Most Podern Podcast

Why is zoning so opaque, and what if making it more accessible could unlock the future of our cities?

Quang Truong, architect and founder of UrbanForm, joins Most Podern to unpack how zoning works, why it became so complex, and what it will take to make it transparent, legible, and collaborative. From trophy architecture in New York to building tools in Portland, Quang shares his journey from chasing prestige to reshaping the systems that shape our neighborhoods. He explains why zoning isn't neutral, how bad actors weaponize complexity, and why he believes the built environment needs a new alliance between architects, planners, and developers.

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Keywords

zoning, urban development, architecture, community, Urban Form, zoning codes, housing, city planning, collaboration, urban planning,

Chapters

00:00 The Journey from New York to Portland

09:24 Understanding Zoning and Its Impact on Architecture

12:25 The Evolution of Client Relationships in Architecture

15:26 Navigating the Challenges of Urban Development

18:34 The Role of Technology in Modern Architecture

24:30 The Shift in Development Dynamics

27:33 Zoning as a Common Language

30:41 Understanding the Complexity of Zoning

35:05 The Power Dynamics in Zoning

37:36 Urban Form: Decoding Zoning

42:21 Who Benefits from Zoning?

45:36 Opening Zoning to the Public

49:41 The Ideal Zoning System

55:41 Navigating Zoning Challenges

57:56 The Role of Zoning in Community Development

01:01:30 Architects and the Design Conversation

01:06:55 The Complexity of Zoning Regulations

01:10:55 The Future of Urban Development

01:25:00 A Post-Rational Era in Urban Planning

Links

UrbanForm

Quang Truong, AIA

Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DSR)

The Broad

NBCUniversal

The Economics of Zoning Laws - William A. Fischel

Hugh Ferriss

Why is it taking so long for robots to build our buildings—and what happens when they finally do? Brian Ringley, Distinguished Product Manager at Boston Dynamics, takes us behind the curtain of construction robotics, from his time at WeWork experimenting with site automation to shaping Spot's evolution into a mobile sensor platform. We unpack why the construction industry resists innovation, how real-time data and feedback loops can transform project delivery, and what it takes to align business models with breakthrough tech. From layout bots to prefab ecosystems, this is a deep dive into the future of building.

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Keywords

construction robotics, Boston Dynamics, Spot robot, Brian Ringley, mobile robots, digital twins, architecture and automation, construction technology, reality capture, prefab construction, WeWork innovation, laser scanning, field robotics, jobsite automation, building information modeling, modular building, Dusty Robotics, Trimble X7, construction industry disruption, industrial automation, robotic layout, design technology, human-robot collaboration, BIM to manufacturing, intelligent construction systems, Figma for product design, architecture careers in tech, robot dog construction, automation in AEC, construction tech startups, future of building

Chapters

Links

Guest: Brian Ringley

Brian Ringley on LinkedIn

Boston DynamicsSpot

Referenced Tools & Technologies

Trimble X7 Laser Scanner

HoloBuilder

OpenSpace

Fieldlens (by RedTeam)

Dusty Robotics

Figma

Grasshopper (for Rhino)

Human UI Plugin

Wombat Plugin for Grasshopper

Mentioned Companies & Teams

WeWork

Woods Bagot

Intelligent City

Morphosis

Zahner (Architectural Metal Fabrication)

Field AI

Books & Ideas

Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore – Amazon

The Fall of Rome – Wikipedia

What’s holding architecture back—and who’s actually fixing it?

Mercedes Carriquiry, IA., AIA, co-founder of Slantis, joins Most Podern to unpack why architecture firms can no longer afford to go it alone. From early disillusionment with traditional practice to building a 100-person company that’s redefining tech adoption in AEC, Mercedes shares hard-won insights on incentives, process design, and the real reasons most firms struggle with innovation. We explore the messy middle between design and production, why persuasion is an underrated skill in this industry, and how Slantis is helping teams—from boutique studios to global firms—build smarter, not just faster. This is entrepreneurship as it is rarely discussed in architecture: fast moving, systems driven, and relentlessly focused on impact.

About Slantis”We seek the finest solutions for all your architectural challenges. By developing a highly complex BIM model, we deliver outstanding Design, Construction Documents, assets for Fabrication and 3D printing systems, so you build the extraordinary!”

