Best Making Cities More Liveable Podcasts (2025)

1
#52 SPECIAL - Ruben Hanssen: Why We Started An Academy 1:05:44

11d ago1:05:44

1:05:44

In this special episode, Bart Urban interviews Ruben about the launch of their new course: The Aesthetic City Academy! They discuss: What the course is all about Who's it for (and who it isn't for) How it should help fill a gap in education, by teaching a about the timeless principles of good urban design The problems with current architectural edu…

1
#51 - Aaron Lubeck 1:05:52

15d ago1:05:52

1:05:52

Aaron Lubeck is a designer, builder, and urbanist who’s spent over two decades shaping sustainable, walkable, and affordable communities, with a deep-rooted passion for the US South. He’s the founder of Southern Urbanism, a platform dedicated to reimagining city-building below the Mason-Dixon line, and the voice behind onHousing, a podcast and Subs…

1
#50 - Chuck Marohn, StrongTowns 1:06:36

1M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

Chuck Marohn is a civil engineer, urban planner, and the founder of StrongTowns: an organization that has been shaking up the world of planning, development, and local governance with one powerful idea: that many of our cities, especially in North America, are financially insolvent by design. Through his books, lectures, and relentless advocacy, he…

1
#49 - Kevin Klinkenberg, the Messy City: Fixing Architecture School & Making US Cities Walkable 1:05:01

2M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Kevin Klinkenberg is an urban designer, planner, and architect from Kansas City with over two decades of experience in creating walkable, human-centered communities. He’s the mind behind The Messy City, a blog and podcast where he explores the complexities of urban development, advocating for adaptability, local initiative, and practical solutions …

1
#48: Sabin Howard: Classical Sculpture & The Quest for Beauty 58:12

3M ago58:12

58:12

Sabin Howard is a renowned sculptor and author, born in New York, who has emerged as a leading voice in modern classical sculpture. Trained in traditional techniques, he mastered the human form with the precision of the old masters, dedicating his career to large-scale public art. A co-author of The Art of Life, Howard now shares his expertise and …

1
#47 - Guy Courtois: Towards an Urban Renaissance 54:31

3M ago54:31

54:31

Guy Courtois is a strategist-turned-visionary who is leading a true urban renaissance in France and worldwide, promoting more beautiful, livable cities. He worked with fashion consortium LVMH and later founded his own consultancy firm. Based in Meudon, France, he’s also a passionate art collector, tied to the impressive Collection Courtois. Today, …

1
#46 - Coby Lefkowitz, part III: Building Optimism 58:21

4M ago58:21

58:21

Coby Lefkowitz returns for his third appearance on The Aesthetic City Podcast. An urbanist, real estate developer, and writer based in New York, Coby is dedicated to crafting beautiful, walkable urban spaces. With his new book, Building Optimism: Why Our World Looks the Way it Does, and How to Make it Better, he explores the history of urban develo…

1
#45 - Eldin Smajlović, The Immortal Art Podcast: The First Cities 57:06

4M ago57:06

57:06

Eldin Smajlović is an artist and author born in Pristina to parents from Srebrenica. He grew up in Sarajevo during Yugoslavia’s collapse where he witnessed the horrors of war. Later, he mastered geometry at art school and painting in the style of old masters. After he was expelled from the Academy of Sarajevo because of his outspoken views, includi…

1
#44 - Alicia Pederson, the Courtyard Urbanist: How Courtyard Urbanism Could Improve American Cities 1:08:54

4M ago1:08:54

1:08:54

Alicia Pederson, Ph.D., known as the Courtyard Urbanist is a passionate advocate for family-friendly cities. With a focus on traditional courtyard urbanism, she champions European-style courtyard blocks to keep young families thriving in urban centers like her home in Chicago’s Lincoln Square, where she lives with her husband and three children. He…

1
#43 - Léon Krier (part 2): The Story of Poundbury 1:23:30

11M ago1:23:30

1:23:30

Léon Krier is a renowned Luxembourgian architect and urban planner, often hailed as the godfather of the New Urbanism and Traditional Urbanism movement. He has been a vocal critic of modernist architecture, advocating instead for a return to traditional, human-scale urban design. Krier's philosophy emphasizes walkable neighborhoods, a mix of housin…

