By Austin Tunnell
5
1010 ratings
The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.
I invited Thomas Dougherty, or lead urban designer, back on the Podcast to discuss real life lessons behind several of our current projects at Building Culture. We discuss Townsend, a 1+ acre infill site with 19 townhomes, a couple live/works and 10,000 SF of boutique commercial, that we are nearing approvals on. We get into some really practical stuff we’ve learned, such as how we are parking it, dealing with trash, utilities, and balancing privacy with connection. We also discuss an 80-acre master plan we are working on and how we are taking a slightly different approach than many current TNDs. And of course, we bring it back to the human experience, and how we can serve people through building and architecture!
If you are reading this, I'd greatly appreciate it if you took a moment to leave us a 5 star review! Enjoy.
TAKEAWAYS
Innerblock development creates human-scale spaces within blocks, allowing for the creation of vibrant and intimate urban environments.
Centers and courtyards are essential elements of innerblock development, providing identifiable and delineated spaces for human interaction.
Utilities and fire safety are important considerations in innerblock development, and creative solutions such as geothermal HVAC systems and land condos can address these challenges.
Balancing public and private spaces is crucial in creating a cohesive and livable urban environment.
Thoughtful design and attention to detail, such as trash management and parking solutions, can enhance the overall experience of innerblock development. Public spaces play a crucial role in fostering community and building relationships.
Missing middle building types and diverse housing options are essential for creating inclusive and attainable communities.
The design of a community should be responsive to the topography and natural surroundings.
The layout of streets and the integration of nature can enhance the pedestrian experience and create a sense of place.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:51 Creating Human-Scale Spaces: The Concept of Interblock Development
12:53 The Value of Centers and Courtyards in Urban Design
25:02 Addressing Utilities and Fire Safety in Innerblock Development
35:02 Innovative Solutions: Geothermal HVAC and Land Condos
38:45 Balancing Public and Private Spaces in Urban Environments
45:07 Enhancing the Urban Experience: Attention to Detail in Innerblock Development
52:46 The Importance of Missing Middle Building Types
58:06 Designing with Topography and Nature in Mind
01:05:16 Enhancing the Pedestrian Experience through Street Design
CONNECT WITH TOM
https://x.com/NestedUrbanism
https://www.instagram.com/innerblock/
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
SPONSORS
Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/
One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/
Inspiring and equipping architects, developers, and anyone working in the built environment to craft a more beautiful and resilient world for people.
Las Catalinas might be the most beautiful town built in the 21st century. And my guest today, Sara Bega, has stewarded its evolution as Town Architect for a decade. Las Catalinas is a car-free, kid-friendly, multi-generational community in Costa Rica. Their goal is to create a pedestrian-first environment that maximizes kid freedom and allows for independent exploration and discovery. The town is built on 20% of the 1200-acre site, with a mix of houses, flats, hotels, and shops.
We discuss Sara’s professional journey, and the principles and practices behind developing such a stunningly beautiful and human neighborhood that serves as an inspiration and example for what is possible today.
If you do anything today, just click on this link so you can see the town. It stands as a testament to the beauty humans can cultivate when they set their mind to it: Beach Town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica | Las Catalinas (lascatalinascr.com)
TAKEAWAYS
Creating a car-free, kid-friendly community allows for independent exploration and fosters curiosity and connection with nature.
A pedestrian-first environment benefits not only children but also adults and families, creating a sense of community and connection.
Las Catalinas is a successful example of a car-free community, with a mix of houses, flats, hotels, and shops built on a 1200-acre site.
The community achieves car-free living through walkability, valet services, and emergency vehicle access.
The town architect's role is to oversee the design and planning of the community, ensuring a balance between privacy, walkability, and optimized views. Creating a sustainable and adaptable community requires prioritizing human experience and connection.
Designing a walkable town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces fosters a sense of community.
The legal structure of a town should allow for flexibility and adaptability over time.
