As an artist primarily working in fotografia, I find that I am continually influenced by other mediums such as film, architettura, design, and even economics to provide new and exciting ideas into my practice. And as an unabashed lover of Brutalist architecture in all of its forms, I seek out many ways this has seeped into the textures and pores of the cities and urban structures we build.
To that end, as part of my artistic research, I listen to a number of podcasts that specifically or tangentially contemplate some of the best design and architectural issues of our contemporary moment. I throw one of these podcasts on while I am either editing photos, waiting for a large print to emerge from my Epson printer, waiting for the bus, or even doing dishes.
I find that I can push my ideas in new and different ways when I hear about the same issue, problem or image from a completely different perspective, like from an architect, economist, or designer. So, here is a list of some excellent podcasts that can inspire some new methodologies, transform your perspective, and open up new avenues in your visual arts practice!
99 Percent Invisible (99PI): Design Stories Hiding in Plain Sight
https://99percentinvisible.org/
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The dulcet tones of Roman Mars have been swooning in my ears for over a decade; I am always grateful to hear the unique and richly detailed stories that he and his staff produce as they examine the world of design in all of its forms. With specific attention paid to the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world, 99PI has produced some spectacular in-depth series such as Articles of Interest, examining the rich history of textiles including the rise of casual wear, the environmental impact of the textile industry and why womenswear doesn’t have pockets. Another series highlight is The Powerbroker, a lengthy and hilarious recap series breaking down Robert Caro’s biography of the problematic figure who shaped New York City: Robert Moses.
Some of my favorite episodes focus on smaller local stories, including the episode titled “Concrete Furniture” which tells the story of the much maligned custom made concrete furniture for Toronto’s New City Hall and the small batch of city employees who conserve and champion Viljo Revell’s original designs. The story is a perfect example of how bureaucracy, politics and architecture conflict in a truly mundane and sweet way.
In another episode titled “Mini Stories Vol 7”, the confounding history of Ottawa’s Jack Purcell Park asks the question of which Jack Purcell was indeed honored. At first glance, the park’s newly built lights look a little like lollipops, or quidditch goals, or badminton rackets. But the park was named for a local man (Jack Purcell), who was known around town for generously and skillfully repairing the hockey sticks of children, so why not design lights that look like hockey sticks? To solve the mystery, tune in!
Favorite Episodes:
Concrete Furniture
Mini Stories Vol 7
Turn New Ideas into a Body of Work
You’ve collected new concepts from the worlds of architecture and design—now, use that inspiration to structure and publish a new project, series, or collection on your professional site.
Slate Money: When Economics Meets Architecture, Art, and Concrete
https://slate.com/podcasts/slate-money
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Now hear me out! I know you might be very skeptical of my inclusion of Slate Money, a podcast discussing the economy, business and finance news, but I have some compelling reasons why this podcast (and finance news) isn’t boring!
Firstly, the co-hosts are brilliant, well researched and have great chemistry. Hosted by Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers, the podcast is a fervent weekly roundup of the most important stories from the worlds of business and finance but also brings in the idiosyncratic interests and obsessions of each host. For instance, Felix Salmon has a well-documented love for concrete, brutalist architecture and contemporary art, and writes about his obsession in newspaper articles frequently and inserts these musings in Slate Money whenever he can.
There are a couple of highlight episodes that really illustrate the fascinating overlap of the world of finance and contemporary art and design. In the episode titled “Conceptual Art Is Literally Bananas”, all three hosts dissect the media discourse and scorn surrounding Maurizio Cattelan’s record breaking auction sale of ‘Comedian.’ The $6.2 million banana and subsequent conversation is deftly and hilariously handled balancing contemporary art discourse with the economic and business acumen.
Another personal favorite episode is “Everything is Concrete” where Salmon details the revolutionary invention of reinforced concrete for modern built structures like highways, pavement, roads, and buildings but also examines its porous nature which lead to expensive repairs. The story was triggered by a recent tragic condominium collapse in Florida; subsequent questions of the causes, including climate change, failed maintenance, and negligence, reveal how our built environment needs to change and adapt to contemporary situations.
Favorite Episodes:
Everything is Concrete
Conceptual Art Is Literally Bananas
The Urbanist: Cities, Planning, and Contemporary Urban Life
https://monocle.com/radio/shows/the-urbanist
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Hosted by Andrew Tuck, The Urbanist is a well-researched podcast exploring urban innovation, cutting-edge infrastructure, and compact living with insights from planners, architects, and city leaders. While the scope of the episodes is quite international, some of my favorite episodes of course center Toronto’s architectural identities.
For instance, one episode takes us to Biidaasige Park, Toronto’s largest new park opening in a generation, and talks about the particular design choices that prevent flooding and provide green space for residents and visitors. Another recent episode centers on the new tallest building in Canada, Pinnacle Skytower, and re-examines Frank Darling, an underappreciated Edwardian architectural icon.
Favorite Episodes:
North America’s fastest-growing city: How Toronto is taking shape
Tall Stories 477: Biidaasige Park–how Toronto combines green space and flood protection
The Unquiet Library: Robarts Library, Brutalism, and Toronto Architecture History
https://shows.acast.com/the-unquiet-library-fifty-years-of-robarts-library
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Now what list of Brutalist and Canadian concrete architecture is complete without thinking about the iconic Robarts Library? The Unquiet Library: Fifty Years of Robarts Library is a perfect balancing act to some of the other more news-minded podcasts. History Librarian Jesse Carliner has assembled a spectacular cast of guest interviews for his audio documentary series uncovering the history, controversies, and cultural legacy of the University of Toronto’s John P. Robarts Research Library—one of Toronto’s most recognizable Brutalist landmarks. Take a journey through history with some local experts including urbanist and writer, Sean Micallef, preservation architect Michael McClelland, and architectural historian Mary Louise Lobsinger.
Favorite Episodes:
Ep. 1 Toronto’s Ugliest Building?
Ep. 2 A Brutalist Masterpiece?
Explore More Resources for Creative Professionals:
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