1
Storytelling to Inspire Engagement in Urban Planning (with Uytae Lee) 48:35

1y ago48:35

48:35

Uytae Lee from the YouTube channel About Here, joins Helen Lui to chat about storytelling in urban planning, emphasizing the need for effective communication strategies to drive public engagement. They also advocate for diverse voices in advocating for inclusive urban environments. About Here: https://www.youtube.com/@AboutHere Show Credits: Host: …

1
The Future of Urban Planning 46:56

1y ago46:56

46:56

Helen Lui interviews Fern Hahn, a transit advocate and urban planning student, who shares experiences that shaped their perspective on public transit. Fern discusses advocating for better transit and their interest in transit network design. Next, Helen speaks with Matthew and Emma from UBC CAPACity, focusing on engaging university students in urba…

1
Designing for Happiness (with Houssam Elokda) 47:32

1y ago47:32

47:32

The conversation continues with Houssam Elokda from Happy Cities, as Helen Lui explores the impact of the built environment on communities, emphasizing the importance of creating livable and sustainable cities. They discuss the subjective nature of happiness and well-being in urban settings, also highlighting the significance of social connections,…

1
Does Density Impact Happiness? (with Houssam Elokda) 35:35

1y ago35:35

35:35

Density is a hotly debated topic in urban centres. Is it good? Is it bad? Does it make us more isolated, more lonely, or can it improve our happiness? Helen Lui speaks with Houssam Elokda, from Happy Cities. Their research explores the connection between urban design and happiness, striving to enhance the quality of life in cities through sustainab…

1
From Neighbours to Community 45:14

1y ago45:14

45:14

Helen Lui speaks with Mark Boardman and Alyssa Sacal from Minivillage, a Vancouver-based company fostering social connections within neighbourhoods. Mark discusses transforming neighbours into friends, while Alyssa emphasizes combating loneliness. The conversation explores authentic community bonds, the impact of physical environments on social con…

1
Designing Public Spaces 48:29

1y ago48:29

48:29

Helen Lui is joined by architects Amit Price Patel and Jill Robertson from DIALOG, to discuss the design of great public spaces. They share insights on the political power of design, the intersection of science and art in shaping communities, and the significance of community engagement in creating inclusive spaces. The conversation emphasizes incl…

1
The Evolution of Third Spaces (with the Sneaky Artist) 54:59

1y ago54:59

54:59

Helen Lui is joined by Urban Sketch Artist Nishant Jain, also known as "the Sneaky Artist" to discuss the concept of 'Third Spaces'—the places between home and work where social bonds are forged and community enriched. We explore how these spaces, from parks to cafes, are not just physical locations but also platforms for cultural expression and so…

1
How Do We Improve Public Transportation? (with RMTransit) 44:23

1y ago44:23

44:23

Reece Martin from the YouTube channel RMTransit joins Helen Lui to discuss the evolving landscape of urban mobility and public transit. Explore the cutting-edge developments and innovative solutions that are shaping the future of our cities. Reece, who grew up in the Lower Mainland, and now a resident of Toronto, shares his expert insights on the c…

1
Getting there Safely (with Lucy Maloney) 37:20

1y ago37:20

37:20

Helen Lui explores the critical need for safer, more sustainable urban transportation with Lucy Maloney, a fervent cycling advocate who leads the organization "Love The Lane" and is also a HUB Cycling member. Lucy discusses the ongoing efforts to promote safer streets in Vancouver, addressing the broader challenges of shifting public policy. She hi…

1
Cities for People and the Planet (with Rhiannon Fox) 33:14

1y ago33:14

33:14

Helen Lui discusses the interconnectedness of urban development, climate initiatives, and public safety with guest, environmental scientist Rhiannon Fox. Highlighting the benefits of dense, less car-dependent cities, the discussion emphasizes community involvement and personal action as catalysts for change. Rhiannon shares how individual efforts c…

1
#42 - Steve Mouzon: True Sustainability & the Importance of Loveable Cities 1:12:22