Trust in human intelligence and the ability to solve problems is crucial for the success of a community.
Creating a sense of place involves considering the local climate, using natural materials, and designing for the long term.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Las Catalinas
09:46 Creating a Kid-Friendly Community
27:56 Shifting Conversations and Culture
39:48 Solving for Walkability, Privacy, and Optimized Views
42:16 Reversing and Backing into Codes and Legal Structure
45:17 Creating a Clear Legal Structure for Ownership and Responsibility
50:10 Treating a Town as a Town
55:38 Balancing Prevention and Allowing the Best to Happen
01:00:37 Guiding a Town's Growth and Adaptation
01:06:21 Allowing a Town to Grow and Change
01:10:56 Creating Timeless and Sustainable Architecture
01:19:19 Approaching Life with Courage
CONNECT WITH SARA & SHOW RESOURCES
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/begadesignstudio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabega/
Las Catalinas: https://www.lascatalinascr.com/
Notre Dame School of Architecture: https://architecture.nd.edu/
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
SPONSORS
Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/
One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/
Today I get to speak with Alan Pullman, founder of Studio One Eleven, an architecture, urban design and landscape architecture practice focused on human scaled, mixed-use infill projects. They have a truly impressive portfolio of work. I love their “practice themes” which I think will resonate with many of you: housing for all, building community + place, renewing the public realm, 21st century mobility, and equitable practice.
I was truly inspired by this conversation with Alan, particularly around the community integration and engagement they cultivate in their office. He intentionally moved the practice out of their “ivory tower” and down into the heart of the community, sharing their office space with artists and facilitating all kinds of community-wide events and workshops. It’s given me vision for how I want Building Culture to evolve.
Alan and his team work closely with developers around the country looking to do difficult and messy – but meaningful – infill projects. They relish the mess. And, between running a sizeable practice and doing some of their own development projects, I was extremely impressed with Alan’s practical approach (you know, understanding that the economics have to work to do the project!). They strike the right balance between idealism + pragmatism to actually pull off incredible projects, and keep people at the center of what they do and why they do it.
I hope you find this episode as inspiring as I did!
TAKEAWAYS
Reinvesting in cities and putting people at the center of architecture and urban design is crucial for creating meaningful and impactful spaces.
Studio One Eleven specializes in infill development, mixed-use projects, and adaptive reuse, focusing on creating places for people and collaborating with developers and public-private partnerships.
Affordable housing development is complex and requires specialized knowledge and collaboration with various funding sources, such as state, city, and federal programs.
Collaboration and agility are essential in the design process, allowing for co-creation with clients and the ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. Studio One Eleven focuses on incremental development and creating human-scale cities.
The firm has transformed their own office into a community space, hosting events, workshops, and an artist-in-residence program.
They are passionate about creating places for people and breaking away from the traditional, car-centric approach to city planning
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:57 Studio One Eleven: Focusing on Infill Development and Community Impact
06:04 The Evolution of Studio Eleven: From Large Retail Projects to Community Impact
19:14 Challenges and Opportunities in Affordable Housing Development
32:41 Collaboration and Agility: Keys to Successful Design and Development
37:29 Incremental Development and Human-Scale Cities
38:56 The Financialization of Architecture and Cities
39:23 Curating the Right Mix of Tenants
43:10 Transforming Their Office into a Community Space
48:36 Building Connections and Social Capital
53:28 Creating Places for People
01:05:33 Optimism for the Future and Opportunities for Progress
CONTACT ALAN & STUDIO ONE ELEVEN
Website: https://studio-111.com/
https://www.instagram.com/studiooneeleven/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-pullman-06197159
https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-one-eleven
https://www.facebook.com/studioneleven/
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
Newsletter: https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
PODCAST SPONSORS
Sierra Pacific Windows: https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com/
One Source Windows: https://onesourcewindows.com/
I had the opportunity to speak with Bobby Fijan today, who sometimes refers to himself as the Bill James of floorplans. His focus? Building apartments for families – and helping others do it too. He’s a developer, entrepreneur and consultant.
