The RIBA
The RIBA's official podcast features conversations and insights from the world of architecture, hosted by the Royal Institute of British Architects. It covers topics such as design, buildings, and the profession of architecture, often with leading architects and industry figures. Listeners can expect discussions on current projects, architectural practice, and the broader impact of the built environment.
Episodes
Douglas Cardinal at RIBA, 1991
In this 1991 lecture hosted by RIBA in London, Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal discusses how his First Nations heritage has shaped his nature-centred designs while working still in harmony with new technology in a changing architectural landscape.
Zaha Hadid - Architect's Approach to Architecture 14 Feb 1984
Zaha Hadid's Talk as part of Architect's Approach to Architecture which introduced the different work undertaken and accomplished in the early parts of her career. With Examples of projects in Hong Kong, London and Dublin.
Zaha Hadid - Architecture and Style talk - 9 November 1993
This newly released audio-recording features Zaha Hadid in conversation with fellow classmate Nigel Coates, about the styles of Architecture and the fusion of different techniques with highlight to their own uniqueness in their work.
Charles Jencks: Critical modernism - the hidden tradition, 2000
In his lecture for RIBA’s Annual Discourse series, Charles Jencks traces the evolution of architecture and its broader cultural context in the 20th century.
This is a recording of an in-person lecture by Charles Jencks on 3 October 2000. The event was held at 66 Portland Place, London and was hosted by architect Mohsen Mostafavi. In the recording, Jencks references visual slides which are not par
RIBA Radio, Episode 29: The epilogue
From 18 to 26 November 2021, our annual Inclusion Festival took the form of a dedicated radio station, broadcast live from the bookshop at the RIBA's HQ in London.
Marsha Ramroop, former BBC journalist and the RIBA's Director of Inclusion & Diversity, hosted a lively mixture of music, live and pre-recorded interviews, discussions and debate - featuring over 90 special guests from across the world
RIBA Radio, Episode 28: CQ Action - Final panel
In this panel discussion, RIBA Radio looks at the broader context - assessing what the next steps for the profession are. Marsha Ramroop, Director of Inclusion & Diversity at the RIBA; Jack Pringle, Chair of the RIBA; Sarah Akigbogun, Board Architect and filmmaker; Sarah Akigbogun, Studio Aki; Rebecca Roberts-Hughes, Director of Policy and Communications at ARB; and Alan Vallance, CEO of the RIBA
RIBA Radio, Episode 27: CQ Action - Inclusive outcomes
Hikaru Nissanke, Director at OMMX architects, and AJ 40 under 40; Arthur Mamou-Mani, Architect and Managing Director of Mamou-Mani; and Mark Nagle, Operations Director at urban explore how inclusion has impacted architecture practice in terms of innovation, better outcomes, maximised effectiveness, and better creative ideas. They discuss the importance of going beyond fundraising to help underrepr
RIBA Radio, Episode 26: CQ Action - Supporting the underrepresented
Understanding how specific tools can amplify the voices of the underrepresented and support them to progress is a vital part of making the profession more inclusive and diverse. A panel discussion featuring Rebecca Lovelace, founder and Chief Dot-Joiner at Building People; Neil Onions, CIC founder and CEO at Beyond The Box Consultants; and Deborah Williams, founder of The Women’s Association share
RIBA Radio, Episode 25: CQ Action - Adaptations that work
Siraaj Mitha, Head of Accelerate at Open City; Amy Francis-Smith, Architect and inclusive accessible design specialist; Annette Fisher, FA Global Chair of Let’s Build Expert on Africa; and Caitriona Jackman, Professor at DIAS, and professional planetary scientist discuss projects and schemes that are adapting current ways of working to open the profession to people from communities which are curre
RIBA Radio, Episode 24: CQ Strategy - Awareness and impact
Jeremy Till, Architect, writer, and Head of Central Saint Martins; and Indy Johar, Executive Director at Dark Matter Labs talk about ways in which diversity can be implemented in architectural education and practice, to unlock the maximum capacity of society, and become smarter as a collective system. In a pre-recorded discussion, Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE speaks of how the Stephen Lawrence Fo