1+ y ago1:12:22

1:12:22

Steve Mouzon is an architect, urbanist and author known for his work in the New Urbanism movement. With several influential books and articles on the subject of sustainable and traditional architecture, including "The Original Green: Unlocking the Mystery of True Sustainability," today’s guest goes beyond the regular, technological solutions to fix…

1
BC Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon 44:45

1+ y ago44:45

44:45

Host Helen Lui welcomes Ravi Kahlon, MLA for North Delta and British Columbia’s Housing Minister, to discuss transformative approaches to the housing crisis. Minister Kallon shares his political journey and the personal experiences fueling his commitment to driving positive change. They delve into the shift towards embracing density, the introducti…

1
#41 - Lew Oliver: New Urbanism, Humane Design, Facades as Masks & Architectural Truth Bombs 1:05:30

1+ y ago1:05:30

1:05:30

Lew Oliver is an Atlanta-based designer, urbanist and master planner, celebrated for advancing New Urbanism and designing whole towns with a focus on the pedestrian experience. He masterfully blends local values, vernacular, and climate considerations into his work, ensuring communities are not only livable but also aesthetically enriching. His not…

1
#40 - Jonathan Weatherill: Teaching in Rome, Drawing, Moving towards Traditional Architecture Without the Myths 1:12:34

1+ y ago1:12:34

1:12:34

Jonathan Weatherill is an architect based in Rome and professor at Notre Dame University. He graduated at the Architectural Association in London over 25 years ago and now runs his own practice. He has collaborated with the 2014 Driehaus laureate Pier Carlo Bontempi for a long time, leading to a shift in his practice from Modernism to Traditional a…

1
#39 - Pierre Bidaud, Stonemasonry Company: Natural Stone, or the Most Underrated Construction Material 29:25

1+ y ago29:25

29:25

Pierre Bidaud is a skilled stonemason and entrepreneur promoting the use of natural stone for load bearing structures. He is the co founder of the Structural Stone Company, part of the Stonemasonry Company which is based in London. With his company, he is proving that natural stone is still one of the most versatile, sustainable and beautiful mater…

1
The Future of Housing 47:23

1+ y ago47:23

47:23

We delve into the pressing issues of housing and city building, revisiting discussions with guests Michelle Cyca and Khelsilem, who have underlined the need for immediate action. We explored root causes of the housing crisis, such as the historical supply limitations as well as city planning that excluded many from accessing housing. Michelle and K…

1
#38 - Micah Springut, Monumental Labs: Disrupting How We Build - Robotics, AI & Automated Stone Carving 43:04

1+ y ago43:04

43:04

Micah Springut is an entrepreneur based in New York City. After having set up multiple successful software startups, he is now on the path of disrupting the way we construct our buildings using AI and robotics. Potentially, his new company Monumental Labs could enable us to build more ornate, detailed buildings on a larger scale and for lower cost …

1
Another Point of View 33:55

1+ y ago33:55

33:55

Michelle Cyca, a seasoned freelance journalist, joins Helen Lui and delves into the complexities of the housing market, touching upon themes like home ownership and the evolving notion of housing wealth. The episode features a candid reflection on the soaring housing prices in Vancouver, discussing the impact on families and the generational wealth…

1
Community Building 38:20

1+ y ago38:20

38:20

This episode explores the importance of including First Nations and Indigenous communities in urban development conversations. Khelsilem, the chairperson of the Squamish Nation Council, shares their insights on land use planning, housing development, including the Sen̓áḵw development, and partnerships with First Nations. The episode explores the un…

1
#37 - Prof. Ettore Maria Mazzola, Notre Dame School of Architecture: Urban Regeneration, Traditional Urbanism & Education 1:08:09

1+ y ago1:08:09

1:08:09

Ettore Mazzola is a professor at Notre Dame School of Architecture, based in Rome, where he teaches traditional urbanism, architecture and building techniques. Prof. Mazzola has extensive experience with multiple urban design projects and written countless publications, articles, essays and blog posts. His academic and professional career is center…

1
Structural Supports 30:31

1+ y ago30:31

30:31

Host Helen Lui continues the conversation with Denis Agar, they unpack the dynamic relationship between housing and public transportation. They delve into the critical role of urban density in shaping transit service needs and discuss the intricate political maneuvers influencing rail network expansions. The conversation also highlights the influen…