We discuss the lack of family-friendly apartment buildings and the impact on loneliness and community, and how we need to make cities and apartment buildings more family friendly. We touch on the importance of amenities and spaces that are suitable for children, how floorplans make having even one young child very uncomfortable (thereby incentivizing people to move out), and how to make your next apartment or multi-family project more suitable for families and dynamic living conditions. Check it out!
TAKEAWAYS
The current design of apartment buildings caters to a narrow demographic of high-income singles and couples, neglecting the needs of families.
The lack of family-friendly apartment buildings contributes to feelings of loneliness and disconnection in urban areas.
Apartment buildings should prioritize amenities and spaces that are suitable for children and families, such as toddler rooms and playgrounds.
Floor plans should be designed with families in mind, with more bedrooms and more spaces to accommodate children.
There is a need for more apartment buildings that are specifically designed to meet the needs of families. To make apartments more family-friendly, consider allocating more space to living areas and smaller bedrooms and closets.
Adding an extra room, such as a nursery or a home office, can provide privacy and a dedicated workspace for parents.
Differentiating between spaces and creating additional rooms can enhance the functionality and appeal of apartment designs.
Design choices, such as the ratio of living room width to bedroom width and the presence of walk-in closets, can impact rent prices.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Narrow Demographic of Apartment Buildings
05:19 Connecting Loneliness to Moving and Multifamily Buildings
13:18 Challenges in Apartment Design for Families
16:38 Importance of Amenities and Spaces for Families
24:45 Designing Floor Plans for Families
25:56 Designing Family-Friendly Apartments
29:17 The Importance of Additional Rooms
43:35 Optimizing Design Choices for Higher Rent Prices
CONNECT WITH BOBBY
https://x.com/bobbyfijan
https://www.tailorbird.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fijan/
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
Trilith is a newly built (and growing) walkable community located next to Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. It is one of the most successful TNDs and New Urbanists communities in the country.
Rob Parker, as President, leads a team of designers, architects, planners and builders in creating the 235 acre master-planned residential and mixed use development. Rob is a transformational leader with a focus on people, and has extensive experience in town building, commercial and retail development, music entertainment, non-profit leadership, marketing, branding and capital development.
This episode is a must for developers, investors, planners, architects, engineers or city officials interested in creating more walkable, mixed-use, people-first places. Hear directly from someone who has actually done it successfully, and learn about the keys to success, as well as some of the pitfalls.
Trilith is built on the principles of new urbanism, with a focus on walkability, sustainability, and a deep sense of community. The vision of Trilith is to create a town for creatives, artists, storytellers, and makers, where everyone feels loved, served, inspired, and connected. The community is designed to promote longer, better, and happier lives for its residents. Trilith is a successful example of a people-centered, walkable community that prioritizes sustainability and quality of life.
TAKEAWAYS
Trilith is a walkable community in Atlanta, Georgia, built on the principles of new urbanism.
The community is designed to promote longer, better, and happier lives for its residents.
Trillith is focused on creating a sense of community and connection among its residents.
The community is committed to sustainability and has implemented practices such as geothermal heating and cooling and the preservation of green spaces. Trilith is a people-centered, walkable community that prioritizes sustainability and quality of life.
The development focuses on creating smaller footprint, energy-efficient homes and incorporates sustainable technologies like geothermal energy and solar power.
Trilith emphasizes the importance of community and mental health, offering enrichment activities and a progressive school.
The financing of the project involved patient capital and partnerships with builders and investors.