RIBA Radio, Episode 23: CQ Strategy - International architects
Understanding different educational routes and qualifications practised and permitted across the globe can be a complex subject. Timothy Onyenobi, Architect and member of RIBA Expert Advisory Group; Diba Salam, Creative Director of StudioDS; Azlina Bulmer, Director of RIBA International; and Bin Sheng, Architect and partner at PLP Architecture explore how international architects are often not rec
RIBA Radio, Episode 22: CQ Strategy - Decolonisation
Dr Neal Shasore, Head of School and CEO of the London School of Architecture; Dr Corinne Fowler, Professor at the University of Leicester and specialist in colonialism; and Harsha Gore and Jasmine Lawrence from Decolonise Architecture Group (collective aiming to decolonise architectural education) discuss how the practice of decolonisation can spark creative exploration within the architecture pro
RIBA Radio, Episode 21: CQ Strategy - Inclusive design
Some say that we shape our buildings, and thereafter, our buildings shape us. In a pre-recorded interview with the Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees discusses how the profession needs to address the complex range of challenges present when planning the future of cities and include people from a variety of backgrounds with a diversity of lived experience who can help us better understand these. This is
RIBA Radio, Episode 20: CQ Strategy - Menopause with Sally Leech, Henpicked
In a one-to-one session, Marsha Ramroop and Sally Leech, Director at Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace discuss how to talk about menopause so that the individual experiencing menopause can comfortably and safely share their experience and find the right support. They cover the ideal approach to addressing menopause in workplaces, exploring the culture, training, policies, guidance, communicati
RIBA Radio, Episode 19: CQ Strategy - Working outside London
London has the highest concentration of architects in the world – and 70% of the income generated by architecture in the UK comes from London and the South East region – so, what does this mean for inclusion and the perception of those who are based outside of London? Grace Choi, Director at Grace Choi Architecture; Sue Emms, North Region Chair of Building Design Partnership; and Elena Marco, Head
RIBA Radio, Episode 18: CQ Strategy - Architecture education
A panel discussion on architecture education with Dr Jenny Russell, Director of Education at RIBA; Charlie Edmond from Future Architects Front (campaign to challenge and end exploitation in architecture); and Paul Crosby, Architect, and Head of Professional Practice Part 3 at AA School. The panel explores how fundamental issues around cost, curricula, decolonisation, mental health and professional
RIBA Radio, Episode 17: CQ Strategy - Inclusive recruitment
Susy Ridout, mentor, author, and trainer in the field of neurodiversity; Pooja Agrawal, co-founder of Public Practice and co-host of SOUND ADVICE; and Dr Binna Kandola OBE, Business Psychologist and co-founder of Pearn Kandola discuss the current recruitment landscape, and evaluate how recruitment processes that are reliable and fair can be created.
From 18 to 26 November 2021, our annual Inclus
RIBA Radio, Episode 16: CQ Knowledge - Disability panel
Jane Simpson, Architect and access consultant; Ed Warner, government champion for accessible design at Motionspot join Shani Dhanda, disability activist to explore how more can be done to attract disabled people into the profession, as well as how architects and the wider construction sector can better address and serve the needs of people with disabilities. This conversation centers on prioritisi
RIBA Radio, Episode 15: CQ Knowledge - Disability with Shani Dhanda
A one-on-one discussion with Shani Dhanda, disability activist, The BBC's 100 Women in 2020. As a keynote speaker and practitioner for inclusion across business, government, non-profit and wider society, Shani discusses her work, explaining how she helps organisations break down barriers and integrate inclusion into their business frameworks.
