On Cities

In this next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with architect and educator, Mark Pasnik on his co-authored book: HEROIC: Concrete Architecture and the New Boston. The conversation explores the post war architectural movement (commonly referred to as Brutalism) and the groundbreaking concrete structures that re-imagined the City of Boston during the 1960s and 1970s. Beyond a mere architectural trend, this period reflects an urban transformation driven by public investment, resulting

In this next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with Gregg Pasquarelli, founding principal of the renowned architectural firm, SHoP Architects. We will explore how SHoP is challenging both the means and methods for how we design and produce buildings, as well as the archaic structures that guide the practice of architecture today. Pasquarelli will share insights into the firm’s iconic buildings, highlighting the fusion of creativity, technology and technical precision that defines t

In this next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad engages in a lively conversation with renowned educator and architecture Mohsen Mostafavi. Together, they delve into the rich tapestry of Japan’s social and physical environments, exploring their historical underpinnings, current practices and future possibilities. Throughout its history, the Japanese city ahs served as a complex canvas for a multitude of influences and aspirations. Our discussion will explore how these forces have left their

In this next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with Neuroscientist Colin Ellard, whose work is at the intersection of psychology, architecture and urban design. Through his research, Ellard reveals how our surroundings directly impact our psychological well-being, offering a unique perspective on how we can create more harmonious and engaging environments for our communities. Tune in Friday, October 6th at 11:00 AM EST on the Voice America network for an enlightening conversation t

In this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad will be speaking with Hèléne Chartier, Director of Urban Planning and Design at C40 Cities, a leading global organization dedicated to sustainable urban development. At the forefront of urban sustainability, C40 works tirelessly to forge a path towards Low Carbon Cities, our episode’s central theme. We will delve into the organization’s mission and explore best practice from around the world aimed at creating greener, more sustainable and environm

In this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with notable lawyer Jeff Bass on the relationship between urban design and its pivotal tool, zoning regulations. The conversation will explore the historical evolution of zoning in America, unveiling its hidden influence on the physical and social fabric of our communities. Bass will delve into the ways that regulatory frameworks wield the power to shape cities and landscapes, foster community cohesion and dictate the interplay between publ

In this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with acclaimed architect and educator Nader Tehrani. In this illuminating conversation, Tehrani delves into the intricate relationship between material culture and tectonic innovation. He elaborates on the ways that his work seeks to disrupt the construction industry by bridging the gap between the world of ideas and the world of making. Tune in Friday, August 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 AM PST on the Voice America Variety Channel https:

Architect and urbanist, John Massengale knows how to fix America’s neighborhoods, cities and towns by making them walkable again. In this next episode of ON CITIES, Massengale will share his insights on how good street design can increase happiness, unlock economic value, improve our health and lower our carbon footprint. Tune in Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 PST on the Voice America Variety Channel https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/4119/on-cities; and find all previous episodes o

“All our knowledge has its origin in our perceptions” stated the great Renaissance artist Leonardo Da Vinci. Thus, perception and place are integral in the making of art. In this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad will speak with acclaimed artist Gonzalo Fuenmayor, whose intricate charcoal drawings and mesmerizing large-scale installations skillfully explore the complexities of place, identity and the interconnectedness of cultures. His mastery of chiaroscuro creates an ethereal atmosphere

According to the 19th century writer John Ruskin, “The measure of any great civilization is its cities; and the measure of a city’s greatness is to be found in the quality of its public spaces- its parkland and squares.” In this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad will speak with Meg Daly and Isabel Castilla about the role of contemporary public space in America. High quality public space is vital for the social life of a community, the economic competitiveness and environmental performance

In this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with educator and architect Matthew Soules on the connection between contemporary architecture and capitalism in the twenty-first century. In his book, Icebergs, Zombies, and the Ultra Thin, Soules uncovers how finance capitalism not only changes architecture but the very nature of our cities and societies. From London’s iceberg mansions to Manhattan’s ultra-thin pencil skyscrapers, Soules discusses how finance shapes what and how we build