Nathaniel Rich on Losing Earth, Climate Change and the Shifting Political Argument
04.04.2019
A talk with the author about his controversial new book.
A talk with the author about his controversial new book.
Martin C. Pedersen
Rob Walker on the Mistakes of Brad Pitt’s Make It Right
02.18.2019
A talk with the journalist and New Orleans resident, who recently took a deep and critical look at the architectural experiment.
A talk with the journalist and New Orleans resident, who recently took a deep and critical look at the architectural experiment.
Jeff Speck on Walkable City Rules, Cars, and Why Bikes Make Streets Safer for Everyone
01.21.2019
A talk with the author of Walkable City Rules: 101 Steps to Making Better Places.
A talk with the author of Walkable City Rules: 101 Steps to Making Better Places.
Mark Lamster on His New Biography of Philip Johnson
10.24.2018
A talk with the author about the former dean of American architecture.
A talk with the author about the former dean of American architecture.
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer on Being a Client for Great Public Buildings
07.30.2018
A lively talk about architecture, creating good government buildings, and why it matters.
A lively talk about architecture, creating good government buildings, and why it matters.
New York City’s Trash Problem Has a Design Solution
06.19.2018
A talk with Clare Miflin, one of the authors of NYC’s Zero Waste Design Guidelines.
A talk with Clare Miflin, one of the authors of NYC’s Zero Waste Design Guidelines.
Why Christopher Hawthorne Left the LA Times For a Job at City Hall
03.20.2018
A talk with the city’s new Chief Design Officer
A talk with the city’s new Chief Design Officer
Inga Saffron on Philadelphia’s Revival and Why Amazon Might Be Good For the City
02.15.2018
A lively conversation with the architecture critic of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
A lively conversation with the architecture critic of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
John King on San Francisco, Oakland, and the Challenge of Affordable Housing
01.18.2018
A conversation with the urban design critic for the San Francisco Chronicle.
A conversation with the urban design critic for the San Francisco Chronicle.
The Gehl Institute’s Toolkit for the Creation of Great Urban Spaces
12.05.2017
Inspired by the work of Jan Gehl, the group publishes a set of tools for planners, designers, city officials and community activists.
Inspired by the work of Jan Gehl, the group publishes a set of tools for planners, designers, city officials and community activists.
Architecture Critic Mark Lamster on Why He Calls Dallas the “Paradox City”
10.16.2017
A talk with the architecture critic of the Dallas Morning News.
A talk with the architecture critic of the Dallas Morning News.
A Top Building Researcher Asks: Why is Architecture Afraid of Science?
09.24.2017
Steve Orfield on why architectural research is so bad.
Steve Orfield on why architectural research is so bad.
New Orleans’ Recent Flood Has Officials Asking All of the Wrong Questions
08.10.2017
It’s 20th century infrastructure and administration facing a 21st century problem.
It’s 20th century infrastructure and administration facing a 21st century problem.
Sarah Williams Goldhagen on How the Brain Works and What It Means for Architecture
07.20.2017
The author talks about her new book, Welcome to Your World: How the Built Environment Shapes Our Lives.
The author talks about her new book, Welcome to Your World: How the Built Environment Shapes Our Lives.
What the NRA is Really Doing When It Attacks “Elitist” Architecture
07.10.2017
It’s not interested in architecture, it’s interested in guns.
It’s not interested in architecture, it’s interested in guns.
Requiem for a Thoroughly Nondescript Block on the Upper East Side
07.04.2017
Some thoughts on the impending demolition of some beloved neighborhood landmarks.
Some thoughts on the impending demolition of some beloved neighborhood landmarks.
What We Can (and Can’t) Learn from Copenhagen
06.26.2017
The Danish capital offers lessons for American cities, but they’re not all about design.
The Danish capital offers lessons for American cities, but they’re not all about design.
Mark Pendergrast on the Future of Atlanta, the BeltLine and Alternatives to Urban Sprawl
05.15.2017
His new book, City on the Verge, looks at the city’s attempt to refashion itself for the 21st century.
His new book, City on the Verge, looks at the city’s attempt to refashion itself for the 21st century.
Director Matt Tyrnauer on His New Jane Jacobs Documentary
04.03.2017
Citizen Jane chronicles the epic battle between Robert Moses and the legendary author and neighborhood activist.