From 18 to 26 November 2021, our annual Inclusion Fe
RIBA Radio, Episode 14: CQ Knowledge - LGBTQ+ lives
Guests Adam Nathaniel Furman, artist, designer, and editor of ‘Queer Spaces’, 2022; Dr Joshua Mardell, architectural historian, and editor of ‘Queer Spaces’, 2022; Tabs The Butch Gardener, club promoter, musician, and gardening writer and Christina Riley, Planner and co-founder of Building Equality and Construct-Ability discuss how queerness must be allowed to exist and normalised at every level o
RIBA Radio, Episode 13: CQ Knowledge - Socio-economic diversity
Chris Hildrey, Director at Hildrey Studio; Jules Pipe CBE, GLA Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills; Philip Watson, Head of Design and Education Sponsor at HLM Architects; and Karen Mosley, Managing Director and DIB Sponsor at HLM Architects discuss how the profession can more effectively work to attract and retain people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Often seen as elitist d
RIBA Radio, Episode 12: CQ Knowledge - Race panel
Award-winning science journalist and author Angela Saini joins Architect and Director of Urban Architecture, Ming Cheng and founding committee member of the Paradigm Network, Lanre Gbolade to discuss some of the issues faced by people from underrepresented racialised groups in the profession, and some positive steps that can be taken to support them.
From 18 to 26 November 2021, our annual Inclus
RIBA Radio, Episode 11: CQ Knowledge - Women's panel
As part of a women's panel, Structural Engineer Roma Agrawal MBE, and Architects Farshid Moussavi OBE and Melodie Leung, discuss a variety of topics from pay gaps and sexism, to women supporting women, examining some of the challenges women in the profession today face.
From 18 to 26 November 2021, our annual Inclusion Festival took the form of a dedicated radio station, broadcast live from the b
RIBA Radio, Episode 10: CQ Knowledge - Women/Gender pay gap/Reproductive health/Flexible working
A discussion about specific diversity and inclusion challenges where focused initiatives are leading to real change. Zaimal Azad, Senior Campaigns Officer at Fawcett Society; Dr Annabel Sowemimo, Doctor and founder and Decolonising Contraception; and Clare Nash, Director at Clare Nash Architecture explore the issues behind the gender pay gap, the assumptions that maintain it, and strategies to tac
RIBA Radio, Episode 9: CQ Drive - Motivating yourself
An inspiring discussion featuring Magid Magid, activist, organiser, founder and Director of Union of Justice; Thomas Young, British paralympic athlete; and Sammi Kinghorn, world champion Wheelchair Racer - a trio who relish the challenge of taking on difficult tasks, as their extraordinary careers show. They share their stories and give listeners practical tips on how to become motivated in the fa
RIBA Radio, Episode 8: CQ Drive - Data as a driver for change
While statistics and numbers are difficult for most of us to wrap our heads around, Ellie Stathaki, Architecture editor at Wallpaper*; Mac Alonge, founder of The Equal Group; and Emma Weber, learning transfer and evaluation specialist at Lever explore some ways in which data can motivate us to act around EDI, and can also be used to motivate people to go further, by mapping the stories we tell, an
RIBA Radio, Episode 7: CQ Drive - Discomfort and white shame
This open discussion featuring antiracist consultant and clinical social worker Robin Schlenger, Architect Jim Rooney, and Director of Open City Phineas Harper, focuses on ways in which defensiveness is a common reaction when dealing with aspects of discrimination, especially racism, sexism and ableism. The panel observe ways in which they have leaned into discomfort, especially around “white sham
RIBA Radio, Episode 6: CQ Drive - Getting it wrong
Why do we sometimes feel fearful that we might get it wrong when working with people who are different from us? Hamza Shaikh, Architectural designer and producer of Two Worlds Design podcast; Jason Boyle, Architect and founder of the Global Architect Alliance; and Paul Zara, Director of Paul Zara Architects talk about cancel culture, past mistakes within their experience in the profession, and the
RIBA Radio, Episode 5: Overview - Inclusion in architecture
A panel consisting of Sumita Singha OBE, Architect and RIBA Councillor; Tom Guy, Architect and founder of Architecture LGBTQ+; and Muyiwa Oki, Architect at Grimshaw Architects assess where the architecture profession is on its road to inclusion.
