Best Urban Studies Journal Podcasts (2025)

1
The Open House Festival catalogue is live, pedestrianising the West End and can office skyscrapers save nightlife? 29:40

1h ago29:40

29:40

In this episode, host Sahiba Chadha will be joined by guest Mike Althorpe, an architectural researcher at Karakusevic Carson Architects and the mastermind behind The London Ambler tours. They will be discussing: The programme for this year’s Open House Festival goes live // Bold plans to pedestrianise London’s West End revealed // A last chance to …

1
Deconstructed: Almanaar Mosque & Cultural Centre - Faith, Space, and Community 29:27

7d ago29:27

29:27

In this episode of Deconstructed, host Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Shukri Sultan, a lecturer at Westminster University, to explore the story of Almanaar Mosque in West London. Together, they unpack how this unassuming building became a vital hub for faith, community, and resilience — especially in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire. Correct…

1
Norman Foster to design Queen Elizabeth II memorial, the rise of AI in architecture and saving Britain's buildings 29:48

14d ago29:48

29:48

In this episode, host and Open City architectural director Merlin Fulcher will be joined by guest Sarah Carrington, the new Director of The Line, a public art trail that connects Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2. They will be discussing: Norman Foster picked to design Queen Elizabeth’s memorial // The majority of architects are now using AI …

1
InterCities: Jerusalem with Yair Wallach 34:21

22d ago34:21

34:21

InterCities is a six-part podcast series from Open City. In it, we travel to a number of cities and boroughs around the world that have transformed over time to discover what we can learn from these places’ achievements, struggles, successes and mistakes. In this episode, our host Owen Hatherley is joined by the Israeli-born, UK-based academic and …

1
EXCLUSIVE: Famed Wall Street vet DICK BOVE on Fall of Financial System, Rise of Crypto, Dollar Collapse, Trump $ Musk, Surging Money Supply, What's REALLY Driving Stock Market. Plus, BOVE 's next book 1:03:51

22d ago1:03:51

1:03:51

In a rare interview since he officially retired last year after a distinguished 54 year career on Wall Street, DICK BOVE, 84, spells out his concerns for the US and global financial system. "I think the financial system of the US has lost its footing," BOVE says in the interview, breaking his silence since his retirement. "I think as this becomes m…

1
The Davidson Prize, Working hours and Oxford Street's pedestrianisation 30:03

1M ago30:03

30:03

In this episode, host Sahiba Chadha is joined by Sharon Giffen, Head of Design at The Earls Court Development Company and an architect with more than 20 years experience leading large scale masterplans and infrastructure projects. They will be discussing: Plymouth high street regeneration wins the 2025 Davidson Prize // From ‘living wage’ to ‘livin…

1
Deconstructed: Crystal Palace Park – Sculpture, Sport and the London County Council 28:45

1M ago28:45

28:45

In this episode of Deconstructed - the first of a trilogy to mark 60 years since the end of the London County Council - Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Dr Dawn Pereira, historian of architectural sculpture and author of a forthcoming monograph on the artist William Mitchell. They discuss Crystal Palace Park, from its origins as the home of Josep…

1
A major report casts doubt over Labour’s housebuilding targets 28:26

1M ago28:26

28:26

In this episode, host Sahiba Chadha is joined by Billy Reading, Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas for Historic England to discuss: A major estate agent casts doubt over Labour’s housebuilding targets // Hawkins\Brown wins the contest to upgrade St Pancras // Campaigners call for Central YMCA’s listing // And Norman Foster celebrates his 90t…

1
InterCities: Kharkiv with Ievgeniia Gubkina 29:55

2M ago29:55

29:55

InterCities is a six-part podcast series from Open City. In it, we travel to a number of cities and boroughs around the world that have transformed over time to discover what we can learn from these places’ achievements, struggles, successes and mistakes. In this episode, our host Owen Hatherley is joined by the Ukranian architect and urban histori…

1
The Mayor of London concedes to green belt housing 28:35

2M ago28:35

28:35

In this episode, host Fran Williams is joined by the architect Daniel Innes, committee member of Architecture LGBT+ to discuss: The Mayor of London concedes to green belt housing // Five competing visions for a new Queen Elizabeth II memorial revealed // New plans announced to upgrade the Barbican Centre // And a sneak peek inside LGBT+ issue of th…

