally, we turn the lens toward architectural education, examining thesis work, authorship, and the tension between student voice and the influence of critics.This is an unfiltered, opinionated conversation about where architecture is right now—and what it can realistically be responsible for.Keywords: architecture podcast, architectural theory, Attention Podcast, postcritical architecture, architectural education, thesis critique, contemporary architecture, architectural discourse, design culture, academia vs practiceMake sure to follow us on our socials!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mxd_signalTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mxd_signal

Season 2 kicks off with a debate: do architecture books still matter—or has the discourse moved to Instagram, TikTok, and the feed? We unpack “rough-around-the-edges” aesthetics, anti-tech vibes, and why “Architecture (Big A)” feels fragmented into niches—then shift to student work, skyscrapers, and the new digital-art/collage frontier.

The MXD crew is joined by Matt Lopez, Claire Moriarty, and Riley Studebaker to celebrate the Season 1 Finale. #architecturedesign #podcast #art #architecture #design

Ep 14 - our part 2 of our holiday special where we have many guest to discuss the legacy of Frank Gehry, new leadership at Cooper Union architecture program, more AI realted conversations.

Ep 13 - our part 1 of our holiday special where we have many guest to speak changes in the architectural field from ai and rappers emerging into the architecture profession and we discuss contentious architectural education changes needed from retiring the design jury in design reviews; to closing down the studio space after hours.

Matt Lopez joins the crew to discuss the sometimes ugly world of sports architecture.

The MXD crew discusses the legacy of Robert Stern and postmodernism, exploring how facades, ornament, and massing shape some of New York City’s most luxurious buildings. We discuss how architects turn design decisions into capital, why ornament matters even today, and the role of digital craft vs brutalism in modern architecture.

In this episode we unpack how architecture is struggling in the digital age — and video games are showing us exactly why. In this episode, we explore why virtual museums, Zaha Hadid’s PUBG buildings, and other digital architecture often feel sterile, abstract, or completely disconnected from what digital spaces can be.Meanwhile, games like Fortnite, Elder Scrolls, PUBG, and Cyberpunk create immersive worlds that people actually want to inhabit. We discuss UNESCO’s new digital museum, why it misses the mark, and how digital architecture often treats virtual space like physical space — resulting in sterile, uninspiring environments.We dive into Balenciaga’s collaboration with PUBG, the challenges of competing with wild Fortnite skins, and how luxury brands sometimes understand digital audiences better than architects. We also review an article on the state of the architecture profession, exploring the growing disconnect between academia and practice and what that means for the future of design.On the art side, we talk about KAWS’s new floating installation in the UAE, the public criticism it has faced, and our take on why it sparks such mixed reactions.We compare architectural interpretations of pop culture too, looking at the Lucas Museum vs Disney World’s Star Wars experience, discussing why one resonates with fans more than the other and what architects can learn from immersive theme parks.

The MXD crew discusses the MVRDV competition winning spherical proposal in Albania, the history and cultural context of spherical buildings, as well as video game collaborations, and gen alpha slang terms.

Welcome to the mixed signal podcast .  Every week we unpack the visual qualities in trending topics of design and pop culture. This week’s episode explores the rise of AI robots, from city dwellers to delivery drivers, and delves into various aspects of AI and AI robots. We discuss the new Neo Robot servant, AI-driven designs and drawings, and even consider whether fiction has encroached too deeply into our social norms. Tune in to find out if this phenomenon is destined to fade away or if it’s here to stay.

Welcome to the mixed signal podcast . Every week we unpack the visual qualities in trending topics of design and pop culture. We kick it off with a tick-tock trend - by coming up with decontextualized baby names… architecture edition.And we showcase a digital artist , Mathew Boudot, that remixes a famous Justice Cross album art, with that of the Pompidou Center really really cool.We also react to the exuberant work of X + Living’s brand interiors as well as Diller and Scofidio + Renfro new Cartier building in Miami and tie them together with the conversation of how media or academia perceives these types of work. Additionally we look at how counterfeits and copies influence high design, specifically in fashion so we discuss how Vetements and Balenciaga currently use ideas of counterfeit aesthetics to influence design.Recorded October 29th, 2025

Welcome to the mixed signal podcast . Every week we unpack the visual qualities in trending topics of design and pop culture. Be sure to follow, like and share with a friend!This episode we are joined the talented and humor filled architect and designer and educator, Barry Wark . We talk about the wonderful world of voxels and its digital aesthetic from Minecraft to complex algorithmic volumes. Eventually we compare architecture academic systems between the US and the UK, what are the difference how has the education model evolved over time. And for our fun topics we examine an abandoned Disney castle styled subdivision community town in Turkey, and just for fun we reveal our go to karaoke song.

In this episode:Our Fun topic of the week compares architecture school to Hogwarts and the magical education system in Harry Potter.  And trending topics include: Does the Obama Presidential center look like a huge trash can? Additionally, we look at the proposed MAGA sizedArch de Trump. And we also broke down the Louver heist and how the thieves found their way into the museum.The Artist spotlight this episode revolves around the photographic work of Robert Benson who documents a strange but blinged-out, sub-culture of truck modding in Japan, known as “dekotora”. Follow us on Spotify, and share with a friend!

In this Episode MXD Signal questions the role AI have been playing in education and in the creative space. We are also joined by a guest: Designer, architect and educator, Benjamin Vanmuysen. We look through Vanmuysen's recent work and understand what drives the visual identity as well as the concepts of his projects. Other topics include Syracuse University sunsetting some of its humanities programs for a podcasting center and we question the term corporate architecture.

In this episode we dive deep in the world of MAGA, specifically the aesthetic and spatial constructs of the MAGA world. Additional topics include What to look out for as a new graduate when applying to design firms for employment; discussion of this years Chicago Architectural Biennial; The worlds tallest skateboard ramp designed by Red Bull and Prada and how Tony Hawk Pro-Skater the video game influenced experiential design.