In this episode of Light Cities and Architecture, we explore the legacy of urbanist and writer Jane Jacobs and her 1961 book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities.

Jacobs’ work challenged the planning ideologies of her time—rejecting top-down zoning, soulless high-rises, and sweeping expressways in favour of cities shaped organically by the people who live in them.

Her ideas have influenced generations of urban planners and architects, but do they still have relevance today?

Welcome back to Light Cities and Architecture, where we explore the ideas behind the buildings and people and that shape our built environment.

In a change of approach this time, we invite you on a personal journey as Justine Costigan shares her firsthand account of a recent visit to Shanghai — and the city’s remarkable Art Deco legacy.

In this episode, Antony steps into the role of interviewer, exploring Justine’s passion for Art Deco architecture, fashion, and furniture. Her love for travel, Shanghai, and this distinctive design movement shines through — and may inspire your next trip.

In a fascinating footnote to architectural history, Shanghai is home to one of the world’s best-preserved collections of early 20th-century Art Deco architecture — a fusion of East and West, shaped by the legacies of the former International Settlement and the French Concession.

It’s a story of design, culture, and unexpected connections across time.

Le Corbusier’s Unité d’habitation in Marseille remains one of the most polarising architectural landmarks of the 20th century. A bold experiment in modernist housing, it envisioned a radical new way of urban living, one that was both efficient and communal. While celebrated by many architects for its innovation, it has also faced criticism for disregarding the social and cultural complexities of real cities.

In this episode of Light Cities Architecture, writer and editor Justine Costigan and practising architect Antony DiMase delve into the legacy, mythology, and reality of this Brutalist icon. Was it a revolutionary step forward, or an idealistic vision that fell short? And, given the choice, would either of them choose to live there?

Tune in to find out.

Links:

Fondation Le Corbusier https://www.fondationlecorbusier.fr/en/

Unité d’Habitation tours https://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/discover-marseille/culture-heritage/discover-the-sites-and-monuments-in-marseille/cite-radieuse-of-le-corbusier/

Instagram: @lightscitiesarchitecture

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-costigan/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/antony-dimase/

Credits:

Editor: Suzanne McLeod

This episode was recorded at Image online, Abbotsford, Australia.

Ayn Rand’s philosophical novel The Fountainhead is one of the most-read and most  and quoted books of the 20th century. Dismissed and loved in equal measure, it polarised critics and readers. 

The Fountainhead expressed Rand’s strong beliefs about the role of the creator, the need for freedom, and the moral imperative of self-interest. One of the few novels dedicated to the profession of architecture, The Fountainhead’s ideas about architects and architecture continue to influence how we think about the profession today.

In this episode, Antony and Justine discuss the novel, its pros and cons, and why it is still a treasured reference for right-wing thinkers today.

Quote:

“In reviewing my career to date, I came to the conclusion that I have worked on a true principle: the principle that constant change is a necessity of life.  

Since buildings are an indispensable part of life, it follows that architecture must change constantly. 

I have never developed architectural prejudices for myself, but insisted on keeping my mind open to all the voices of the times.  

The fanatics who went around preaching that all structures must be modern were just as narrow minded as the hidebound conservatives who demanded that we employ nothing but historical styles.  

I do not apologise for those of my buildings which were designed in the Classical tradition.  

They were an answer to the needs of their era.  Neither do I apologise for the buildings which I designed in the modern style.  

They represent the coming better world.  It is my opinion that in the humble realisation of this principle lies the reward and the joy of being an architect.”

The character of architect Peter Keating, The Fountainhead

Links:

John Crace on Ayn Rand, The Guardian, 2009

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2009/mar/11/ayn-rand

Social:

Instagram:

@lightscitiesarchitecture

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-costigan/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/antony-dimase/

Credits:

Editor: Justine Costigan

This episode was recorded at Image online, Abbotsford, Australia.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/always-for-youLicense code: FKADBZMC5CF0HIR8

Join architect Antony DiMase and writer and editor Justine Costigan as they discuss the rise of NIMBYs and YIMBYs and how these groups reflect the growing dissatisfaction with the way our cities are planned. 