1
Deconstructed: Marlborough Road, Romford - Planning and People 28:54

2M ago28:54

28:54

In this episode of Deconstructed, Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Calvin Po, Strategic Lead at Dark Matter Labs, Unit Master at the Architectural Association and architecture critic at The Spectator. They discuss 159 Marlborough Road, a house on a typical suburban street in Romford, which was the scene in 1954 of a tragic death resulting from Co…

1
Geology of Britannic Repair: the British Pavillion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale 29:37

2M ago29:37

29:37

In this episode, host Fran Williams is joined by Stella Mutegi, founding director of Cave Bureau and co-curator of the British Pavilion at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale. Architecture and ‘colonial afterlives’ take centre stage in this year’s British Pavilion at Venice // Gaza’s reconstruction hangs in the balance as Israel vows 'indefini…

1
InterCities: Belgrade with Dubravka Sekulić 30:29

3M ago30:29

30:29

InterCities is a brand new podcast from the team at Open City. In this six-part series, we travel to a number of cities and boroughs around the world that have transformed over time to discover what we can learn from these places’ achievements, struggles, successes and mistakes. In this episode, our host Owen Hatherley is joined by the author and a…

1
C20 reveals its annual 'Risk List' 40:49

3M ago40:49

40:49

In this episode, host Merlin Fulcher is joined by the CEO of Open City, Vickie Hayward to discuss: The Twentieth Century Society reveals its latest list of architectural heritage at risk // Architects voice copyright fears over the government’s AI plans // A landowner serves notice on a pioneering food forest garden in Devon // And the barriers hol…

1
Deconstructed: Euston Station - Developing the Railway 29:00

3M ago29:00

29:00

In this episode of Deconstructed, Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Ewan Harrison, architectural historian and lecturer at the Manchester School of Architecture, University of Manchester. They discuss Euston Station, designed by William Robert Headley and Ray Moorcroft of British Railways in the early 1960s, in consultation with Richard Seifert, w…

1
The UK government announces a £2bn boost for affordable and social homes 28:53

3M ago28:53

28:53

On The Brief this week, host Fran Williams is joined by Peter George, Strategic Director of Economy and Sustainability at Ealing Council. Government announces a £2 billion pound boost for affordable and social homes // Design Council warns ‘typical’ approach to new homes may derail zero carbon goals // Studio Egret West reveals plans for the UK’s l…

1
InterCities: Sheffield with Johny Pitts 35:01

4M ago35:01

35:01

InterCities is a brand new podcast from the team at Open City. In this six-part series, we travel to a number of cities and boroughs around the world that have transformed over time to discover what we can learn from these places’ achievements, struggles, successes and mistakes. In our second episode, our host Owen Hatherley is joined by the broadc…

1
Plans for Manchester United's new stadium revealed 28:50

4M ago28:50

28:50

On The Brief this week, host Fran Williams is joined by Robin Nicholson, fellow of Cullanan Studios, to discuss: Plans for new 100 thousand-seat Manchester United stadium // Top architecture firms announce redundancies // Labour's new planning and infrastructure bill // And the winner of the 2025 Pritzker Prize To help support excellent and accessi…

1
Deconstructed: Crossness Pumping Station - The Birth of Modern Sanitation 29:00

4M ago29:00

29:00

In this episode of Deconstructed, Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Petra Cox – heritage educator, Open City tour guide and Golden Key Academy graduate. They discuss Crossness Pumping Station, constructed from 1859–65 by William Webster to designs by Charles Henry Driver to serve the entire southern half of Joseph Bazalgette's London sewer system.…

1
Criterion Capital under the spotlight and how safe are London's Lime bikes? 29:55

5M ago29:55

29:55

On The Brief this week, host Sahiba Chadha is joined by the editor of London Centric Jim Waterson, to discuss: The man behind Criterion Capital, Asif Aziz // Safety concerns around London Lime bikes // Demonstrations in Peckham against high-rise regeneration // And what this year's winner of the Jane Drew Prize says about architecture in 2025. To h…

