Grow Places

Have you ever pondered over how our individual choices, like the food we eat, the car we drive, or even the design of our homes, send ripples through the environment? 

Our guest, Joe Morris, Founding Director of Morris & Company Architects and an advocate for veganism, takes us on a journey through his experiences with veganism and how it influenced his philosophy towards sustainable architecture and place. We explore the ethics and principles of veganism and delve into how it shapes our interactions with our environment, fellow humans, and animals.

In an age where we're striving to create lasting impacts and drive positive changes, it's important to remember that change often begins at home. As consumers, our choices can be a powerful catalyst for change - from disconnecting our homes from gas systems to opting for slower travel instead of flying. Joe challenges us to shift our perspectives and to make more sustainable choices. This episode is a testament to the significant role that finding the right people, getting the message out, and forging a pathway towards sustainable living can play.

In our pursuit of sustainable living, we must also address the importance of sustainable building projects. From major regeneration works to the reuse of buildings, we examine how as architects and developers, we can contribute towards a more sustainable future. Join us as we grapple with existential questions surrounding sustainability in design and how thoughtful decision-making can lead to a more sustainable society. Be prepared to challenge your norms and gain insights that could reshape your daily choices and their impact on the environment.

Do you ever wonder about the metaverse? That's exactly where we're taking you! We have the privilege of hosting William Polisano, a pioneer in the space and the COO and founding partner at Verse Prop. He takes us on an exciting journey, from his early days to his current role, exploring how the metaverse - a series of immersive 3D worlds where users are represented by avatars - is revolutionizing the way businesses market and sell their products. We promise you, this conversation will expand your perspective on the blending of our physical and digital worlds.

But we don't stop there. Will, with his rich experience in PropTech and real estate, navigates us through the concept of fractionalized real estate, a revolutionary way of democratizing access to institutional-grade investments. Together, we ponder on the potential impacts of blockchain and other technologies on the real estate industry and their role in facilitating ownership. Finally, we engage in a thoughtful discussion on the delicate balance between ownership and technology, emphasizing the importance of nuanced conversations in our evolving world. So gear up for a stimulating exploration of the future of real estate, and the delicate dance between the physical and digital worlds!

What if the tranquillity you seek comes in the art and design surrounding you in your community? Join us as we welcome Shiro Muchiri of SoShiro, revealing the magic of how art shapes communities. Through captivating stories, we discover the power of art in bridging cultural gaps and reconnecting individuals with their roots. Be it a nostalgic building or a local eatery, these markers have the power to reignite memories and emotions. We delve into the integral role of these artistic elements in development, creating connections and contributing positively to the community.

As we journey further, we uncover the immense potential of art and architecture in community and city development. Challenging usual assumptions about community engagement, we unravel how art creates economic and social value by fostering meaningful connections. From celebrating diversity to illuminating shared city experiences, art has the power to unite different demographics. And it doesn't stop there. Our conversation takes us deep into the realm of collaborative art and architecture projects, exploring their objectives, strategies, and potential social value. So, whether you're an art enthusiast, a community developer, or simply have a curious mind, come along for this insightful journey into the transformative power of art and design in community minded development of our towns and cities.

What if you could contribute to solving one of society's most pressing issues - homelessness? Our guest today is Rob Neale from St Mungo's, one of the UK's largest homelessness charities. He's here to share his journey from studying physics and human rights law, to becoming a pivotal figure in fundraising through corporate partnerships. 

Hang tight as Rob throws light on the multifaceted nature of homelessness. It's not just about providing shelter, but also addressing a diverse range of needs - from dealing with rent arrears and trauma, to substance abuse and mental health issues. Hear firsthand accounts of the complexities involved in tackling homelessness, the importance of building trust and the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

In our final act, Rob shares insights on securing partnerships for projects not funded by the government. You'll learn about the tact and empathy required while assisting people sleeping rough, and the enriching experience of volunteering for a charity. Get ready to be inspired and moved by this profound conversation. Remember, even the smallest act of kindness can leave a lasting impact and imbue your life with a sense of purpose.

Welcome to an illuminating dialogue with the Co-founder of The Future Laboratory, Martin Raymond - a visionary who has reshaped the way we think about the future. Together, we're challenging traditional notions and masterplans, unearthing the beauty of chaos that has spawned cities like Paris, Rome, London, and New York. Ready for a deep dive into the heart of future urban planning and social change? 

We embark on an intellectual journey, traversing the future, and unmasking its uncertainties. Picture a world where AI, quantum, and virtual reality are not fancy jargon but everyday realities. We shed light on such an intriguing future while simultaneously addressing grave threats like climate change and resource depravity. The rise of totalitarianism, a lurking shadow, is also part of our discourse. But, fear not! For we believe that the key to overcoming these challenges lies in nurturing collaboration and community, with a sense of optimism.

