Before the pandemic, I would often listen to a podcast on my daily commute or while running around town. A few weeks ago, it dawned on me that I had abandoned some of my favorites since WFH home life has taken away my usual routine of listening to podcasts while on the go. I found myself missing the wealth of knowledge and inspiration I got specifically from listening to podcasts on the topic of design and architecture. Over the last few weeks, I got the chance to catch up on some of my favorites and was blown away by so many inspiring talks about design and insight on how we move forward in the wake of COVID-19. If you need some good design talks or want a new podcast to add to your list, below is a list of some of my favorites and an episode from each that I found particularly interesting or inspiring.
99% Invisible
This intriguing weekly podcast explores the creation of everyday objects relating to design and architecture that we usually wouldn’t think about. The host explores mundane topics like the design of supermarkets or a logo on a paper cup in a thought-provoking way that makes us think about its broader impact on the world. I recently listened to Episode 400, The Smell of Concrete After Rain, which featured inspiring stories of two people from the world of Architecture, Michael McKinnel and Michael Sorkin, that we’ve sadly recently lost due to COVID-19.
The Smell of Concrete After Rain | 99% Invisible
The Urbanist
The Urbanist features a mix of guests, including architects and city planners, who chat about growth and changes in urban cities around the globe. Episode 24, Density and Distance, is a fascinating take on the threat that the coronavirus poses to the idea of urban cities and whether or not people living in higher-density cities are more susceptible to catching the disease. I enjoyed how it explores how cities, like Paris, were originally designed with the thought of protecting its inhabitants from the threat of a pandemic and how designers can contribute to urban design that helps prevent the spread of disease.
Density and distance | Monocle 24: The Urbanist
CXD Convo By Design
Episode 297, Enduring Design Through Disaster, Trends, and Turmoil, is a good one featuring interior designer Michelle Lisac. A wide range of topics are discussed, including design trends influenced by covid-19, how working from home has changed the way we do business, and Michelle’s career working in Northern California. This is a great podcast featuring many interesting artists, architects, and tastemakers in the design field.
EP 297 | Enduring Design Through Disaster, Trends and Turmoil | Convo By Design®: Michelle Lisac
Design and Architecture from KCRW
This is a Los Angeles based podcast that discusses many different aspects of design and architecture. They recently featured an interesting episode exploring how we can use HVAC systems and ventilation to combat the Covid-19 virus.
Business of Design Podcast
This podcast features excellent advice from different design professionals that are currently active in their perspective fields. Episode 185, Design Matters with Isabel Gomez, was intriguing because it features a Spanish interior designer currently working in Brussels who discusses how her business is doing now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. She also offers some great advice on how to connect with clients to achieve great design.
EP 185 | Design Matters with Isabel Gomez | Business of Design ™
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Courtney Bradshaw is a design intern at SR/A who recently graduated with her MFA in Interior Architecture from George Washington University.