1
InterCities: Greenwich with Ana Francisco Sutherland 45:29

5M ago45:29

45:29

InterCities is a brand new podcast from the team at Open City. In this six-part series, we travel to a number of cities and boroughs around the world that have transformed over time to discover what we can learn from these places’ achievements, struggles, successes and mistakes. In our first episode, our host Owen Hatherly is joined by the architec…

1
Dozens of new towns planned across England and the contentious dismantling of Grenfell Tower 29:00

5M ago29:00

29:00

In this episode, host Merlin Fulcher is joined by the CEO of Open City, Manijeh Verghese to discuss: UK government unveils plans for dozens of new towns across England // The proposed dismantling of Grenfell Tower is met with strong opposition // Japanese architecture duo SANAA win the 2025 RIBA Royal Gold Medal // And the spiritual leader and cham…

1
Deconstructed: St Anne's Limehouse - East End Baroque 29:00

5M ago29:00

29:00

In this episode of Deconstructed, Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by George Saumarez Smith, Design Director at ADAM Architecture. They discuss the church of St Anne's Limehouse, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and consecrated in 1730 as one of the 'Queen Anne Churches' built by the New Church Commission. St Anne's Limehouse is currently campaigning …

1
Barbican revamp revealed, Denys Lasdun’s ‘glass castle’, Archigram and the save Prince Charles cinema campaign 30:36

5M ago30:36

30:36

In this episode, host Merlin Fulcher is joined by Jon Wright, an historian and 20 Century lead at Purcell to discuss: Plans to revamp London’s Brutalist Barbican Centre // A redevelopment bid for Denys Lasdun’s ‘glass castle’ // Tributes for legendary Archigram member Dennis Crompton // And a campaign to save Soho’s Prince Charles cinema. To help s…

1
The Elizabeth Line sparks jobs and housing growth and a transformative redesign of London's Regent Street 27:59

6M ago27:59

27:59

This week Sahiba Chadha is joined by Julian Maynard, industrial designer and the managing director of Maynard Design Group. The Elizabeth Line spurs on new development, but across England, planning approvals for housing have seen record lows // A transformative redesign of London’s Regent Street area is won by Allies and Morrison // The first-ever …

1
Deconstructed: Finsbury Health Centre - Healthcare for a modern age 26:01

6M ago26:01

26:01

In the first episode of Deconstructed, Matthew Lloyd Roberts is joined by Eleanor Marshall, an architectural designer and civil servant at the Department for Transport who runs Open City’s London Public Health Architecture Walking Tour. They discuss Finsbury Health Centre, an iconic modernist building in Clerkenwell, designed by the architect Berth…

1
Is the UK housing crisis threatening the economy and NHS recovery? 38:10

6M ago38:10

38:10

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by journalist and YouTuber Jon Stone to discuss the week's major stories in architecture and the built environment: Ministers warned UK housing crisis threatens the economy and NHS recovery // How 2025 could be transformative for London cycling // A new study suggests doubling London St Pancras International’s cap…

1
Deconstructed (coming soon) 0:59

7M ago0:59

0:59

De-constructed is Open City's brand new podcast which explores buildings, places, landscapes and communities, taking apart their architecture piece by piece to better understand what makes them so compelling. Each month, Matthew Lloyd Robert is joined by a different guest and transported to a location of their choice, that reveals something about t…

1
SPECIAL: Archduke Edward Habsburg, Hungary's Ambassador at Vatican on averting demographic disaster, globalization & stunning insights on assassination of his ancestor, Archduke Franz Ferdinand & WW1 42:53

7M ago42:53

42:53

Eduard Habsburg is Hungary’s ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta. His family reigned in Austria, Hungary, Germany, Spain (and quite a few other places). Also known as Archduke Eduard of Austria, he is a diplomat and social media personality. Eduard and his wife, Baroness Maria Theresia von Gudenus, have six children. Eduard …

1
Angela Rayner approves M&S’s contentious Oxford Street redevelopment 44:44

7M ago44:44

44:44

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by Peter Murray OBE, the co-founder of New London Architecture to discuss the week's major stories in architecture and the built environment: Angela Rayner approves M&S’s contentious Oxford Street redevelopment // Keir Starmer sets down new Housing and Infrastructure pledges // New data shows average house prices …