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Keywords

Mercedes Carriquiry, Slantis, AEC technology, BIM consulting, architecture innovation, design technology, architectural workflows, digital fabrication, architecture entrepreneurship, external partners in architecture, production support for architecture firms, tech adoption in AEC, knowledge management in architecture, architecture process improvement, building information modeling, architecture firm collaboration, startup culture in AEC, remote architecture teams, architectural design systems, tech-forward architecture firms

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Slantis and Mercedes Karakiri01:54 Founding Slantis: A Journey of Innovation05:55 Understanding Slantis: More Than Just a Firm10:03 The Dual Approach: Production and Consulting13:44 The Importance of Collaboration in Architecture18:15 Technology as a Mindset: Slantis' Perspective25:01 Building Ideal Client Relationships29:16 Persuasion and Internal Resistance in Firms34:07 Navigating Innovation and Value Proposition34:56 The Importance of Unique Identity in Business37:37 Success in Remote and Hybrid Work Environments41:56 Culture-Driven Technology Adoption45:26 The Future of Collaboration in Architecture49:29 Managing Knowledge and Adaptability in Architecture55:16 Rethinking Teamwork and Incentives in AEC58:21 Critical Thinking in the Modern Era

Links

Slantis: http://www.slantis.com

Tiago Forte: https://www.buildingasecondbrain.com/

37 Signals: https://37signals.com/

Rework: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6732019-rework

Remote: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/228370/remote-by-jason-fried-and-david-heinemeier-hansson/

0 to 1: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=peter+thiel+zero+to+one&rh=n%3A283155&hvbmt={BidMatchType}&hvdev=c&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_5drh44zcl3_e

Marc Andreessen Future of the Internet, Technology, and AI | Lex Fridman Podcast #386: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hxeDjAxvJ8

Diagnosing and Changing Organizational Culture: https://youtu.be/-hxeDjAxvJ8?si=Y5N2Hl-w59itSZkh

SummaryScott Key, CEO of Every Shelter, joins Most Podern to unpack how a simple design—a clean, insulated floor—sparked a global movement to improve life in refugee camps. From launching refugee-run hardware stores to embedding architecture studios inside settlements, Scott shares how design, policy, and persistence collide in one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises.

LinksDonate to Support Every Shelter’s WorkEvery ShelterAn Endless War

Keywords

Every Shelter, Scott Key, humanitarian design, insulated flooring, refugee support, architecture, disaster relief, innovation, safety, dignity, housing, construction, modular,

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of Every Shelter

03:41 Understanding the Need for Insulated Flooring

08:53 The Journey from Concept to Implementation

14:22 Navigating the Humanitarian Landscape

19:38 The Role of Organizations in Refugee Relief

21:37 Transitioning to a Whole Systems Approach

24:24 Understanding Shelter Needs and Solutions

28:50 Community Engagement in Refugee Architecture

30:34 Scaling Solutions Across Different Contexts

34:32 The Role of Community in Design

37:43 Challenges of Running a Nonprofit Organization

41:37 Perseverance in the Face of Adversity

46:48 Reimagining Refugee Support Systems

49:21 The Impact of Policy Changes on Refugee Aid

51:58 Future Aspirations for Every Shelter

53:26 Getting Involved and Supporting Refugee Initiatives

54:55 Defining the Current Era of Complexity

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Urban scientist and Aretian co-founder Ramon Gras joins Most Podern to unpack the design principles and data insights behind high-performing cities. Drawing from global research and on-the-ground practice, Gras reveals how fractal urban form, network connectivity, and balanced density lead to healthier, more dynamic urban environments. He explains why some neighborhoods foster social interaction and economic opportunity, while others fall flat—and how cities can use tools like digital twins to guide smarter, more human-centered development. From Cold War planning to innovation districts, this conversation offers a compelling framework for shaping the future of cities.

