Best Open Access By Access London Podcasts (2024)

1
Movie Night Special 2024 Week 1 29:51

3h ago29:51

29:51

MISCHIEF MAKERS MOVIE NIGHT SPECIAL EPISODE 1 | With Ellie Morris and Niall Ransome This summer, listen to some of the original Mischief gang on our podcast MISCHIEF MAKERS as we release a MOVIE NIGHT SPECIAL episode each week. Go behind the scenes of the improvised show, discover the location, genre and title they would choose, and find out what b…

1
Far-right riots leave communities across the UK scarred 32:51

1h ago32:51

32:51

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by Tamsie Thomson, the chief executive of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. Far-right rioting leaves struggling high streets and communities further scarred // Angela Rayner announces ambitious planning reforms and a New Towns taskforce // A fire breaks out at Glasgow’s beloved Carlton Place // An…

1
RIBA Stirling Prize 2024 finalists revealed 35:48

32m ago35:48

35:48

This week Sahiba is joined by journalist India Block, Deputy Editor of Homes and Property at the Evening Standard. The RIBA Stirling Prize 2024: this year’s finalists revealed // Rachel Reeves scraps landmark infrastructure projects // Acclaimed architect Peter Barber’s visionary idea to make Britain self-sufficient // And a London pavement parking…

1
Interview with Daisy Goodwin the author of Diva 32:17

6d ago32:17

32:17

We interview Daisy Goodwin, novelist and screenwriter, about her latest novel, Diva (Head of Zeus March 2024), inspired by the life of the brilliant soprano Maria Callas. The novel opens at a time when Callas is at the height of her extraordinary career but in a stultifying marriage and haunted both by her unhappy childhood and the ever-present fea…

1
Six million people at risk from extreme heat in England 36:15

1h ago36:15

36:15

This week Fran is joined by architect and writer Nana Biamah-Ofosu, the director of YAA Projects: an architecture, design and research practice focused on making, speaking and writing architecture. Six million people at risk from extreme heat in England, campaign group warns // 80% of potential first-time buyers can’t afford a deposit on a home in …

1
Local authorities in urgent financial crisis 41:18

5d ago41:18

41:18

For our 150th episode, Merlin is joined this week by Jas Bhalla, an Architect, Town Planner, Urban Designer and founder of Bermondsey-based Jas Bhalla Works. Local authorities warn of urgent financial threat to council housing // UK’s largest housebuilder cuts output in blow to government targets // Lloyds bank to transform back offices into social…

1
Labour restores housing targets and resurrects onshore wind 42:01

3d ago42:01

42:01

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by Akil Scafe-Smith, urban designer and co-founder of RESOLVE. Labour bring back housing targets and lifts onshore wind ban // “Levelling up” is stripped from the housing department name and Matthew Pennycook is appointed as Housing Minister // Chris Williamson wins RIBA presidential election // And a contest is l…

1
Labour promises a post-election housing surge 34:47

14d ago34:47

34:47

This week Fran Williams is joined by Jan Kattein, architect, lecturer, author and founding director of Jan Kattein Architects. Labour vows major housing announcements ‘within a fortnight’ of winning the election // South London squatters take the emergency housing crisis into their own hands // The mega-bucks tutoring advert spotlighting inequaliti…

1
Close to Revelation and Check Your Tire Pressure 14:53

24d ago14:53

14:53

This month we have two auto-fiction stories about parents and children. Our first auto-fiction piece, "Close to Revelation" written by Janet Lawrence, is set during the pandemic and tells the story of a woman trying to get pregnant using IVF while chaos erupts all around her. Janet Lawrence is a writer, journalist, and video producer based in New Y…

1
Reimagining UK department stores as sustainable housing 42:03

17d ago42:03

42:03

This week Merlin is joined by Hilary Satchwell, architect, urban designer and director of Tibbalds, a South London-based planning and urban design firm. Bold new plans to reimagine UK department stores as sustainable housing // Architects set out their vision to boost affordable housing after the election // Black cab restrictions look set to be co…