We welcome your feedback, questions and topic suggestions. To get in touch email [email protected]

Referenced in this episode:

Tom Cowie’s story about the Thornbury church

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/empty-church-ignites-tension-between-heritage-and-housing-20240424-p5fm7b.html

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/always-for-you

License code: FKADBZMC5CF0HIR8

Join architect Antony DiMase and writer and editor Justine Costigan as they explore the impact of war on cities and the people who live in them. From current battlegrounds in Gaza and Ukraine to historical conflicts, they discuss what happens to cities when buildings and infrastructure is destroyed, the different approaches to rebuilding, and why we need to be talking about this right now.
We welcome your feedback, questions and topic suggestions for discussion.

To get in touch email [email protected]

Referenced in this episode:
What does it take to rebuild a city destroyed by war

Modern War Institute at West Point, 31/02/2023

To Rebuild Cities After War, Look to the Past
By Sameh Wahba and Joanna Masic
Wired Magazine 22/12/2022

The numbers that reveal the extent of the destruction in Gaza
By Archie Bland
The Guardian, 08/01/2024

Music credit:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/always-for-you

In a new format for Season 3 - Antony is joined by writer Justine Costigan. Together they explore the recent announcement by the State Government to demolish the Housing Commission Towers in Melbourne. Justine and Antony discuss how this announcement goes against the trend of retrofitting projects here and around the globe, the implications for the people living in the towers, and the project's place in the wider housing discussion.

We welcome your feedback, questions and topic suggestions for discussion. To get in touch email [email protected]

Referenced in this episode:
Grand Parc public towers, Bordeaux, France

Renovation architects: Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal

“Never demolish. Always transform, with and for the inhabitant."Jean Philippe Vassal

"For people with a passion for sustainability there's never been a better time to be alive." - Andre Egan.

This podcast our guest is Andrew Egan, who, fascinatingly, operates a commercial asset management company that focuses on circularity. Have you ever thought about the lifespan of office furniture? How many chairs, desks, cubicles and kitchens exist in offices worldwide? And, crucially, how many materials were mined, forged and sewn together to make a single chair, only for modern corporate culture to reduce its lifespan to seven years.

This enormous and often unseen issue is what Egans Asset Management brings to the forefront, and offers a neat solution for.

Listen into the episode to hear about the history and growing need to manage the production and output of corporate spaces.

Author, Professor and recently, Poet Brendan Gleeson joins LCA to discuss the gravitational power and development of cities, with a focus on Melbourne.

With a background in geography and urban planning, Brendan is interested in the human relationships developed through planning and architecture. He is a member of the Melbourne Centre for Cities within the University of Melbourne and is the author of 14 books, most recently Records of The Loss Property Department of Gardiner Reserve. I am excited to dive in and hear his perspective on the past, present, and future of Melbourne and urban economics.

Ideally, this episode will provide some insight into the history and complexity of cities and urban planning, and provide hope on the key future issues cities will face in a warming climate.

This episode I invite esteemed author and Professor of Architecture Mirjana Lozanovska, a good friend of mine on to the podcast to talk about post-war southern European migrant housing in the 50's and 60's. Mirjana's extensive expertise sheds light on the architectural landscape of Melbourne, particularly the houses in our local neighbourhoods.

Migrant housing holds a personal connection for me, as my parents moved to Mildura from Italy after World War II, and Mirjana's research resonates with the memories of homes from my childhood.

Mirjana, Professor at Deakin University, focuses her research on architecture, diversity, and culture. Her book, "Migrant Housing," delves into the significant role of migrant architecture in shaping Australian cities, considering the substantial number of Australians with overseas-born parents.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we explore the stories behind the buildings that contribute to the diverse fabric of our communities. Tune in now to gain insights into the fascinating relationship between culture and architecture.