In this next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with Andrew Frey, Director of the City of Miami's Department of Real Estate. As a former developer and zoning lawyer, Andrew brings a wealth of experience to the table as he discusses the fundamental importance of incremental urbanism. Drawing from his extensive research and collaborations, Andrew articulates the value of small-scale urban development, not only rooted in time-tested principles of good urban design but also supported by empirical evidence showing that such environments foster diversity and equity. Don't miss this insi ..read more

Welcome to ON CITIES, where we explore the ways that the design of the built environment shapes the quality of our lives. Today, we will be speaking with Alan Ricks, the co-founder and chief operating officer of MASS Design Group. Established on the belief that architecture is more than just buildings, MASS is a global team of over 200 professionals from diverse disciplines, united by a shared vision of architecture as a force for positive change. With a focus on creating purposeful, healing and hopeful design, MASS continues to redefine the role of architecture in confronting history, shaping ..read more

In the next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with Shane Phillips, author of The Affordable City. From Los Angeles to Miami, American cities are struggling to address the challenges of high housing costs and household instability. Phillips believes that effectively tackling the housing crisis requires that cities support both housing abundance and tenant protections; and his research offers us more than 50 policy recommendations to achieve affordability and increase community resilience through local action. Tune in Friday, April 5th at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 AM PST on the Voice Amer ..read more

In the next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with architect and educator Phillip Smith. Smith delves into the African legacies of American Classicism and its enduring impact on the development of the American South. Acknowledging the troubling history of Antebellum Southern architecture, Smith’s research illuminates a more nuanced reality, emphasizing the profound contributions of enslaved Africans and later Black architects in shaping the design, building and interpretation of traditional American buildings and cities. Do not miss what is sure to be an illuminating conversation ..read more

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Victor Dover, co-author of Street Design: The Secret to Great Cities and Towns. In this episode of ON CITIES, we explore critical elements lacking in modern streets, the concept of 'place' and its importance in street design, and the key design elements of great streets. Dover uncovers common misconceptions guiding the work of traffic engineers and highlights overlooked details that can greatly impact street design. From the power of street trees to retrofitting urban environments, Dover offers invaluable insights and shares success stories of transf ..read more

In this next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with Helle Søholt, founding partner and CEO of GEHL. Helle sheds light on GEHL's remarkable journey, challenging conventional urban paradigms and outlining a vision for a more sustainable and community-centric future. Together, we explore the guiding principles that propel GEHL's transformative projects, unveiling the sensitive solutions they bring to the design of the built environment. Tune Friday, March 15th at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 AM EST to gain unique insights into the intricacies of creating dynamic, people-oriented urban environ ..read more

In this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with architect and educator George Knight on his preservation work at Yale University. Knight's profound dedication to architectural heritage becomes evident as he meticulously intertwines the past and the present in projects ranging from the restoration of St. Moore Chapel to the iconic Yale British Arts Center designed by Louis Kahn. His work stands as a guardian of history, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity, significantly contributing to the larger dynamic context of both the Yale campus and the city. Don't miss this episode ..read more

In this upcoming episode of ON CITIES, acclaimed author Witold Rybczynski provides a forward-looking perspective on urban planning. In discussion with host Carie Penabad, Rybczynski seamlessly weaves historical insights with future predictions, guiding listeners through the evolution of American cities from colonial planning to the 21st-century age of the market. The conversation highlights projects like the Brooklyn Bridge Park and the new Israeli city of Modi'in as contemporary examples that challenge the conventional notions of urban living, urging listeners to envision the possibility of c ..read more

In this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with Anthony Garcia, co-author of Tactical Urbanism, an urban design theory that promotes swift, grassroots-driven changes to urban space. Rather than waiting for top-down transformations to cities, Tactical Urbanism empowers individuals and communities to take immediate, tangible steps to reshape their surroundings. From pop-up parks and guerrilla gardening to temporary street art installations, Tactical Urbanism embodies the belief that small, incremental changes can lead to profound and lasting improvements in the way we experience and ..read more

What are the characteristics of great neighborhoods; and why do they continue to be one of the most important elements of city building and community identity today? In this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad engages in a thought-provoking conversation with urban designer Juan Mullerat, delving into the successful strategies and innovative approaches employed in the process of revitalizing neighborhoods. Utilizing real-world examples, Mullerat unveils the transformative elements that contribute to the renewal and sustainable growth of communities both in America and abroad. Join us for a ..read more