Citizen Jane chronicles the epic battle between Robert Moses and the legendary author and neighborhood activist.
Christopher Hawthorne on Los Angeles’ Urban Identity Crisis
03.01.2017
The L.A. Times critic talks about the city’s struggle for its 21st century soul.
The L.A. Times critic talks about the city’s struggle for its 21st century soul.
A Handy Flowchart to Make Your Way Through the Political Maze
02.26.2017
Confused about to how to engage your elected officials? Here’s an extremely useful guide.
Confused about to how to engage your elected officials? Here’s an extremely useful guide.
Confessions of a Former Design Magazine Editor
02.22.2017
10 Reasons Why the Project Piece remains an enduring part of architecture and design culture.
10 Reasons Why the Project Piece remains an enduring part of architecture and design culture.
How Design Saved My Sanity on Trump’s Inauguration
02.02.2017
Attending a Design as Protest Event in New Orleans proves to be the perfect tonic for a dark day.
Attending a Design as Protest Event in New Orleans proves to be the perfect tonic for a dark day.
The Rise and Fall of New York’s Municipal Art Society
01.18.2017
How a once great civic organization was co-opted by the very forces it was supposed to watch.
How a once great civic organization was co-opted by the very forces it was supposed to watch.
NYC’s Former Chief Urban Designer Sets Up Shop in Red Hook, Brooklyn
01.03.2017
In an effort to promote design equity, Alexandros Washburn invites the public to share their ideas about the future of the community.
In an effort to promote design equity, Alexandros Washburn invites the public to share their ideas about the future of the community.
Who Owns the View?
12.15.2016
Looking at 432 Park Avenue, while jogging around the reservoir in Central Park.
Looking at 432 Park Avenue, while jogging around the reservoir in Central Park.
How to Be a Citizen in President Trump’s America
11.11.2016
Don’t lose hope, but buckle up your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Don’t lose hope, but buckle up your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
George Lucas Takes a Play Out of the NFL Owners Playbook
11.03.2016
Pitting one city against another is an effective way of getting what you need from the powers that be.
Pitting one city against another is an effective way of getting what you need from the powers that be.
Landscape Architecture Can Help Save the World
10.28.2016
In praise of a profession uniquely qualified to tackle the problems of our time.
In praise of a profession uniquely qualified to tackle the problems of our time.
Why Louisiana’s Disappearing Coastline is a Political Problem
10.20.2016
The design and engineering solutions are viable, but more importantly the people of the state need to demand action from their elected officials.
The design and engineering solutions are viable, but more importantly the people of the state need to demand action from their elected officials.
The Ford Foundation’s Darren Walker on Renovating a Landmark
10.11.2016
A lively conversation with the president on the foundation’s plans for its architectural gem.
A lively conversation with the president on the foundation’s plans for its architectural gem.
Contemplating the Unthinkable: A World Without Venice
09.26.2016
I recently read a terrific book with the terse, almost accusatory, title If Venice Dies. The book, by Salvatore Settis, is not about climate change, though my thoughts turned repeatedly to that topic and the difficulty we have even contemplating its likely consequences.
I recently read a terrific book with the terse, almost accusatory, title If Venice Dies. The book, by Salvatore Settis, is not about climate change, though my thoughts turned repeatedly to that topic and the difficulty we have even contemplating its likely consequences.
Robert Polidori on Making Pictures, DIY Cities, and the Pull of India
09.15.2016
A lively conversation with the preeminent photographer on his new book and exhibition.
A lively conversation with the preeminent photographer on his new book and exhibition.
How Architects Helped Heal the Town of Newtown, Connecticut
09.08.2016
Svigals + Partners collaborates with the community to create a new Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Svigals + Partners collaborates with the community to create a new Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Notes on New York, My Old Neighborhood, and the G-Word
08.23.2016
Some observations about returning to Yorkville after five years away.
Some observations about returning to Yorkville after five years away.
10 Lessons Learned by Rereading Jane Jacobs
08.08.2016
Last week I was in the middle of packing and came across a well thumbed copy of The Death and Life of Great American Cities.
Last week I was in the middle of packing and came across a well thumbed copy of The Death and Life of Great American Cities.