1
Campaign to save the Beatles’ birthplaces 33:15

23d ago33:15

33:15

This week Merlin is joined by Henrietta Billings, the Director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, a charity dedicated to securing the long-term future of Britain’s buildings. 86 historic buildings added to SAVE’s building at risk register // Labour’s manifesto commitments on housing watered down // Review into Glasgow School of Art fires ‘too costly’ says…

1
Labour moots community buy-outs of derelict land 36:36

2M ago36:36

36:36

This week Merlin is joined by Jack Cornish, Jack is the author of a new book called The Lost Paths: A history of how we walk from there to here. He also holds the venerable title ‘head of paths’ at The Ramblers - Britain’s largest walking charity. Labour moots community buy-outs of derelict land // A quarter of a million socially rented homes lost …

1
Architects call for a new ministry of housing 37:38

2M ago37:38

37:38

This week Sahiba is joined by Hugh Pearman, an architectural writer and editor who is also chair of the 20th Century Society. Architects demand a new ministry of housing // C20 files for emergency spot listing of London’s City Hall // Cambridge discovers zero emission cement // And could King’s Cross and the Elizabeth Line be front runners for this…

1
Interview with Katie Willis about The Quiet Act of Loving Bones 37:54

1M ago37:54

37:54

Story Radio interviews Katie Willis, author of The Quiet Act of Loving Bones, published by Joan Publishing. We discuss bones, inspiration, the colour yellow, Russia and lucid dreaming. "It is rare to come across a book that feels, at the same time, overwhelmingly strange and delightfully familiar. The Quiet Act of Loving Bones takes you into a worl…

1
The surprise snap election being celebrated by architects 35:59

2M ago35:59

35:59

This week Merlin's joined by Adam Peggs, a journalist and activist. The surprise snap election being celebrated by architects // No Grenfell Tower criminal charges before 2026 // London’s Mayor pledges £100 million pounds to kickstart stalled housing // Liverpool Street station’s contentious redevelopment plans are sent back to the drawing board. T…

1
Museum of London’s contentious demolition cleared for approval 36:51

3M ago36:51

36:51

This week Merlin's joined by John Elledge, a journalist and author of the new book “A History of the World in 47 Borders: The Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps”. Museum of London’s contentious demolition cleared for approval // Government minister accused of misleading ‘15-minute city’ claims // How an AI deep fake video conned an engineer out o…

1
Calls for new public ballots on all tall buildings above 60 metres 33:36

3M ago33:36

33:36

This week Merlin's joined by Alpa Depani, an architect and the head of strategic planning and design at the London borough of Waltham Forest. Calls for new public ballots on all tall buildings above 60 metres // House building drops to its lowest level since the pandemic // Single-sex toilets to be required in all new public buildings in England //…

1
Anne by Kristin Burniston 31:44

3M ago31:44

31:44

Eleven-and-a-half months ago, Mary didn’t know she had sisters. Now, at her home in Hove on England’s South Coast, they meet to scatter their mother Anne’s ashes. This episode was written, directed, and produced by Kristin Burniston. Kristin is a graduate of the MA Screenwriting program at the University of Arts London. In 2023, her short film scri…

1
Labour vows to build on the ‘grey-belt’ and deliver 1.5 million homes 39:09

4M ago39:09

39:09

This week Sahiba spoke to Charles Holland; the architect and author of the new book 'How to Enjoy Architecture: A Guide for Everyone' // Labour vows to build on the ‘grey-belt’ and deliver 1.5 million homes // Birmingham set to refuse controversial tower above a listed hospital // Scottish architects condemn the ditching of climate targets // And h…

1
Gender pay gap widening among UK architectures biggest firms 37:34

4M ago37:34

37:34

This week Merlin spoke to the architect, author and columnist Eleanor Jolliffe // Sadiq Khan pledges to end rough sleeping in the capital // The Grenfell Inquiry’s final report delayed yet again // Gender pay gap widening among UK architectures biggest firms // And the AJ and SAVE launch a competition to rethink demolition plans for the M&S on Oxfo…