1
Framing Density 30:08

1+ y ago30:08

30:08

We explore the impact of zoning on housing and communities. Denis Agar is our guest and we discuss the need for more equitable zoning laws and the importance of considering renter density when adding new housing. Join us as we delve into the potential benefits of increased density near transit stations and ponder the ethical justification for maint…

1
#36 - Pablo Funes, Classic Planning Institute: A Professional Journey, Classical Architecture Education and the Classic Planning Academy 1:18:54

1+ y ago1:18:54

1:18:54

Join us as we delve into the rich world of classical architecture with our distinguished guest, Pablo Funes. A seasoned architect hailing from Spain, Pablo has laid his professional roots in London. With an impressive educational background that spans the University of Sevilla and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, his journey in architecture h…

1
Building Affordability 28:48

1+ y ago28:48

28:48

Albert Huang, a seasoned expert in affordable housing development is the guest on this episode of Urbanism Vancouver. He unravels the multifaceted issues surrounding Vancouver's housing affordability crisis, and the complexities of defining "affordable," influenced by varying income levels, government programs, and housing entities. The episode div…

1
Ground Work 25:48

1+ y ago25:48

25:48

In this episode of Urbanism Vancouver, Helen Lui and Aaron Johnson discuss their motivations for starting the podcast, and their backgrounds in urbanism and broadcasting. They explain their goal of providing accessible information about housing and development and shedding light on the complexities of the process. They hope to inspire curiosity and…

1
#35 - Mark Wilson Jones, Apollodorus Architecture: A New Arena for Bath, Education & Learning from the Past 1:02:53

1+ y ago1:02:53

1:02:53

Mark Wilson Jones is an an esteemed academic architectural historian. He is known for his significant contributions to the understanding of architectural history of antiquity, mostly through his seminal work on the Pantheon. He doesn’t limit himself to historical research, but is a practicing architect at his own firm, Apollodorus Architecture. Pre…

1
Show Trailer 1:36

1+ y ago1:36

1:36

Urbanism Vancouver explores the built environment of Vancouver, Canada - how we got to where we are, and what our history tells us about how we look forward to the future. We share insights not only from industry experts, but also from passionate advocates, and residents like you. With each episode, we'll look at different components that shape our…

1
#34 - Ann Sussman, the HAPI: The Brain, Biology, Beauty and our Built Environment 54:07

1+ y ago54:07

54:07

In today's episode we are joined by Ann Sussman, architect and president of the Human Architecture and Planning Institute, or the Hapi. Her book Cognitive Architecture, which she authored together with Justin Hollander, dives into the cognitive effects that our built environment has on us humans. Cognitive Architecture is an important source for an…

1
#33 - Patrick Webb: Craftsmanship & Beauty in the Shadow of Hobbes' Leviathan 1:17:56

2y ago1:17:56

1:17:56

In today's episode we are joined by Patrick Webb, master plasterer, educator, a strong proponent of traditional architecture and a bit of a philosopher as well. Although Patrick's everyday work is that of a craftsman, this conversation dives deep into today's struggle to create beauty against the backdrop of a society that steadfastly chooses the m…

1
#32 - Léon Krier: His Life & Education, Traditional Urbanism & The Threat of Bureaucracy 1:34:33

2y ago1:34:33

1:34:33

Léon Krier is a renowned Luxembourgian architect and urban planner, often hailed as the godfather of the New Urbanism and Traditional Urbanism movement. He has been a vocal critic of modernist architecture, advocating instead for a return to traditional, human-scale urban design. Krier's philosophy emphasizes walkable neighborhoods, a mix of housin…

1
#31 - Maria Sánchez & Pedro Godoy, Estudio Urbano: Designing a New City in Guatemala, Cayalá 1:08:38

2y ago1:08:38

1:08:38

Maria Sánchez and Pedro Godoy are two architects from Guatemala in South America. The couple graduated at Notre Dame School for Architecture in South Bend, Indiana, after which they returned to Guatemala to set up their firm Estudio Urbano. In Guatemala, they have worked on one of the most special and successful masterplans in the world of traditio…