Post Katrina: Why New Orleanians Overwhelmingly Choose Traditional Architecture
08.04.2016
Tulane geographer Richard Campanella takes a deep look at post-storm architecture in the Crescent City.
Tulane geographer Richard Campanella takes a deep look at post-storm architecture in the Crescent City.
Witold Rybczynski’s New Cultural History of the Chair
07.27.2016
In his new book, the author Witold Rybczynski has pulled off a deft trick. Now I Sit Me Down, due out next month, feels loose and relaxed, as well as grounded and authoritative. In a way, it’s like a good chair. The book, a sweeping look, rendered in concise breezy prose, blends first person accounts […]
In his new book, the author Witold Rybczynski has pulled off a deft trick. Now I Sit Me Down, due out next month, feels loose and relaxed, as well as grounded and authoritative. In a way, it’s like a good chair. The book, a sweeping look, rendered in concise breezy prose, blends first person accounts […]
Michael Kimmelman on the Challenges – and Opportunities – Facing New York
07.20.2016
The architecture critic of the New York Times on tall buildings, the gentrification of his old neighborhood, and the need for a 21st century Penn Station.
The architecture critic of the New York Times on tall buildings, the gentrification of his old neighborhood, and the need for a 21st century Penn Station.
Michael Kimmelman on Aravena, the Pritzker, and the Opportunities for Architects to Reshape the World
07.18.2016
The first of a two part interview with the architecture critic of the New York Times.
The first of a two part interview with the architecture critic of the New York Times.
Blair Kamin on the Architects for the Obama Library, and the Lawsuit that Thwarted George Lucas
07.11.2016
The Pulitzer Prize winning critic talks about the selection of Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, as well as the feisty citizen’s group that defeated the legendary filmmaker.
The Pulitzer Prize winning critic talks about the selection of Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, as well as the feisty citizen’s group that defeated the legendary filmmaker.
Watching the George Lucas Fiasco from the Cheap Seats
06.28.2016
In the face of considerable opposition, a relentless civic organization, a pesky lawsuit, and a sympathetic judge, the legendary filmmaker has decided to pull his Museum of Narrative Art out of Chicago.
In the face of considerable opposition, a relentless civic organization, a pesky lawsuit, and a sympathetic judge, the legendary filmmaker has decided to pull his Museum of Narrative Art out of Chicago.
Drawing Should Still Matter to Architects and Designers
06.23.2016
Despite its astounding efficiencies, the digital revolution has diminished what was once once an essential part of the creative process: the human hand.
Despite its astounding efficiencies, the digital revolution has diminished what was once once an essential part of the creative process: the human hand.
Donald Trump and the Rage Against Robots
06.16.2016
For all of its insanity, buffoonery, cluelessness, bigotry and narcissism, Trump’s candidacy is tapping into something else besides racism and xenophobia: Economic displacement.
For all of its insanity, buffoonery, cluelessness, bigotry and narcissism, Trump’s candidacy is tapping into something else besides racism and xenophobia: Economic displacement.
Andres Duany on the Unique Challenges of Working in Cuba
06.13.2016
The cruise ships are bound for cash-strapped Cuba. How will the authorities plan for it?
The cruise ships are bound for cash-strapped Cuba. How will the authorities plan for it?
Why Was Rem Koolhaas’ AIA Speech Not Widely Covered?
06.09.2016
There was a time, not too long ago, when a Koolhaas speech given to thousands of his fellow architects would constitute news. At least in the architecture press. Apparently, that time is not now.
There was a time, not too long ago, when a Koolhaas speech given to thousands of his fellow architects would constitute news. At least in the architecture press. Apparently, that time is not now.
Jan Gehl on Why Tall Buildings Aren’t Necessarily Bad for Street Life
05.05.2016
The great urbanist has a nuanced take on the many lessons of Jane Jacobs.
The great urbanist has a nuanced take on the many lessons of Jane Jacobs.
Andres Duany on Why We Need Both Jane Jacobs and Robert Moses
05.04.2016
Given the urgency of climate change, the planner insists that both bottom-up and top-down planning approaches need to be used.
Given the urgency of climate change, the planner insists that both bottom-up and top-down planning approaches need to be used.