1
Smithfields closure, unrealistic housing targets and Brighton's white elephant 45:48

8M ago45:48

45:48

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by the author, columnist and SAVE founding trustee Simon Jenkins to discuss: Smithfields meat market closes for good after 850 years // Councils raise concerns over unrealistic government housing targets // Brighton’s i360 enters administration // And cycling in London booms more than 25 per cent in the past five …

1
Office for Place scrapped, empty High Streets and C20's 'Coming of Age' campaign 38:27

8M ago38:27

38:27

This week Sahiba Chadha is joined by award winning architect Gurmeet Sian, to discuss: Government design champion, the Office for Place is scrapped // New powers for councils to tackle empty High Street units // Angela Rayner massively restricts right to buy for new council homes // And a new campaign by the Twentieth Century Society to list recent…

1
21,000 Saudi worker deaths, The Duchy of Cornwall and the Pay 100 survey 43:21

8M ago43:21

43:21

This week Fran Williams is joined by Ramsey Yassa, an architect and founding director of NOOMA studio, to discuss: UK architects facing scrutiny amid reports of 21,000 Saudi worker deaths // ACME takes over and reveals scaled-back Liverpool St station revamp plans // Mouldy, hard-to-heat rental homes spell royal scandal for Prince William // And is…

1
The budget, China's super embassy and the legacy of Britain's Empire Exhibition 40:42

9M ago40:42

40:42

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by the architectural worker, writer and editors of the magazine Failed Architecture to discuss: Rachel Reeves commits £500 million pounds more for affordable housing // Leading economist calls on Labour to spend large on arts and culture projects // David Chipperfield’s Chinese Embassy plans called in by Angela Ra…

1
Rachel Reeves' billion pound boost for council housing, design codes and the vital role of retrofit 34:23

9M ago34:23

34:23

This week Sahiba Chadha is joined by the architect Tara Gbolade to discuss: Rachel Reeves' £1 billion boost for council housing in the autumn budget // How planning reform and design codes could help create 1.5 million homes // Calls for the government to engage more with architects on retrofit // And the architecture critic, Joseph Rykwert, has di…

1
Dr. Matt Eichner 39:01

9M ago39:01

39:01

In the inaugural episode of season 3 of Inside JMS, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse sit down with Dr. Matt Eichner, who joined the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies in January 2024. Matt shares his unique journey from a diverse journalism career, including stints as a sports editor and managing editor, to transitioning into a…

1
The Elizabeth line wins the RIBA Stirling prize, councils declare new UK housing targets unrealistic and the battle for Bethnal Green Working Men's Club 30:50

9M ago30:50

30:50

This week Fran Williams is joined by the architectural journalist Amy Frearson to discuss: The Elizabeth Line comes out on top at this year’s RIBA Stirling Prize // Government housing targets branded ‘unrealistic’ by local authorities // The Olympic Park gets a refresh with a new public space for young women and girls // And the £4 million pound ba…

1
Leaking luxury flats, RIBA's big rebrand and London's new 'town architects' named 34:39

9M ago34:39

34:39

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by the architect David Ogunmuyiwa to discuss: A luxury Croydon tower needing ‘extensive’ remediation after only two years // The president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Muyiwa Oki announces a rebrand // Mayor picks top names for London’s new ‘town architects’ // And the campaign to see 11 Jubilee L…

1
Affordable homes being run for profit, the nimby-yimby debate and the trouble with Euston Station 36:02

10M ago36:02

36:02

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by writer and housing activist Adam Peggs to discuss: Run for profit affordable homes spark rent rise fears // Questions over the government’s 1.5 million homes pledge amid troubling housing market data // London’s mayor approves controversial Wimbledon tennis redevelopment plans // And the government is set to ba…

1
Sycamore gap one year on, 'brownfield passports' and the wood burner wars 38:05

10M ago38:05

38:05

This week Sahiba Chadha is joined by the renowned tree expert and author, Paul Wood, to discuss: Sycamore Gap one year on // Labour's ‘brownfield passports’ for new housing // the UK's missed tree-planting targets // and how millions of Britons want their cities carfree according to a new poll. To help support excellent and accessible, independent …