1
#30 - Michael Diamant, Part II: The Expansion of the Architectural Uprising, Futuristic Ornament, The Needlessness of Ugliness 1:12:10

2y ago1:12:10

1:12:10

Michael Diamant is founder of New Traditional Architecture & Urbanism and is a very vocal critic of Modernist architecture and planning. He has fought a long battle against the ugliness that results from Modernism in Sweden, but he is also getting more recognition abroad, with guest talks in various podcasts, getting articles in various magazines a…

1
#29 - Alejandro García Hermida: Traditional Building Methods & Techniques, The Short Lifespan of Reinforced Concrete, Construction Myths & More 1:11:34

2y ago1:11:34

1:11:34

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Alejandro García Hermida to the podcast today. He is an architect with a PhD and a Master's degree in Conservation and Restoration of Architectural Heritage, as well as an Associate Professor at the Department of Architectural Composition at the School of Architecture of the UPM in Madrid. His professional expertise l…

1
#28 - Prof. Nikos Salingaros: Buildings for People Instead of Machines, Biophilic Principles, Modernist Power Play & More 1:15:33

2y ago1:15:33

1:15:33

We're thrilled to have none other than Professor Nikos Salingaros as our guest on this episode. He is a distinguished Greek-American mathematician and urban theorist who has made substantial contributions to the realms of architecture and urban design. He has authored numerous influential books and articles, promoting traditional and human-scale ar…

1
#27 - Peter Drijver, Scala Architecten: the Birth of & Battle for New Traditional Architecture in the Netherlands & Modernist Power Games 1:07:09

2y ago1:07:09

1:07:09

We are delighted to host Peter Drijver as our guest today. He is a skilled architect from the Netherlands with a fascinating background. While studying architecture in Delft, the Netherlands, he participated in a group that created a 'counter-project,' providing additional and more affordable student rooms on the same land. He completed his studies…

1
#26 - Eric Norin: The Architecture Uprising, how to drive change towards beauty through democratic processes, social media and education 1:49:56

2+ y ago1:49:56

1:49:56

We're excited to have Eric Norin as our guest on this episode. Eric is a classical architect from Sweden who studied at the School of Architecture in Stockholm, but fully discovered his passion for classical architecture at the Engelsberg summer school. Eric has been actively involved in the Swedish Architecture Uprising for several years, watching…

1
#25 - Katherine O'Neil, Builtfully 43:15

2+ y ago43:15

43:15

Katherine O'Neil is a placemaking consultant, writer, photographer, and community event planner, specializing in urban design and city planning. Over the last ten years, she has worked for various non-profits and start-ups, such as Habitat for Humanity and the Urban Land Institute. Her goal has been to inspire more sustainable, affordable, accessib…

1
#24 - Prof. Brandon Ro: Classical Architecture, Traditional Architecture Education, Neuroscience & the Transcendental Quality of Architecture 1:18:25

2+ y ago1:18:25

1:18:25

Brandon Ro is a professor at Utah Valley University and an experienced Classical architect from the USA. He has over 16 years of experience in both new construction and renovation, and has worked for private sector developers, state universities, governmental agencies, religious institutions and more. At Utah Valley University he has developed a cu…

1
#23 - Erik Bootsma: Traditional & classical architecture, craftsmanship, improving the city 1:13:58

2+ y ago1:13:58

1:13:58

Erik Bootsma is a Catholic architect and author, specialised in classical and sacred architecture. He is instructor of sacred architecture at the Catholic Distance University and has given many lectures at various colleges. Over the years, he has built up extensive knowledge about ecclesiastical and other sacred architecture. He is also involved in…

1
#22 - Peter Verschuren: Dutch Urbanism, The Expression of Facades, Creating Great Urban Spaces 1:10:03

2+ y ago1:10:03

1:10:03

Peter Verschuren is an experienced Dutch urbanist who has worked for the Town Planning Department of both Rotterdam and The Hague and later founded his own urban design consultancy firm, 'Fijne Stad'. He has also been active as a board member for INTBAU the Netherlands, and is a member of the Dutch Chapter of the Council for European Urbanism. In t…

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