Richard Florida on the Enduring Legacy of Jane Jacobs
05.02.2016
In celebration of the Jacobs centennial, the noted urbanist and author talks about the legend, their close relationship in her later years, and her lasting influence on his work.
In celebration of the Jacobs centennial, the noted urbanist and author talks about the legend, their close relationship in her later years, and her lasting influence on his work.
SHoP Architects Bold Initiative: Rebuilding the Schools of Nepal
04.14.2016
Kim Holden, one of the firm’s founders, talks about rapid growth, firm culture, and the critical importance of pro bono work.
Kim Holden, one of the firm’s founders, talks about rapid growth, firm culture, and the critical importance of pro bono work.
It’s National Architecture Week!
04.13.2016
Instead of spending money on what is essentially a branding effort, what if the AIA organized a national education program aimed at the primary schools?
Instead of spending money on what is essentially a branding effort, what if the AIA organized a national education program aimed at the primary schools?
Deborah Berke on succeeding Stern at Yale and tackling architecture’s diversity problem
04.04.2016
In addition to her new job as dean, the architect has two books ready for release.
In addition to her new job as dean, the architect has two books ready for release.
A Modest Proposal
03.17.2016
Shouldn’t architecture school projects actually be required to deal with the real challenges of architecture?
Shouldn’t architecture school projects actually be required to deal with the real challenges of architecture?
Margie Ruddick on Wild Gardening and Why Nature Always Wins
03.16.2016
The award winning designer talks about her new book, the role of landscape architecture in the era of climate change, and how she includes the public in her work.
The award winning designer talks about her new book, the role of landscape architecture in the era of climate change, and how she includes the public in her work.
10 Excuses for Santiago Calatrava
03.02.2016
Yes, it’s ten years late and more than 2-billion dollars over budget. But, it is beautiful.
Yes, it’s ten years late and more than 2-billion dollars over budget. But, it is beautiful.
Paul Goldberger’s Great Side Job: Consultant to the Obama Foundation
02.03.2016
One of America’s most preeminent critics talks about his new role as architectural advisor to the organization charged with building the president’s library.
One of America’s most preeminent critics talks about his new role as architectural advisor to the organization charged with building the president’s library.
Blair Kamin on the Chicago Biennial, George Lucas, and the magic of Jeanne Gang
01.27.2016
This past year the Windy City was abuzz with architecture and design news: everything from the Obama presidential library to a Star Wars invasion. The Pulitzer Prize winning critic talks about Chicago’s unique architectural heritage and the culture shift brewing in the profession.
This past year the Windy City was abuzz with architecture and design news: everything from the Obama presidential library to a Star Wars invasion. The Pulitzer Prize winning critic talks about Chicago’s unique architectural heritage and the culture shift brewing in the profession.
Lewis MacAdams on the LA River, Frank Gehry, and the Return of the Red Legged Frog
01.27.2016
When word trickled out that Gehry would take over master planning for the river, it caught some locals by surprise. No one was more startled, and more critical, than this poet, politician, community activist, and citizen planner.
When word trickled out that Gehry would take over master planning for the river, it caught some locals by surprise. No one was more startled, and more critical, than this poet, politician, community activist, and citizen planner.
George Lucas and the Lake Michigan Waterfront: A Match Made in Chicago
12.16.2015
John King’s tale of two cities is the story of two distinct public processes: San Francisco’s famously fractious culture, vs. Chicago’s ruthless top-down model of Mayor-as-last-and-final-word.
John King’s tale of two cities is the story of two distinct public processes: San Francisco’s famously fractious culture, vs. Chicago’s ruthless top-down model of Mayor-as-last-and-final-word.
Katrina + 10: It’s Engaged Citizens Who Saved New Orleans
11.19.2015
On the tenth anniversary of the federal flood, some thoughts on the state of the Crescent City and why its future challenges have global implications.
On the tenth anniversary of the federal flood, some thoughts on the state of the Crescent City and why its future challenges have global implications.
The Trouble with Architecture
11.18.2015
The profession is chronically disconnected from the public it’s supposed to serve. It’s time to rediscover some lost design tools and learn the value of authentic engagement.
The profession is chronically disconnected from the public it’s supposed to serve. It’s time to rediscover some lost design tools and learn the value of authentic engagement.
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