1
Could this be the end for Birmingham’s brutalist Ringway Centre? 30:48

10M ago30:48

30:48

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by Ewan Harrison, a lecturer in Architectural Studies at the University of Manchester. Campaigners lose bid to save Birmingham’s brutalist Ringway Centre // Sadiq Khan wins new powers to pedestrianise Oxford Street // Listing bid for Portsmouth Civic Offices blocked // And an abandoned leisure centre in West Yorks…

1
The Grenfell Report: Key Findings from the Inquiry 29:18

11M ago29:18

29:18

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by Tomi Balogun, a young architect studying the Bartlett and winner of the Beyond The Box People's Pavilion prize 2023. The Grenfell inquiry’s damning verdict sees architect Studio E given ‘very significant’ responsibility for the fire // A new design handbook making cities safer for women // Anthony Gormley slams…

1
6. Walking the city with… Sergio Montero and urban solutions 33:09

11M ago33:09

33:09

Solutions, mobility and getting on the road Show notes for Episode 6 are available here. If you liked our walk, you might want to follow up on Sergio’s work in Urban Studies: Montero S and Baiocchi G (2022) A posteriori comparisons, repeated instances and urban policy mobilities: What ‘best practices’ leave behind. Urban Studies 59(8): 1536-1555. M…

1
5. Walking the city with… Zara Shabrina & Mike Batty and urban science 44:22

11M ago44:22

44:22

Platform economy, talking to machines, the misuse of an app, and buffalo wings Show notes for Episode 5 are available here. If you liked our walk, you might want to follow up on Zara and Mike’s work in Urban Studies: Shabrina Z, Arcaute E and Batty M (2022) Airbnb and its potential impact on the London housing market. Urban Studies 59(1): 197-221. …

1
4. Walking the city with… Shenjing He and Chinese urbanism 25:42

11M ago25:42

25:42

The urbanisation of China, and speculative enterprise of city villagers Show notes for Episode 4 are available here. If you liked our walk, you might want to follow up on Shenjing’s work in Urban Studies: He S and Qian J (2017) From an emerging market to a multifaceted urban society: Urban China studies. Urban Studies 54(4): 827-846. He S (2015) Co…

1
3. Walking the city with… Dallas Rogers and spooky urbanism 30:51

11M ago30:51

30:51

Spooky concepts, sounds, global real estate circuits and a quietness with an edge Show notes for Episode 3 are available here. If you liked our walk, you might want to follow up on Dallas’ work in Urban Studies: Gibson C, Legacy C and Rogers D (2023) Deal-making, elite networks and public–private hybridisation: More-than-neoliberal urban governance…

1
2. Walking the city with… Julie Ren and comparisons 26:18

11M ago26:18

26:18

Elsewheres, middles and comparisons Show notes for Episode 2 are available here. If you liked our walk, you might want to follow up on Julie’s work in Urban Studies: Ren J (2022) A more global urban studies, besides empirical variation. Urban Studies 59(8): 1741-1748. Credits Every Beginning Is Hard 1v46 by Setuniman nothing more 1T37 by Setuniman …

1
1. Walking the city with… Colin McFarlane and crowds 34:58

11M ago34:58

34:58

Densities and crowds, fragments, and sanitation Show notes for Episode 1 are available here. If you liked our walk, you might want to follow up on Colin’s work in Urban Studies: McFarlane C (2023) Critical Commentary: Repopulating density: COVID-19 and the politics of urban value. Urban Studies 60(9): 1548-1569. McFarlane C (2012) The entrepreneuri…

1
‘Retrofit-first’ council approves five demolitions in one scheme 32:59

11M ago32:59

32:59

This week Fran Williams is joined by Gino Spocchia, senior reporter at the Architects Journal. ‘Retrofit-first’ council approves five demolitions in one scheme // Foster + Partners rumoured to be designing Manchester United’s new stadium // China revives plans for a new London embassy after Labour’s election victory // And an ‘intimate’ biography o…

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

12M 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…

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Urban Studies Journal Podcasts

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