1
Rent rises set to outpace wage growth for next three years 33:41

4M ago33:41

33:41

This week Merlin spoke to the Chief Executive of Camden Highline, Simon Pitkeathley // Rent rises set to outpace wage growth for next three years // Outrage over King Charles’ ‘ideal town’ proposal in Kent // Contentious Barbican demolition plans tipped for approval // And the fascination with forbidden spaces; how Camden Highline is opening up a w…

1
Brutalism and Biodiversity 28:23

4M ago28:23

28:23

In this episode Paul spoke to the landscape architect, urban designer and Director of Landscape and Placemaking at Peabody, Dr Phil Askew. Their discussion centered around the landscape-led regeneration of Thamesmead; the brutalist post-war townscape in south east London hailed as the ‘town of tomorrow’. You can find an online version of Landscape …

1
Interview with Miki Lentin about Winter Sun 32:13

4M ago32:13

32:13

Martin Nathan and Tabitha Potts interview writer Miki Lentin about his new novel Winter Sun, published by Afsana Press in 2024. A nine-day winter break in Tenerife. Nothing is quite good enough. A son tries in vain to ask his ailing, elderly Irish Jewish father questions about their past before it is too late. The absurdity and hilarity of family h…

1
Norwich City Council 'disappointed' after sell flagship homes lost to right to buy 47:43

5M ago47:43

47:43

This week Sahiba spoke to Amandeep Singh Kalra. Amandeep is the Associate Director of Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham council. // Norwich City Council 'disappointed' after sell flagship homes lost to right to buy // The UK has the worst value housing of any advanced economy // Stirling Prize winner hits out at flaws in UK bui…

1
Council housing ratcheting up the political agenda 34:05

5M ago34:05

34:05

This week Merlin speaks to the President of the RIBA, Muyiwa Oki. // Council housing ratcheting up the political agenda ahead of big year of elections // How generative AI is transforming the work of architects and engineers // Heat pump rollout slammed for being too slow // And V&A’s director warns The Palace of Westminster is on the brink of cata…

1
Spring budget criticised for failing to boost housing 41:13

5M ago41:13

41:13

This week Merlin spoke to Simon Vickery, the Programme Manager of the Open House Festival. // Spring budget criticised for failing to boost housing // A government report finds Lown Traffic Neighbourhoods are popular and effective // Grimshaw unveils major new redevelopment plans for Waterloo Station // And how simply partying more could help our s…

1
Tidal Pools and the Landscape of Swimming 28:07

5M ago28:07

28:07

In this episode Paul spoke to the co-founder of architects Studio Octopi and Future Lidos Group; Chris Romer-Lee. Chris is a outdoor swimming enthusiast and tidal pool advocate, and his practice was behind the ambitious Thames Bath proposals which first caught peoples attention nearly a decade ago. In this episode they discuss the landscape of swim…

1
Outing by Simon Roberts 16:19

5M ago16:19

16:19

A student goes on a day trip to the seaside with his mum, and ends up learning a great deal more about himself - and her. This story was written and read by Simon Roberts. Simon Roberts is currently based in West London and writes short stories and flash fiction. He was longlisted for the 2022 Fish Short Story Prize. He has read his work on Riversi…

1
Competition Probe into the UK’s Biggest Housebuilders 38:05

5M ago38:05

38:05

This week Merlin is joined by Tom Wilkinson. Tom is a writer and historian, and author of the new book ‘Emergency Money: Notgeld in the Image Economy of the German Inflation, 1914–1923' // Competition probe into the UK’s biggest housebuilders // Heatherwick to turn BT Tower into a luxury hotel // Government redirects billions from HS2’s scrapped no…

1
Government warned London house building is grinding to a halt 44:47

6M ago44:47

44:47

This week Producer Poppy spoke to Fran Williams - the architectural journalist and occasional host of The Brief - to discuss the big stories in housing, architecture, and planning news this week. // Government warned London house building is grinding to a halt // A new benchmark for sustainable housing wins planning in East Sussex // Loss of Jewish…

