Open City

This week Merlin catches up with the architect and co-founder of Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN), Joe Giddings. On the menu: Stratford Sphere – a colossal 90m-high LED clad orb – wins planning approval // An unbuilt skyscrapers development in London’s troubled Vauxhall Nine Elms regeneration zone changes hands at a colossal loss // Waterloo, the UK’s busiest station seeks a masterplanner for a zero-carbon revamp // And Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement – what does it mean for London’s green construction ambitions in the year ahead?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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Rachel catches up with author of new book 'Iconicon: A Journey Around the Landmark Buildings of Contemporary Britain', John Grindrod. Join us for a discussion all about the squatters who tried to create a refugee centre inside an oligarch mansion, two London developments being hampered by cars, the plans to redevelop London's once iconic Euston Station, and much more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special episode is a collaboration between Sustrans and the Open City podcast. In it, we will hear from members of visual impairment charity Croydon Vision about the impacts of street design on their journeys. In commissioning this piece, Sustrans hopes to spotlight the importance of design that is inclusive and considerate. Sustrans is a charity focused on making towns and cities more liveable, amplifying voices that are sometimes less heard in the decision making process. In this podcast, members of Croydon Vision share stories of journeys in the capital in a series of workshops, the recordings of which were edited by the creative minds at Haus Projects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Merlin is joined by Oliver Lord, head of Clean Cities Campaign UK. They discuss Sadiq Khan's Ulez expansion whouch could transform air quality and congestion across the city, the £1bn of Oligarch property in the capital, the London architects ditch Russia projects in protest over Ukraine invasion, and yet another cyclist is killed at one of London’s deadliest junctions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Merlin catches up with Catherine Croft, who is the Director of the Twentieth Century Society. On todays show; retrofit takes centre stage in upcoming architects protest and the RIBA London awards shortlist, critics slam a new development at Tottenham Court Road accused of 'murdering' the neighbourhood, the RIBA names seven practices vying to redevelop its 66 Portland Place headquarters, and a new projects sets out to immortalise 1,000 dead architects in a series of limited edition NFTs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Merlin catches up with fellow AJ journalist Fran Williams. They discuss how London's iconic architecture was tested to the brink of destruction by Storm Eunice, why a beautiful estate regeneration has fallen short for local residents, Assemble's psychedelic ‘Dreamachine’ landing in London this spring, and the residents of south London’s Central Hill Estate who are calling on architects to abide their climate pledges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We can't quite believe it's been a year since we started this show. Join Host Merlin Fulcher, Open City's Phin Harper, and Producer Poppy Waring for a round table discussion all about this show. We hope you enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week architecture critic Phin Harper steps in for Rachel Copel as host, and speaks to the author and journalist Owen Hatherley.They discuss the 11th hour attempt by Greenwich councillors to block the Silvertown tunnel development, three cases of systemic racism misogyny and discrimination which have appeared in the news this week, the East London pools struggling to stay afloat as demolition and closures loom, and finally Owen's new book 'Modern Buildings in Britain, a new Gazeteer'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Merlin speaks to Sadie Morgan, founding director of Stirling Prize winning architecture practice dRMM and a board member of Homes England. Our top stories this week include the cost of living crisis highlighting the long-running failure to insulate UK homes, the new housing minister who voted against forcing landlords to deliver dwellings ‘fit for human habitation’, the announcement that Architect and campaigner Kate Macintosh will be speaking at Open City’s Thornton Lecture, and what really caused the Marble Arch Mound debacle... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, host Merlin Fulcher catches up with architect Sahiba Chadha, partner at Cullinan Studio and course leader on Open City’s Accelerate programmeOur top stories this week include the saving of Ridley Road’s iconic indoor market, benefit changes threatening to impede access to the elite professions, a site walk-out by workers on a £900 million Nine Elms skyscraper, and a new statue for Greenwich waterside seemingly depicting a creative property director… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, our new host Rachel Copel catches up with the Andrew Waugh, the founding director of Waugh Thistleton Architects and advocate for low carbon design and construction.Our top stories this week include the future of Richard Rogers' iconic Lloyd's building, the new carbon report which slams the Marks and Spencer flagship store demolition, the Bartlett whistle-blower that was denied access to the RIBA, the new highway code, and we also review who deserves a place in the Architectural canon... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Merlin is joined by journalist, writer, and author of 'The Compendium of (Not Quite) Everything' - Jonn Elledge.Join us for a discussion on: the controversy surrounding new laws targeting peaceful protest and homeless people, the new journey charges facing motorists in London in a bid to clean up London's air, and the new Canary Wharf tower which was sent back to the drawing board after the LFB weighed in on pressing fire safety concerns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our first show of 2022, Zoe Cave speaks to Rosamund Lily West - the curator, writer, historian, and Open City tour guide.As Bristol’s Colston Four are acquitted, we ask what next for the decolonisation of London’s built environment / Open City Podcast host Selasi Setufe is awarded an MBE for services to diversity in architecture / Victorian railway arches and Kew treehouses in the spotlight for two new London architecture competitions / And Richard Rogers, Chris Wilkinson and Max Fordham – who all recently passed away – remembered Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Londown Christmas Special is here! This week we have four special guests all vying to win this years biggest architecture quiz. On team one we have head of LSA Dr Neal Shasore, and LSA Design Tutor Holly Harrington. Battling them on team two is 20th Century Society president Catherine Slessor MBE, and Director of Open City Phin Harper. This is a Londown like no other!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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New office plans threaten to flatten Powell and Moya’s landmark Museum of London; Government accused of collusion with industry over flammable cladding used at Grenfell; Lambeth Council shortlists three architects to clear away and redevelop the acclaimed Central Hill estate; Trellick Tower residents call on Kensington and Chelsea Council for meaningful co-design of new estate additions; And Open City launches the Academy of British Housing. This week Merlin speaks with Ella Jessel - features and investigations editor at the Architects Journal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Zoe Cave is joined by Patricia Brown, the director of the built environment consultancy Central. Join us as we discuss why the cladding scandal is rocking the UK's financial stability, what's sparking new rows over gentrification in Hackney, and why infill plans are proving so controversial in Southwark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Camden is crowned the start up capital, heritage battles rage across the city, HS2 is part-dumped and TfL faces dire financial woes - yet three big names in the London architecture scene make it to the top of the rich list.... Owen Hatherley - the architecture writer, journalist and author of Red Metropolis; a polemical history of municipal socialism in London - joins Merlin in the studio.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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the Londown was recorded in front a of a live studio audience at the beautiful South London Gallery. Merlin took to the stage with architect and director of Studio Nyali Nana Biamah-Ofosu, and Guardian Opinions Editor Hettie O'Brien to discuss this week in architecture. As COP26 drew to a close this weekend, we look at the response in architecture and the built environment, and spotlight Norman Foster’s contentious Tulip tower which was last week vetoed over embodied carbon concerns. We also discuss the enormous £1.4 bn burden appalling housing puts on the NHS each year, the serious racism allegations mounting against London's cultural giant the Barbican, and the dreaded 4 month Northern Line closure on the horizon!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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Merlin spoke to the renowned architecture critic and writer Jonathan Glancey. Tune in to hear them discuss the staggering cost of making our homes green, what we mean by radical zebra crossing revolutions, the awful permanent evacuation of an east London tower block, and of course the infamous marble arch mound... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Zoe caught up with architect Alpa Depani to discuss this week in architecture. The stories this week include the U+I buyout by behemoth rival, the ground-breaking new research tackling the housing AND climate crisis', why youth homelessness is surging in the city, the new exhibition exploring a novel kind of 21st century architecture, and Grimshaw's plans to electric flying taxi vertiports! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Merlin is joined by fellow AJ journalist Will Ing. On the menu: A 1.8 billion pounds budget boost for new homes on post industrial ‘brownfields’ | 'Greenwash’ accusations over a rash of vertically planted ‘living walls’ sprouting over London | Outrage after MPs green light dumping sewage in London’s rivers | Hotel plans for Grade-I listed Customs House unanimously voted down | And what the COP26 climate summit could mean for London’s built environment? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sadiq Khan announces a major review into affordable housing delivery | Lambeth Council forced to compensate residents over refurb works which left Grade II-listed Kate Macintosh-designed homes in disarray | 'Failing to learn the lessons of Grenfell'. A bitter row erupts over redevelopment plans for Ernö Goldfinger's Notting Hill estate | How private companies are ejecting vulnerable Londoners to cheaper cities | The tens of thousands still waiting for safe bicycle parking spaces | And the Londown is named Best Podcast at the 2021 Archiboo Awards!Tune in to hear Merlin and Luke Jones; host of the podcast 'About Buildings + Cities' discuss this week in Architecture.