To wrap up, we take the pulse of social change and how it guides city planning. We unearth indicators from the youth movement, the environmental movement, and the blue marble effect from the 60s. The requirements of cities today - open plan, glass, precincts, urban forests, a focus on experience over shopping - are all on the table. We'll question how we can use technology to understand the needs and wants of city dwellers. It's time to think outside the box and step into the future. Are you game?

Ever wondered how small changes in architecture and construction can contribute significantly towards a sustainable future? That's exactly what we unpack together with our guest for today, Andrew Waugh of Waugh Thistleton Architects, an architect-activist deeply devoted to sustainable practice. Andrew’s journey, from his early practice days, has been defined by a vision to construct not just aesthetically pleasing, but also low-carbon footprint buildings. We delve into the nitty-gritty of the journey, the conversations with code officials, building regs inspectors, planners and developers, and how they continue to deal with varying attitudes towards sustainability.

The conversation doesn't stop there as we broaden our exploration to discuss the industry-wide impact of sustainability, with special focus on mid-market and affordable housing. Hear from Andrew about maintaining the delicate balance between the urban density, use of timber in construction and the preservation of green spaces. We put a spotlight on the potential of underutilised land and how thoughtful urban planning can transform our cities without compromising their intrinsic charm. An enlightening chat that promises to change your perspective on sustainable development, one step at a time.

How can we create a brighter future for young Londoners from low-income backgrounds and diverse communities? Join us as we chat with Louise Richmond from the Mayor's Fund for London and explore the power of community hubs - from schools to places of worship - and their role in the wellbeing of London's youth. Listen in as we discuss how vital these spaces are in bringing people together and providing opportunities for personal growth.

Learn about the Mayor's Fund for London inspiring projects such as the Access Aspiration program and the Firm Foundations campaign. Discover how these initiatives are helping thousands of young Londoners explore different sectors, challenge the status quo in the built environment industry, and cultivate meaningful connections with potential employers. Our conversation also delves into the potential of apprenticeships and the importance of relatable role models in shaping the future of our youth.

Last but not least, we tackle the issue of social isolation and the ways in which the Mayor's Fund for London is making a difference through their Kitchen Social program. Find out how this innovative project is creating a safe and welcoming space for young people to gather, share a meal, and engage with peers without stigma. Don't miss our thought-provoking discussion on the need to expand community hubs, the potential of the built environment to offer more than just housing, and the necessity of addressing the rising costs of living.

What does it take to create a truly inclusive and vibrant built environment that improves quality of life for all? Join our conversation with Professor Sadie Morgan OBE, founder of the Quality of Life Foundation and dRMM, as we uncover the essential components of design that foster well-being, from a sense of control and belonging to access to nature and healthy homes. This enlightening discussion will inspire architects, planners, and city dwellers alike to rethink the spaces we inhabit and how they can better serve us.

Together with Sadie, we dive into the importance of affordability, security, and safety in creating a quality of life framework for the built environment. Learn how trust building is crucial for supporting vulnerable populations and why asking the right questions is key to developing better places. We also explore the value of diverse perspectives in the Quality of Life Foundation, from architects and engineers to economists and politicians, and how a multi-generational and multicultural community enriches the conversation. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain fresh insights on how we can all contribute to a more livable and inclusive world.

See you next time!

http://www.growplaces.com

What if buildings could transform the lives of the those people experiencing homelessness? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Heather Macey, founder of Architects Aware!, as we dive into the incredible mission behind her initiative: using architectural and urban design skills to help those experiencing homelessness access accommodation. Heather shares her experiences working with charities, developing a competition brief, and navigating the complexities of such projects.

In this heartfelt discussion, we also delve into the importance of designing spaces with empathy and compassion. Heather emphasizes the necessity of creating environments that accommodate everyone, regardless of their background or situation. Drawing from her own experiences, she highlights the values of empathy and compassion in producing people-centered designs that cater to individual needs.

As we wrap up, Heather offers insightful perspectives on the role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in design. We explore the challenges of quantifying social value and the importance of simplifying conversations around ESG to focus on the desired outcomes. Heather encourages an impact-first mindset, emphasizing bespoke and specific design approaches to truly make a difference. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation.

See you next time!

http://www.growplaces.com

What does it take to create spaces that truly improve the quality of life for all? Join us as we uncover the secrets behind designing meaningful places for everyday life with our special guest, Chloe Phelps, founder of Grounded Practice. We explore Chloe's journey from working at Brick by Brick to starting her own female-led architecture practice focused on housing and communities.

Discover the importance of understanding the viability process when it comes to delivering successful projects, and how Chloe's experience with larger sites has informed Grounded's approach to design and development. We also delve into the impact of using natural materials in creating humane buildings that positively affect users' physical and mental wellbeing. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation that highlights the importance of creating places that cater to the needs and desires of the people who inhabit them, and how this shared mission drives both Grounded and Grow Places.

See you next time!

http://www.growplaces.com