From 18 to 26 November 2021, our annual Inclusion Festival took the form of a dedicated radio station, broadcast live from the bookshop at the RIBA's HQ
RIBA Radio, Episode 4: Overview - The RIBA Inclusion Charter
Architect & Development Manager Yemi Aladerun, and Vice President for Students & Associates at the RIBA Maryam Al-Irhayim, reflect on the RIBA’s own Inclusion Charter and discuss what it means to ask people to commit to a transparent, inclusive culture within the architecture profession, by discussing the context, actions, measures and outcomes they’ve experienced and witnessed so far.
From 18 to
RIBA Radio, Episode 3: Overview - Unconscious bias with Pragya Agarwal
Dr Pragya Agarwal, behavioural and data scientist, consultant, speaker, and author of ‘SWAY’ and ‘Wish We Knew What To Say: Talking with Children About Race,’ explains the nature of bias and explores how we can challenge it.
From 18 to 26 November 2021, our annual Inclusion Festival took the form of a dedicated radio station, broadcast live from the bookshop at the RIBA's HQ in London.
Marsha Ra
RIBA Radio, Episode 2: Overview - What Is CQ with David Livermore
David Livermore, President of the Cultural Intelligence (CQ Center) introduces the CQ behavioural framework - through which we can strategically use cultural differences to come up with innovative solutions, and explains how this can be applied to architecture and the built environment.
From 18 to 26 November 2021, our annual Inclusion Festival took the form of a dedicated radio station, broadca
RIBA Radio, Episode 1: The prologue
From 18 to 26 November 2021, our annual Inclusion Festival took the form of a dedicated radio station, broadcast live from the bookshop at the RIBA's HQ in London.
Marsha Ramroop, former BBC journalist and the RIBA's Director of Inclusion & Diversity, hosted a lively mixture of music, live and pre-recorded interviews, discussions and debate - featuring over 90 special guests from across the world
Charles Jencks: “Postmodernism: true inheritor of Modernism” at RIBA, 1982
In 1982, architectural historian and cultural theorist Charles Jencks took to the stage at RIBA to deliver a polemical and playful lecture: "Postmodernism: the true inheritor of Modernism". The talk was part of a RIBA series titled The Great Debate, at a time when ‘style wars’ – especially the merits of Modernist versus Postmodernist architecture – divided the architectural intelligentsia.
Image:
Arata Isozaki Royal Gold Medal acceptance speech at RIBA, 1986
The 1986 Royal Gold Medal for architecture was awarded to Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. His acceptance speech is now available online for the first time, in a newly-digitised audio recording from the RIBA Collections.
#RoyalGoldMedal #Architecture #Architect #RIBA #RIBACollections #RoyalInstituteofBritishArchitects
Image and audio: RIBA Collections
Bridget Riley at RIBA, 1984
Acclaimed artist Bridget Riley discusses her work for Royal Liverpool Hospital and reveals how it was influenced by the art of ancient Egypt, in this 1984 talk digitised from the RIBA Collections.
Balkrishna Doshi at RIBA, 1991
Balkrishna Doshi gives a deeply philosophical reflection on the architecture and culture of India in a talk at the RIBA in 1991, now digitised from the RIBA Collections.
Christo And Jeanne-Claude at RIBA, 1995
In 1995, fresh from the success of their famed Wrapped Reichstag, acclaimed artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude spoke at the RIBA, recalling the project's 24-year struggle into existence.
The recording of this talk, held in the RIBA Collections, is now available online for the first time.
Image: Christo and Jeanne-Claude in front of the Reichstag, Berlin, 1993.
Photo: Wolfgang Volz. 1993 Estate o
Sam Webb's "People in High Places" lecture about Ronan Point, 1988
In a passionate and moving lecture at the RIBA, architect Sam Webb reflects on his work investigating and campaigning for better building safety following the Ronan Point disaster in 1968.
This talk contains material that some listeners may find distressing.
Elaine Denby speaks at "Pioneers: Women Architects and Their Work", 1986
Elaine Denby reflects on her career at a talk at the RIBA in 1986 chaired by Lynne Walker.
Rosemary Stjernstedt speaks at "Pioneers: Women Architects and Their Work", 1986
Rosemary Stjernstedt reflects on her career at a talk at the RIBA in 1986 chaired by Lynne Walker.