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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join critic Phin Harper and head of Accelerate Siraaj Mitha to chew through the week's big stories in London's architecture, housing and planning worlds. On the Londown this week, a Cambridge eco-mosque tipped to win the Stirling Prize, the ARB shake-up architectural education, City of London vetoes new skyscraper next to listed synagogue, an alleged ‘unfair’ estate demolition ballot in Tottenham, iconic post-war housing set to be flattened in massive Lambeth redevelopment, and the life and legacy of the late great Owen Luder.Support the Londown and Open City in making London's built environment more open and equitable by donating the equivalent of one flat white a month to the charity so it can keep making the Londown, staging the free Open House Festival and delivering important educational work supporting children and young people from under-represented backgrounds. Go to open-city.org.uk/flatwhite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Londown Zoe and FT architecture critic Edwin Heathcote analyse Gove's first public outing as housing secretary, and his comments on 'ugly' concrete and steel buildings. They also discuss why George Clarke is blasting the government over the cladding scandal, the newly opened Cosmic House, the plans for V&A Youth, and the new competition to redesign RIBA HQ... tune in!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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Merlin spoke with Aydin Dikerdem - the councillor for Queenstown Ward in the Battersea and Nine Elms area of Wandsworth, south west London. They discussed the criticism of the Northern Line extension, the very real flooding threat London faces, the pros and cons of retrofit, and the architecture lecturers who are standing up against unfair and discriminatory contracts.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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we bring you the first ever Live Londown - direct from the Museum of the Home as part of their Festival of the Home. Merlin is joined by Catherine Slessor; President of the Twentieth Century Society, and architect Thomas Aquilina. Tune into their conversations on legendary bane of architects Michael Gove named housing secretary, the London co-living pioneer teetering on the verge of administration, Kevin McCloud's radical housing reform views, the pedestrianisation of Strand Aldwych, and the explosive planning meeting in Camden that saw furniture fly...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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two London landmarks vye for architecture’s highest accolade, the Stirling Prize // Government looks set to water down its contentious planning reforms // New Northern Line stations open at Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms // A leading London architecture studio becomes employee owned // And a major international competition to renew the Barbican Centre...Ellis Woodman - director of the Architecture Foundation, joins Merlin on the Londown this week.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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rushed Grenfell demolition-plans spark fury over lack of consultation // Architect of London’s new-wave of social housing - Peter Barber - feted for lifetime achievement // Heated debates ignited over fresh wave of iconic London demolitions and retrofits // And why ABBA’s virtual comeback could be big news for architecture.This week Zoe speaks to writer, architectural designer, and cofounder of POoR Collective - Shawn Adams.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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soho ditches al fresco dining as Brick Lane turns car free; A tragic road death sparks new protests over cycling safety; Battle lines drawn over social homes on green spaces; Chloe Phelps leaves Croydon’s Common Ground Architecture; And we ask what this year’s RIBA awards say about architecture in the capital This week Merlin catches up with Ruth Lang: architect, writer, historian, and head of critical practice at the London School of Architecture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The staggering scale of London’s ‘golf belt’ revealed, a redevelopment row erupts next to Ernö Goldfinger’s iconic Trellick Tower, a fortnight of Extinction Rebellion climate protests target the City, and Croydon Council abandons its Westfield dream after a decade of disputes.Merlin gets the community perspective from Robin Hutchinson; activist and director of The Community Brain.As ever, listen, like, share, subscribe and this week complete our survey and tell us what you think.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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New research suggests community-owned pubs help temper extreme political views | Why planning deregulation could be to blame for 800,000 new unsustainable homes | A London council picks infill over estate demolition | And why trains and rail architecture could be Britain’s most overlooked grassroots culture.This week Merlin is joined by Tim Dunn; presenter of Secrets of the London Underground, and The Architecture the Railways BuiltAs ever, listen, like, share, subscribe and this week complete our survey and tell us what you think. 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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Damning climate change report warns of unprecedented devastation in our cities; victory for Save-Latin-Village after fifteen years of campaigning by dedicated community; central London unable to lift footfall as return-to-office-push lacks enthusiastic uptake; and Greenwich Royal Observatory seeks architect for historic upgrade. This week Zoe Cave is joined by none other than Phineas Harper: director of Open City who talks us through some of the highlights of the 2021 Open House London Festival programme.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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David 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 subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty 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.

A 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 the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plunging 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 Blake.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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive 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 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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen 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 Church1817 landmark by architect Thomas Hardwick in a grand classical style. It is the fourth such building to serve the parish of Marylebone and symbolic of early 19th century urban changes.Listening point 2: Devonshire StreetDevelopment of Portland Estate summary close to fine examples of 18th century streets and speculative building pattern and site of old Marylebone Gardens - a popular rural entertainment spot.Listening point 3: Marylebone High StreetHome to Marylebone Village. It started life as a rural lane between the highway of Oxford Street and the Manor House. In recent decades carefully curation by The Haward de Walden Estate has created a retail destination with genuine balance and character. – unlike so many other cookie cutter high streets.Listening point 4: Grotto PassageBehind the scenes Grotto Ragged and Industrial School opened in 1846 and Ossington Estate model dwellings1888 and 1892 - landmarks of the urban diversity of the area and shifting pattern of living.Listening point 5: Paddington Street GardensHistoric 1880s landscaped gardens and former site of 18th century Marylebone workhouse - important story of urban change on the edge of the historic estate and life of the parishListening point 6: Manchester SquareLandmark square developed with Hertford House in the 1760s, home to international Wallace collection since 1900. Former site of EMI offices and iconic Beatles photo shootListening point 7: Hinde & Mandeville StreetsLandmark neoclassical Hinde Street Methodist church 1887 by James Weir created in aftermath of impressive 1870s urban clearance projects in French renaissance style at bottom of high streetListening point 8: Scheon ClinicLandmark new development with hidden depths on site of former ironworks with sculpture marking gateway to Marylebone High Street from south.Listening point 9: Debenhams & Wigmore HallColossal department store designed by architects William Wallace and James Gibson in 1907 in an grandiose Edwardian Baroque style and covered in dolton carrara ceramics. And celebrated 1901 concert venue by Thomas Edward Colcutt.Listening point 10: Henrietta PlaceFormer private estate chapel of St Peters, 1724 by James Gibbs and nearby Royal Society of Medicine.Listening point 11: Cavendish SquareFirst move of the historic Portland estate in 1719, mixed fortunes landmark architectural set pieces, sculpture and new development as part of public realm enhancements.Listening point 12: Chandos HouseSpeculatively landmark house built between 1769 - 1761 by Robert Adam, the most prominent architect in Georgian Britain. Rare London house in Edinburgh quarried stone.Listening point 13: Harley StreetThe Harley Street Medical Area (HSMA) is a community of Marylebone-based hospitals, clinics and specialists, renowned for their outstanding patient care, pioneering treatments and use of cutting-edge technologies. – The Centre of which is Harley Street which was first laid out in 1729.Listening point 14: Portland PlaceLandmark urban space laid out by the brothers Robert and James Adam as part of second wave of historic Portland estate surviving terraces of 1780s, transformed in 1820s as part of Nash’s royal route, remade in 1930s with apartments and office. RIBA Landmark at heart of space subject to proposals to change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merlin 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 association with the Architects’ Journal. If you enjoyed the show, we recommend you subscribe to the AJ for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis, and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 analysis and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sadiq 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.

Public 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 said at the time, "It’s the biggest job in London, don’t give it to a politician". Zoë Cave speaks to McLaren's biographer, Paul Gorman, artist and designer, Scott King and campaign manager, Peter Culshaw.Listen out for our Thursday morning news show, The Londown, where we will be discussing the 2021 Mayoral Election with Owen Hatherley.You can support Open City and keep this podcast free and accessible for others to listen to by donating and supporting us, go to open-city.org.uk/support Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

City 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 newsIf you enjoy The Londown we recommend subscribing to the Architects’ Journal – for all the latest news, building studies, expert opinion, cultural analysis and business intelligence from the UK architecture industry. Listeners can save 15% on a subscription using this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An 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.