The success of Trilith has led to increased property values and a positive impact on the surrounding area.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Trilith and Rob Parker
03:01 Creating a Walkable Community for Creatives
07:47 Promoting Longer, Better, and Happier Lives
14:42 Fostering a Sense of Community and Connection
18:08 The Freedom of Living in a Walkable Environment
20:29 The Impact of COVID-19 on Trilith
29:05 The Importance of Sharing the Vision
37:48 Commitment to Sustainability and Green Practices
40:02 Creating a Sustainable and Walkable Community
41:30 Incorporating Sustainable Technologies in Home Design
44:20 Prioritizing Community and Mental Health
49:48 The Financing and Partnerships Behind Trillith's Success
55:23 The Positive Impact of Trilith on Property Values and the Surrounding Area
CONNECT WITH ROB & TRILITH
Rob's Linked In
Trilith's Real Estate Instagram
Trilith's Foundation Instagram
Trilith's Facebook
Home Website: Trilith
Town Website: Town at Trilith
Variety Article on Trilith
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
In part 2 Justin Mares and I discuss the broken food and health systems in the US and the need to prioritize human flourishing. We get into the weaponization of our instincts by companies that produce addictive food, the importance of fixing our environment and food system, and the role of human health in the built environment. Justin shares his experience in the health industry and highlights the misalignment of incentives in the food and healthcare industries.
We touch on the lack of trust in traditional institutions and the challenges of following dietary guidelines. Justin talks about nutrient density in crops, the depletion of nutrients in soil, the impact of food processing on nutrient density, and the potential consequences for human health. We also delve into the challenges of scaling sustainable farming practices and the role of government and corporations in addressing health and environmental issues. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the need for individual and community action to create positive change.
Takeaways
The food and health systems in the US are profoundly broken and need to be fixed to promote human flourishing.
Companies are weaponizing our instincts to create addictive and profitable food products.
Fixing the environment, food system, and built environment is crucial for improving human health.
There is a lack of trust in traditional institutions and their ability to provide accurate health advice.
The misalignment of incentives in the food and healthcare industries hinders progress in promoting human health. Nutrient density in crops is influenced by the nutrients in the soil, and over time, the depletion of nutrients in the soil has led to less nutrient-dense crops.
Food processing can further reduce nutrient density, and the consumption of processed foods may lead to nutrient deficiencies and cravings for specific nutrients.
Scaling sustainable farming practices, such as regenerative agriculture, can help improve soil health and nutrient density in crops.
Government regulations and policies play a role in shaping the food system, but individual and community action is also necessary to create positive change.
Addressing health and environmental issues requires a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of various factors, including food production, human health, and environmental sustainability.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment
00:57 Weaponizing Instincts: The Addictive Food Industry
06:22 Misaligned Incentives in the Food and Healthcare Industries
08:16 The Broken Healthcare Industry
19:19 The Debate on Veganism and Vegetarianism
25:12 Sponsor Acknowledgment and Nutrient Deficiencies in Food
26:41 The Impact of Soil Depletion on Nutrient Density in Crops
29:07 The Nutrient Decay Curve and the Role of Food Processing
34:29 Challenges and Potential of Scaling Sustainable Farming Practices
36:25 Government and Corporate Responsibility in Addressing Health and Environmental Issues
43:00 The Need for Individual and Community Action
CONNECT WITH JUSTIN
RECS
Book Rec: Formerly Known as Food
Book Rec: The End of Craving
Book Rec: Gangs of America
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
Justin Mares is the founder of Kettle and Fire, Perfect Keto, and Surely Non-Alcoholic Wines, and is working on his fourth company: Truemed. I am super impressed with what Justin has accomplished, and am a big fan of Kettle and Fire. My wife and I drink their bone broth regularly. What I am most inspired by is that Justin isn’t in business just to be in business. He is in business to solve problems that make peoples’ lives better, specifically around their physical and mental health and wellbeing. As the sickest generation of Americans in history–and it’s not even close–he is on a mission to rescue the food system and transform the industry into something that serves people first, not profits. Health is foundational to human flourishing – even before shelter.
