An evocative discussion with Brendan discussing their project near Cairo Egypt for a new 4000-student university.
Brendan describes shadow and geometry including the intimacy of sub-ground tombs as his archeological context.
The firm won the C40 competition Reinventing Cities for their unbuilt ‘Energy Plug’, a gateway building at Paris Olympics 2024.
Brendan’s creative studies originating in Aotearoa NZ are also highlighted.

Tania Ihlenfeld joins us from London. Tania is the CEO and Founder of Ede Enablers Ltd and the author of Build Success. Both her company and recent book are committed to developing and supporting formidable leaders to deliver impactful, future-fit built environments without compromise.

Michael Lehrer one of Los Angeles’ celebrated, modernist architects With many decades of practice based in Silverlake Hollywood, he gives a vital and clear description of practicing architecture as it happens day to day.
His commitment to the craft and the creative process for the well-being of the individual and community clients is enlightening and encourages all in the collaborative act of architecture.

Michael is the recipient of many awards including the 2020 AIA LA Gold Medal.
Michael has been past president of AIA LA and is active on the Board of local housing agencies for the homeless.

https://www.lehrerarchitects.com/project/chandler-tiny-home/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JieScoc1vshttps://globaldesignnews.com/michael-b-lehrer-constructs-the-7-3m-tiny-home-village-on-leftover-plots-in-los-angeles-as-an-urban-micro-homes-development-to-house-200-homeless-residents-in-the-most-colorful-environment/https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/michael-lehrer-los-angeles-house-article

Discussions with Bede Laracy, Raumati Community Board Chair, and Sophie Handford, Paekakariki / Paraparaumu Ward Councillor.
Both at Kapiti Coast District Council.

We discuss ‘Our Vision for Raumati’: a facilitated exploration of local urban initiatives for people and place.
This is a dynamic voice of local residents and describes a future vision of their local township, within a coastal district from hills to sea.
A successful public survey culminated in masterful cartographic imagery, communicating multiple ideas and concepts, with purpose for immediate and long-term action.

Iris Gramegna, Senior Urban Designer at Isthmus. (A Landscape, Urban Design, Architecture practice in Aotearoa NZ).
She describes her work as designing for people and places, in the geography and landscape of her new home in the Pacific.

"I like to work at the minus one stage of a project—understand and explore the problem, purpose, place, and (most importantly) people. To then set up a brief that has a meaningful outcome not just an output. Having come from abroad I’m excited to discover Aotearoa; meet and work with people to shape unique spatial experiences."

Aidan Hart iconographer and fresco artist.

He discusses the collaborative joy in designing the anointing screens for the King’s Coronation and his work and history as a former Orthodox monk at Mt Athos and his former Shropshire Hermitage.
He discusses the influences of church architecture on his liturgical works, including at Westminster Abbey. We also talk urban design, beauty, and community.

Anna Carter, Senior Planning Consultant, LandMatters Ltd, Otaki, describes in depth the work of LandMatters and their successful collaboration and innovation across stakeholders in land and urban development projects.
A range of topical National Policy Statements are discussed including Freshwater; Highly Productive Land; Biodiversity.
Social housing is highlighted and also medium and high density housing standards and what these proposed rules mean for our townships today.
Also covered: the concept of Te Mana o te Wai which is Te Atiawa’s commissioned Statement of Cultural Values; Ki Uta ki Tai which is the successful Kapiti template of the Mountains to the Sea awa concept; and Three Waters.

Rosalind Derby discusses with Catherine Scullin the Disrupt online International Women in Architecture Symposium on March 8 International Womens Day.
This is combined with an experience as a public attendee, at a local government council Strategy and Growth meeting.

Ben Katuin retired landscaper in Levin, describes his busy decades as landscape head across city boroughs in the Netherlands.
He practiced through all of the developments in modern landscaping from the 50s–80s and describes in vivid detail the life of a thoughtful and responsible landscaper.
He discusses the famous 70’s Dutch ‘woonerf’ streets for people schemes, which are relevant for streetscape design today.

Susi White, Owner of Lavender Creek Farm in Te Horo and member of the Mirek Smisek Arts Trusts discusses the restoration project of the historic Smisek beehive kilns and the creation of a hub for ceramic arts.
The creation of this new visitor destination includes the restoration of the historic Te Horo railway station and care for the surrounding bush walks.
Lavender Creek Farm is also discussed as a visitor destination