Keywords

urban design, city planning, smart cities, digital twins, urban analytics, network science, innovation districts, fractal urbanism, sustainable cities, walkable cities, data-driven planning, future of cities, mixed-use development, urban form, knowledge economy

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Cities and Urban Performance

05:41 The Role of Data in Urban Planning

19:23 Ramon's Journey to City Science

30:07 The Importance of Network Science

49:15 Economic vs. Social Aspects of Cities

01:03:32 Identifying Successful Cities

01:12:45 Engaging Stakeholders for City Improvement

01:22:42 Current Projects and Future Outlook

Links

Aretian Urban Analytics and DesignRamon Gras

City Science: Performance Follows Form

Atlas of Innovation

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"Can AI transform construction’s sluggish pace?" In this episode, Dr. Murat Melek, Director of Design AI at Suffolk, explores how AI could reshape the $6B construction giant and the broader AEC industry. From predictive modeling to tackling inefficiencies, Murat shares his journey from structural engineering to leading AI innovation.

Key Points

• AI in Construction: how AI can streamline design and pre-construction phases.
• Efficiency Gains: Predictive analytics cuts rework, saving time and costs.
• Data Power: Suffolk’s data lake with half a million PDFs drives smarter decisions.
• Future Outlook: We’re in a “pre-iPhone era” of construction tech—connectivity is key.

Quotes

• “The design team carries this huge boulder over a hill, only for the contractor to climb it again.”
• “AI isn’t a cheap intern; it’s a precise tool for specific problems.”
• “We’re at a point where building costs match the value generated—something has to change.”

AI in construction, construction technology, predictive modeling, Suffolk construction, AEC industry, data-driven design, building efficiency.

Links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/muratmelek/
• https://www.suffolk.com/
• http://genia.design/
• https://trunktools.com/

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction: Meet Dr. Murat Melek, AI pioneer at Suffolk.
• 00:27 - Context: Construction’s digital lag and Murat’s background.
• 01:21 - Early Career: From Arup to predictive modeling with Python.
• 02:20 - Why Predictive Models?: Speeding up early design decisions.
• 04:11 - Collaboration: How Arup bridged architect-engineer gaps.
• 05:51 - Master’s Journey: Diving into data science at UC Berkeley.
• 09:40 - Industry Stagnation: Why construction lags despite tech waves.
• 16:11 - Suffolk’s Role: Leveraging data as a $6B contractor.
• 22:14 - Structured vs. Unstructured Data: Decoding RFIs and BIM.
• 34:04 - AI in Action: Scoring designs and flagging issues.
• 41:18 - AI’s New Possibilities: Guide rails and creative solutions.
• 48:51 - Business Model Disruption: Outcome-based fees over hourly rates.
• 52:48 - Future Costs: Can AI reverse rising construction costs?
• 58:50 - Advice for Young Pros: Code, learn BIM, seize opportunities.
• 1:03:36 - Defining Our Era: A “pre-iPhone” moment for AEC tech.

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Summary

America was once a land of movement—both physical and economic. But today, we’re stuck. In this episode of Most Podern, Alex Yuen, Minkoo Kang, and Libo Li sit down with historian and The Atlantic’s deputy executive editor Yoni Appelbaum to discuss his new book, Stuck: How the Privileged and the Property Broke the Engine of American Opportunity. They explore how America’s once-thriving culture of geographic and economic mobility has been stifled by restrictive zoning laws, exclusionary policies, and fear of change—making it harder for people to move and prosper. Yoni traces the history of zoning, from its origins to its role in today’s housing crisis, and outlines three key solutions: standardizing zoning laws, legalizing diverse housing types, and embracing housing abundance. The conversation dives into the broader societal consequences of stagnation and why restoring mobility is crucial for a more America’s future.

Links

Read “Stuck”

https://www.yoniappelbaum.com/https://x.com/YAppelbaum

Keywords

Urban mobility, Housing crisis, Zoning laws, Single-family zoning, Affordable housing, Yoni Appelbaum, Stuck book, The Atlantic, Urban development, Housing policy, Economic mobility, Social mobility, NIMBY vs YIMBY, Housing affordability, Zoning reform, Urban planning, Gentrification, Real estate policy, Progressive housing policy, American cities

Chapters

00:00 The American Dream and Housing Ideals17:37 Generational Perspectives on Community Engagement20:12 The Impact of Mobility on Society22:57 Community Concerns vs. Housing Needs25:43 Mobility as a Fundamental Right28:16 Balancing Individual Agency and Community30:43 Proposed Solutions for Housing Challenges34:47 The Challenge of Change36:37 Learning from Global Examples38:40 The Role of Local Communities43:06 Shifting Mindsets on Growth47:35 The Importance of Mobility53:09 Reflections on the Current Era