We discuss how Justin started Kettle and Fire by testing the idea with a landing page and no actual product to gauge demand. We discuss the importance of a healthy food system, and the failures of regulatory bodies like the FDA. Justin emphasizes the need for companies to prioritize consumer health and wellness. Our conversation explores the impact of food regulations and the state of health in the US. Justin highlights the differences between the US and the EU in terms of food regulations, with the US allowing thousands of chemicals in food that are banned in Europe. We also discuss the high rates of chronic diseases and obesity in the US, and the connection between physical and mental health.
TAKEAWAYS
The most profitable food products are often the worst for people, highlighting the brokenness of the food system.
Starting a company that prioritizes consumer health and wellness is important but challenging.
Bone broth is a nutrient-dense food that can improve gut, skin, and joint health.
The FDA and other regulatory bodies have failed to protect consumers, leading to high rates of chronic disease.
The food system needs to be reformed to prioritize healthier and more sustainable options. The US allows thousands of chemicals in food that are banned in Europe, leading to worse health outcomes for Americans.
The US has high rates of chronic diseases and obesity, with 60% of Americans living with at least one chronic disease and 80% being overweight.
There is a strong connection between physical and mental health, and addressing physical health through food interventions can improve mental health.
Food regulations and the food system play a significant role in the overall health of the population.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment
01:09 Guest Introduction: Justin Mares
03:25 Starting Kettle and Fire: Testing the Idea
08:16 The Benefits of Bone Broth
11:35 Creating Healthier Food Products
19:11 The Failures of Regulatory Bodies
23:33 Differences in Food Regulations: US vs. EU
30:42 High Rates of Chronic Diseases and Obesity in the US
41:42 The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health
46:24 The Impact of Food Regulations on Health
CONNECT WITH JUSTIN
RECS
Book Rec: Formerly Known as Food
Book Rec: The End of Craving
Book Rec: Gangs of America
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
I got the chance to chat with Andy Boenau today, who sometimes refers to himself as a Plangineer, with a background in urban planning and engineering. We chat about the flaws in traffic engineering and the need for a different approach to the built environment. Andy is passionate about questioning established norms and finding shared interests to drive positive change. He advocates for the need for critical thinking and curiosity in industries that often prioritize conformity.
TAKEAWAYS
Traffic engineering often prioritizes efficiency and speed over the needs and well-being of communities.
Questioning established norms and finding shared interests can lead to positive change in the built environment.
Critical thinking and curiosity are essential in industries that tend to prioritize conformity.
Reforming parking and zoning regulations can lead to more vibrant and diverse communities. Unhealthy infrastructure has negative consequences on physical and mental health.
Creating a connected network of bike lanes is crucial for promoting cycling as a mode of transportation.
Public opinion plays a significant role in shaping infrastructure decisions.
There is a need for a shift in urban planning and design to prioritize human well-being.
Andy Boenau is working on a documentary on healthy infrastructure and a book on public opinion.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Rethinking Traffic Engineering
09:26 The Power of Social Media
35:02 Driving Positive Change
39:30 Creating Vibrant and Diverse Communities
39:59 The Impact of Unhealthy Infrastructure
45:15 Physical Health Consequences of Car Crashes
49:19 Trauma of Walking on Certain Streets
54:54 Dancing as a Mental Health Solution
01:05:51 Creating a Connected Network of Bike Lanes
01:12:06 Upcoming Projects: Documentary and Book
CONNECT WITH ANDY
Website & Blog: https://www.urbanismspeakeasy.com/
https://x.com/Boenau
https://www.linkedin.com/in/boenau/
Documentary:
CONNECT WITH BUILDING CULTURE
https://www.buildingculture.com/
https://www.instagram.com/buildingculture/
https://twitter.com/build_culture
https://www.facebook.com/BuildCulture/
CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
https://twitter.com/AustinTunnell
https://playbook.buildingculture.com/
The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.
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