1
RIBA president slams Labour’s £28bn green U-turn 36:55

6M ago36:55

36:55

This week Sahiba spoke to Rob Fiehn, the Director of the London Society // RIBA president Muyiwa Oki slams Labour’s £28 billion pound green U-turn // Michael Gove approves controversial South Bank tower plans // The public toilet crisis isolating vulnerable people // And delivery riders stage a Valentine’s Day strike demanding fair wages // The Bri…

1
Landscape-Led Waste Water Infrastructure 26:56

6M ago26:56

26:56

In this episode Paul spoke to the architect, curator and urbanist, Madeleine Kessler. Together they looked at waste water management in London, and investigated the value of holistic design-led approaches to major infrastructure projects. You can find an online version of Landscape for free here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor…

1
Housebuilders throw support behind Labour as Conservatives ‘bow to Nimbyism’ 31:09

6M ago31:09

31:09

This week Sahiba spoke to Pooja Agrawal. Pooja is an architect, chief executive of Public Practice, and a trustee of Open City. // Housebuilders throw support behind Labour as Conservatives ‘bow to Nimbyism’ // Fresh plans submitted for London tower set to be joint-tallest in Europe // Channel 4 to sell iconic Richard Rogers-designed HQ amid job cu…

1
Jane Labous Past Participle Interview 45:06

6M ago45:06

45:06

Listen to an interview with Jane Labous and hear her reading from her new novel, Past Participle, published by Afsana Press. Dakar, Senegal, 1987: On a rainy night after a wild party, the British ambassador’s wife, Vivienne Hughes, is involve in a car crash. Her vehicle hits the motorbike of a young Senegalese doctor, Aimé Tunkara, killing him. Ple…

1
Reestablishing the link between housing and health 39:14

7M ago39:14

39:14

This week Merlin spoke to the architect and co-founder of the Stirling Prize-winning practice Haworth Tompkins, Graham Haworth. // Calls for a Royal Commission into housing and health as 5,000 deaths caused by cold and damp homes // A new wave of multistorey industrial developments transforming urban skylines // South Korean architect Minsuk Cho pi…

1
Lesley Lokko wins RIBA Gold Medal 39:07

7M ago39:07

39:07

Fill out our 2 minute listener survey to be in with a chance to win a 6 month subscription to Open City's Pocket London printed guides. This week Merlin spoke to Siraaj Mitha, Head of Open City's Accelerate programme. // Lesley Lokko wins RIBA Gold Medal // The state of Britain’s pavements forces many to stay at home // 2023 named hottest year ever…

1
Fresh divisions emerge in the debate over greenbelt development 48:13

7M ago48:13

48:13

Fill out our 2 minute listener survey to be in with a chance to win a 6 month subscription to Open City's Pocket London printed guides. On the show this week Merlin spoke to Des Fitzgerald. Des is a professor of medical humanities and social sciences, and author of the new book ‘The City of Today is a Dying Thing’ // Fresh divisions emerge in the d…

1
Fantasy: Realms of Imagination interview with Matthew Sangster and Tanya Kirk of the British Library 46:09

7M ago46:09

46:09

Tabitha Potts and Martin Nathan interview the lead curator and guest curator of the British Library’s blockbuster exhibition, Fantasy: Realms of Imagination, Tanya Kirk and Matthew Sangster. The exhibition runs until 25th February 2024 and tickets can be booked here. The exhibition has been critically acclaimed with a five star review in The Telegr…

1
Making Mischief in 2023: Round Up 1:05:34

7M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Charlie Russell, Chris Leask and Ellie Morris are looking back at a year in Mischief! Expect lots of laughs, quiz questions and mischievous memories from 2023 - as they chat about Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Mind Mangler more! Mischief Makers delves into the hilarious world of Mischief on stage and screen to find out what makes it so mischievous! Tickets…

1
Sustainable Urban Drainage systems for a greener future 21:57

8M ago21:57

21:57

In this episode we investigated the importance of Sustainable Urban Drainage systems in building a greener future, with Sue Illman who guest edited this edition of Landscape which is dedicated to the evolving landscape of water. Sue is a landscape architect and past president of the Landscape Institute. Her career has changed the landscape of water…