Are autonomous vehicles the key to freeing our cities—or just another step toward deeper car dependency? In this episode, we sit down with Evan Shieh, architect, urbanist, professor, and author of Autonomous Urbanism:Towards a Transitopia, to explore how AVs could transform the urban landscape. We discuss the hidden impact of parking, the failures of past mobility revolutions, and whether AVs will truly liberate our streets or reinforce the status quo. From reclaiming urban space to rethinking transportation policy, this conversation will change the way you see the future of cities. Tune in now! 🎧

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Keywords

autonomous vehicles, urban design, public transit, mobility, Los Angeles, parking, technology, culture, architecture, transportation policy

Chapters

00:00 Intro02:17 Impact of Automobiles on Urban Design06:58 Cultural Identity and Automobiles08:50 Los Angeles as a Prototype City12:46 The Intersection of Technology and Policy17:28 Governance and Public Transit Challenges22:21 The Future of AVs and Public Transit29:01 Reimagining Urban Spaces Post-AV Adoption36:17 Rethinking Urban Spaces for Public Good38:26 The Future of Autonomous Vehicles and Urban Design41:34 Integrating Digital and Physical Infrastructure44:18 Labor Dynamics in the Age of Automation48:10 Cultural Shifts in Mobility Choices52:27 Innovative Communication in Urban Planning57:02 The Future of Urban Mobility and Infrastructure

Links

Evan Shieh

Emergent Studio

Autonomous Urbanism

Buy the Book

Follow Evan on Instagram

Follow Evan on Facebook

Follow Evan on LinkedIn

This week ok Most Podern, Libo and Alex dive into the evolving role of AI in various sectors, particularly in design and architecture. They break down discuss the tools and technologies that are shaping the future, the ethical implications of AI development, and the importance of curiosity and engagement in understanding AI's impact on society. They emphasize the need for better education and governance in AI, as well as the balance between technological advancement and human values. Libo discusses why he’s bullish on the tech and Alex explains why he’s pessimistic on some fields’ ability to keep up.

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Apple Podcasts -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164

Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodern

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/most.podern

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern

Keywords

AI, machine learning, architecture, design, technology, ethics, governance, data, curiosity, innovation, urbanism

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI and Curiosity02:41 The Evolution of AI Tools05:20 Understanding AI's Impact on Industries08:02 Agency and Fear in the Architectural Community10:34 Navigating Change and Embracing AI13:04 AI Infrastructure and Application Layers15:40 The Economic Impact of AI18:16 DeepSeek and the Future of AI Models20:59 Data and the Maturity of AI in Industries30:09 Urban Analytics and Smart Cities32:29 Data Challenges in Smart City Development34:10 Surveillance vs. Data Utility in Urban Spaces36:11 The Arms Race of AI Development41:04 Understanding AI: A Call to Curiosity45:38 The Environmental Impact of AI51:23 The Disconnect Between Technology and Governance54:53 Bridging Design and Technology01:00:32 Optimism in Architectural Practice01:01:52 240824_Closing_7 sec.mp4

Links

3Blue1Brown

3Blue1Brown on LLMs

https://www.perplexity.ai/

https://chatgpt.com/

https://www.deepseek.com/

What role does written communication play in the creation of good buildings?

Julia van den Hout, founder of Original Copy, shares her journey from art history to architecture, emphasizing the importance of writing in the field. She discusses her experiences at Steven Holl Architects, the evolution of architectural communication, and the founding of CLOG, a journal aimed at bridging the gap between rapid online discourse and traditional publishing. Julia also reflects on her current practice, Original Copy, and her role at the Art Omi, the Hudson Valley based arts center. In talking with MoPo, Julia highlights the challenges and opportunities in architectural publishing, the impact of AI on authorship, and the nature of communication in a rapidly changing world.

Keywords

architecture, writing, art history, CLOG, Original Copy, design, communication, AI, publishing, Art Omi

Links

Original Copy

Art Omi

Art Omi Residencies

CLOG

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup