Architecture is often seen as something static — a monument, a statement, a symbol of permanence. But for Marina Tabassum, it’s something else entirely: a living response to place, people, and change. In this episode of the Culture Shifts Podcast, I’m joined by Marina Tabassum, architect and educator based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and designer of this year’s 25th Serpentine Pavilion in London.

We talk about her distinct approach to building in both the Global South and North. From the lightweight, movable Khudi Bari homes for climate-displaced families in Bangladesh to her London pavilion A Capsule in Time, envisioned as a structure with a second life as a library. Marina shares how local materials like bamboo, brick, and mud shape her work, and why true sustainability means designing not only with the land, but with the people.

Drawing from collaborations with geographers, anthropologists, and communities themselves, Marina challenges the idea of architecture as purely aesthetic, instead positioning it as a force for resilience, equality, and quiet transformation.

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What if we stopped treating climate change, inequality, and economic instability as separate problems, and started seeing them as symptoms of a system that needs a fundamental rethink?

In this episode of the Culture Shifts podcast, I’m joined by Till Kellerhof, economist, political scientist, and Program Director at the Club of Rome. As Director of Earth4All, a global initiative aimed at accelerating systems change, Till is helping shape a bold new vision for the future. One that puts human well-being and planetary health at the center.

We explore the legacy of The Limits to Growth, the need for new economic models, and how Earth4All’s “Five Turnarounds” provide a roadmap toward a more just and sustainable world. From taxing extreme wealth to empowering the Global South, this conversation dives deep into the policies – and mindsets – needed to achieve the change. It’s a call to imagination, agency, and action in the face of today’s polycrisis – and a reminder that a better future is possible, if we choose to build it.

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Architecture is more than just buildings – it’s a powerful lens through which to understand our world. In this episode of the Culture Shifts Podcast, I’m joined by Beatrice Galilee, curator, writer, and founder of The World Around, a global platform spotlighting the most impactful ideas in architecture and design.

We explore how architecture can become a vehicle for social and environmental transformation – from telling deeper stories about the spaces we live in, to fostering real-world solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration. Beatrice shares the mission behind The World Around and the Young Climate Prize, which amplifies the voices of young innovators from the Global South.

Together, we discuss the role of storytelling in architecture, the importance of solution-based design, and why architecture belongs at the heart of global conversations and not just on the sidelines.

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Museums are no longer just exhibition spaces – they are evolving into cultural agents that shape contemporary discourse. But how can they break free from tradition and truly engage with society?

In this episode of the Culture Shifts Podcast, Bart Van der Heide, Director of Museion in Bolzano, joins me to discuss the evolving role of museums in society. With a background in curating and leadership at institutions like the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and Kunstverein Munich, Bart has been redefining Museion’s mission since 2020 – turning it into a dynamic, forward-thinking institution.

We dive into the challenges of translating theory into action, the importance of community engagement, and why museums must embrace their role as political and cultural agents. Bart also shares his thoughts on measuring impact beyond visitor numbers, adopting sustainable practices, and creating a brand that truly reflects institutional values.

It’s a conversation about innovation, responsibility, and how museums can drive real change in today’s world.

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To kick off our Solutions season – where we explore how to address today’s most pressing challenges – I’m joined by Alice Rawsthorn, an award-winning design critic, acclaimed author, and co-founder of Design Emergency, an initiative investigating design’s role in shaping a better future.

In this episode, Alice talks about how design is evolving beyond aesthetics to become a force for systemic change, tackling issues like climate change, inequality, and humanitarian crises. She shares compelling examples of design initiatives that influence policy, social structures, and everyday life, emphasizing the need for collaboration, inclusivity, and empathy in shaping the future.

Join us as we discuss how design can move beyond form to function as a driver of meaningful change.

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This season, the Culture Shifts Podcast is dedicated to one key theme: Solutions.

In conversations with leading thinkers, visionaries and innovators we explore how to address today’s most pressing challenges – thoughtfully, creatively, and with real impact.

What makes a solution truly effective in a complex world? How can we move from ideas to real change? What role do collaboration and rethinking existing systems play in shaping the future?

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Our guest today: Matt Klein — a cultural researcher, writer and strategist who's always a step ahead of the cultural curve. From his base in New York City, Matt’s work explores the forces shaping our world, helping brands and organizations navigate the future in meaningful ways. As the Head of Global Foresight at Reddit, Matt spends his days diving deep into emerging subcultures, tracking trends, and making sense of the ripple effects these shifts have on everything from AI to digital influencers.

In this episode, we’ll unpack how Matt's unique approach to trend forecasting helps companies stay culturally relevant and how he engages with communities to find deeper, overlooked insights. Plus, we’ll hear about his passion project, ZINE, the role of culture in shaping the future of brands and organizations and the actual online and offline trends such as BRAT summer or Kidulting. 

It's a timely conversation that delves into the pulse of today's and tomorrow's marketing, communication, and branding strategies — and highlights just how crucial it is to understand the cultural context. 

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Today, we’re joined by the artist and illustrator Christoph Niemann, whose work blends creativity with technology in ways that constantly push the boundaries of traditional art. In this episode, we dive into Christoph’s artistic journey, where the balance between mind, hand, and paper comes alive in his storytelling. From iconic New Yorker covers to experimenting with augmented reality, Christoph shares how he filters through a flood of ideas to create captivating visuals that resonate deeply with his audience.

We also explore how digital tools like AR and VR are reshaping illustration, and the delicate interplay between technology and creativity. Plus, Christoph opens up about the evolving role of social media and how artists can maintain authentic connections with their audience in an ever-changing digital landscape.

As AI continues to evolve, Christoph offers his thoughts on the irreplaceable value of human imperfections in art and how the future of creativity still lies in genuine, emotional connections. Join us for this inspiring conversation as we uncover how art, technology, and storytelling come together in Christoph Niemann’s world.

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We are delighted to be joined by Simone Farresin and Andrea Trimarchi, the visionary duo behind the acclaimed design studio Formafantasma, with studios in Milan and Rotterdam. Working with brands such as Prada, Artek and Flos, they have created exhibitions, installations and shows at the Serpentine Galleries in London, the Venice Biennale and the Salone del Mobile in Milan. 

Simone and Andrea explore the transformative power of design and how it shapes our world. They share insights on the importance of conversation and dialogue in their creative process and highlight the need to respond to the present moment. We explore their diverse work with different clients and cultures, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in design, and their belief that form should follow function.

In this episode we also get an insight into their personal design preferences and their vision for contemporary design, objects and interdisciplinary exchange. 

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In this episode, Ruggero Pietromarchi, the visionary founder of Threes Productions and Terraforma Festival, joins us to discuss his journey in cultural production and the exciting upcoming Terraforma EXO event in Milan.

Ruggero delves into the evolution of his company, highlighting the importance of collaboration and sustainability in their projects. He emphasizes that cultural events should go beyond mere entertainment to foster critical thinking and meaningful dialogue.

Ruggero also shares the challenges of running a business in the cultural sector, expressing concerns about the industry's current state. Despite these challenges, his optimism and commitment to creating unique and immersive experiences remain unwavering.

Tune in as we explore the intersection of art, sustainability, and cultural impact with one of the most innovative figures of Europes creative music and culture scene. 

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