1
Daniel Dae Kim on Making Mischief 44:33

8M ago44:33

44:33

We’re delighted to welcome one of our special guest stars from Peter Pan Goes Wrong in LA: Daniel Dae Kim (Lost, Hawaii Five-0, The Good Doctor). Find out about his love of performing and his career journey across stage and screen - as Charlie Russell catches up with him in London. Mischief Makers delves into the hilarious world of Mischief on stag…

1
Words on Wood: A Trillion Trees with Fred Pearce 46:12

8M ago46:12

46:12

Special episode of award-winning podcast series examining forest restoration. Open City is delighted to present this special episode of Words on Wood, a fantastic podcast created by the American Hardwood Export Council in conjunction with Disegno journal exploring how the world’s forests can be restored. We’ve been fans of Words on Wood for for som…

1
UK rents up by more than a quarter since 2020 42:14

8M ago42:14

42:14

This week Merlin spoke to Rowan Moore - the architecture critic of The Observer and author of several books including ‘Property: The myth that built the world’ // UK rents up by more than a quarter since 2020 // MPs still deliberating over Parliament’s restoration // Stratford Sphere given one last chance by Michael Gove // And how the richest 1% a…

1
Pioneering Parks of the Past and Future 37:07

8M ago37:07

37:07

In this episode, Paul spoke to Karen Fitzsimon, Colleen D’Souza and Rajan Dewan. Karen is a chartered landscape architect, historian, and horticulturist. Colleen is Director and Head of Cracknell’s Integrated Horticulture Team. She has been instrumental in expanding the plant typologies used in the Middle East and North Africa regions of the last t…

1
The Watchers by Kae Hart 9:18

8M ago9:18

9:18

A young woman watches over her little sister in a polluted dystopian world where her scientific knowledge is her only weapon. The story was written by Kae Hart. Kae is a university student who learned to speak by telling stories to everyone who would listen. The cashier at the local grocery store was her first fan. Since then, she has written stori…

1
Walking the Walk: A Sustainable Urbanism Themed Tour of Marylebone 35:55

9M ago35:55

35:55

Given the climate and biodiversity crises we currently face, there is an urgent need to make urban environments more sustainable. This walking tour has been produced to raise awareness of key issues, and to highlight ways that cities can be redesigned to prioritise sustainability principles. In line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, there is…

1
Peter Pan Goes Wrong | Associate Directing 1:02:00

9M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

To celebrate Peter Pan Goes Wrong opening in the West End this week, Charlie Russell caught up with our Associate Director Fred Gray. Find out what it’s like both acting and directing in Mischief shows! And how the show really must go on, as Fred shares how he flew across countries to help cover a role on Broadway! Mischief Makers delves into the h…

1
Extreme weather labelled ‘greatest threat’ to UK built heritage 38:38

9M ago38:38

38:38

This week Merlin spoke to Director of the C20 Society, Catherine Croft. // Extreme weather labelled ‘greatest threat’ to UK built heritage // Concrete concerns back in the spotlight as Bristol tower block evacuated // Climate questions over Labour’s 1.5 million homes pledge // And the London Mayor refuses Sphere venue plans for Stratford // The Bri…

1
Uncertainty rages over the future of HS2’s Euston terminus 35:41

9M ago35:41

35:41

This week Phin spoke to Gareth Dennis, the railway engineer, writer, and sustainable transport advocate. // Uncertainty rages over the future of HS2’s Euston terminus // Dramatic cabinet reshuffle brings sixth change of housing minister within a year // UK accused of violating international law over poverty levels // And WeWork’s bankruptcy calls i…

1
Two pioneering new public green space projects in London 28:55

9M ago28:55

28:55

In this episode, Paul spoke to Neil Manthorpe, and Kate Digney. Neil leads the Atkins London Landscape and Urban Design Studio, which has just won planning permission from the City of London Corporation to upgrade and introduce biodiversity gains to the second part of the high walkway which runs around the Barbican Centre and the Barbican Estate. K…

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