logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2020
48m 56s

70 — Christopher Alexander — 1/2 —Notes ...

Luke Jones & George Gingell Discuss Architecture, History And Culture
About this episode

This is the first episode of a new series on Design Theorist, Architect, Mathematician and Computation Fan, Christopher Alexander. Alexander studied Mathematics at Cambridge University in the 1950s, then undertook the first ever PhD in Architecture at Harvard, where he applied newly emerging ideas of computational analysis to questions of design. The results of this combination are bizarre, often illogical, undeniably of there time, but also lay the foundations for much subsequent interaction between design and computation, including the Parametricism that we discussed in our last series on Zaha Hadid. In this first episode we mainly discuss his 1964 work Notes on the Synthesis of Form, which was based on his PhD thesis. Make sure to subscribe to catch the next episode, where we will discuss his 1977 work with Ishikawa and Silverstein, Pattern Language.

Edited by Matthew Lloyd Roberts.

Support the show on Patreon to receive bonus content for every show.

Please rate and review the show on your podcast store to help other people find us!

Follow us on twitter // instagram // facebook

We’re on the web at aboutbuildingsandcities.org

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Up next
Aug 8
*Preview* — 129.5 Plečnik Finale Bonus Episode
This is a clip from our latest Patreon bonus episode, if you'd like to hear our final thoughts on Plečnik in full, please consider subscribing at https://www.patreon.com/about_buildings — the show relies on listener support, and you'll get access to our full back catalogue of bon ... Show More
5m 10s
Jul 23
129 — Jože Plečnik 6 — Slovene Acropolis
In the grand finale of our Plečnik series, we discussed the last of his projects for Ljubljana both realised and unrealised. In this episode we covered his Peglezen or Flat Iron Building, the National and University Library, his alteration of a former monastic complex called the ... Show More
1h 20m
Jun 30
128 — Jože Plečnik 5 — The River & the City
More Plečnik in Ljubljana! Here we talked about his approach to the Ljubljanica, the river that runs through the middle of the city, including the weirs, bridges and sluices which control its flow, the iconic triple bridge, and the various market buildings which face onto the riv ... Show More
47m 19s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2022
#292 - Paul Goldberger, Architectural Critic and Author
This week David and Marina are joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning Architectural Critic and Author Paul Goldberger to discuss his journey to becoming an architectural critic; the importance of critics, their role in society and the challenges of being one; adapting to the digital ag ... Show More
2h 5m
Jun 2022
#289 - Preparing for Architecture Thesis
This week David and Marina discuss undergraduate architecture thesis projects and studios, covering the differences between thesis projects, capstone projects, and dissertations; how to select a thesis topic; how to choose the right studio/professor; the value of doing a thesis; ... Show More
1h 52m
Jul 2023
#349 - Roman Alonso, Principal of Commune Design
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by Roman Alonso, Principal of Commune Design, to discuss his background; moving from Venezuela to the US; living in New York; working in publishing; moving to Los Angeles and co-founding Commune; transitioning to ... Show More
1h 58m
Apr 2018
Episode #33: Rivals- Raphael vs. Michelangelo (Season 3, Episode 2)
One pair of incredible Renaissance artists experienced a particularly epic rivalry. Both were vying for the same patrons, and their professional contempt very quickly got ultra-personal. Today, explore the intense conflict between Michelangelo and Raphael, both seeking approval a ... Show More
35m 5s
Jul 2013
013 Archispeak Podcast with Cormac Phalen, Evan Troxel and Neal Pann
In this episode I talk with the creators of the wildly successful podcast that "dares to peek under the architectural kimono" and tell us what architecture is really about. Join Neal Pann, Evan Troxel, Cormac Phalen and I as we discuss social media for architects, architect's web ... Show More
24m 42s
Oct 2022
#308 - Greg Faulkner, Founder & Director of Faulkner Architects
This week Architect Greg Faulkner, founder & director of Faulkner Architects joins David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design to discuss his background as a design engineer in the aircraft industry; his tools and process; working with the site; his design philosophies and arc ... Show More
1h 42m
Feb 2023
#326 - Grant Kirkpatrick, Founding Partner of KAA Design
This week Grant Kirkpatrick, Founding Partner of KAA Design joins David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design to discuss his background and growing up in California; becoming licensed early in his career; creating a multi-disciplinary practice before specializing in custom hom ... Show More
1h 44m
Aug 2023
#356 - Joe Dangaran, Founding Partner of Woods + Dangaran
This week Architect Joe Dangaran, Founding Partner of Los Angeles-based Architecture and Interior Design Office, Woods + Dangaran joins David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design to discuss his background; how his childhood environment influenced his interest in architecture; ... Show More
1h 53m
Oct 2022
Episode 250: The Laws of Creativity with Joey Cofone
Designers or not, we practice creativity every day. What are some of the laws that govern creativity? Our guest today is Joey Cofone, founder of Baron Fig. You’ll learn about his decade-long journey of writing the book, his advice for storytelling, why you should care about creat ... Show More
44m 14s
Feb 2022
Episode 100: Luke Johnson from Architectus talks about design, sustainability and the brutalism of Macquarie University
Luke Johnson from Architectus  is a highly-skilled designer who has worked throughout Australia, Japan and Europe on arts and cultural, education, residential, transport, health and workplace sector projects. In this wide-ranging interview, Luke talks about where design is going, ... Show More
29 m