Patricia Tindale speaks at "Pioneers: Women Architects and Their Work", 1986
Patricia Tindale reflects on her career at a talk at the RIBA in 1986 chaired by Lynne Walker.
Jane Drew speaks at "Pioneers: Women Architects and Their Work", 1986
Jane Drew reflects on her career at a talk at the RIBA in 1986 chaired by Lynne Walker.
Image: Jane Drew talking at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, on her 75th birthday. RIBA Collections
This talk include some language that evokes offensive racial stereotypes. We have taken the decision to include it for the sake of historical accuracy and awareness.
David Chipperfield at RIBA, 1987
Sir David Chipperfield speaks at a 'Young Lions' event at the RIBA in 1987, when his practice was only a couple of years old. He talks about early retail projects, and why form is more imporant than material.
The main talk begins at 3:17, following an introduction by Peter Murray.
Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour Q+A, 2005
RSHP partners Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour chat with Paul Finch about key projects, collaboration, and designing buildings that give back to their cities at this event at RIBA in 2005, captured in archival recordings from the RIBA Collections.
Image: 30 St Mary Axe, with the Leadenhall Buillding in the background. Gerald McLean / RIBA Collections
Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour in conversation, 2005
RSHP partners Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour chat about key projects, collaboration, and designing buildings that give back to their cities at this event at RIBA in 2005, captured in archival recordings from the RIBA Collections.
Image: 30 St Mary Axe, with the Leadenhall Buillding in the background. Gerald McLean / RIBA Collections
Richard Rogers' Royal Gold Medal speech at RIBA, 1985
Richard Rogers talks about the crisis of style facing architecture in 1985, when he gave this powerful speech after being awarded the Royal Gold Medal.
This talk was captured in an archival recording from the RIBA Collections, and appears online for the first time.
Image: portrait of Lord Richard Rogers, RIBA Collections
Zaha Hadid's Stephen Lawrence Memorial Lecture, 2011
Fresh from winning the RIBA Stirling Prize, Zaha Hadid gives the annual Stephen Lawrence Memorial lecture in 2011. In a talk captured in archival footage from the RIBA Collections, she talks about projects including the Evelyn Grace Academy and a private house in Moscow, and takes questions from RIBA Past President Angela Brady.
Image: Monica Pidgeon / RIBA Collections
Zaha Hadid's Charles Jencks Lecture at RIBA, 2006
In Zaha Hadid's Charles Jencks Lecture at the RIBA in 2006, captured in archival footage from the RIBA Collections, she talks about her exhibition at the Guggenheim, projects including the Maggie's Centre in Fife, and the hotly-contested Cardiff Bay project.
Image: Monica Pidgeon / RIBA Collections
Miriam Wornum lecture on 66 Portland Place at RIBA, 1984
Miriam Wornum recalls the building of RIBA's HQ at 66 Portland Place in the 1930s, including her contributions to the design and what life was like on site.
RIBA Collections
RIBA Road To Recovery - 7. Clients and communities
Episode 7 in RIBA's Road to Recovery series, 'Clients and communities'
Have clients' needs changed since the global pandemic? Has can this prompt us to think differently about future work? And how can architects better understand community needs and develop expertise in social infrasturcture?
In this episode, we're joined by architects David Ogunmuyiwa from ArchitectureDoingPlace, Jerene Irwin
RIBA Road To Recovery - 6. Supporting mental wellbeing
Episode 6 in RIBA's Road to Recovery series, 'Supporting mental wellbeing'
What is it about the architecture profession that affects mental health specifically? What have we learned about mental wellbeing during the Coronavirus pandemic that we can take back into the workplace? And how can we look after our own wellbeing?
In this episode, we're joined by architects Jane Duncan from Jane Duncan A
RIBA Road To Recovery - 5. Leading through uncertainty
Episode 5 in RIBA's Road to Recovery series, 'Leading through uncertainty'
Who's able to take part in leadership? What leadership styles are effective in leading a team through a crisis? And how can we ensure we're mentoring the next generation of architectural leaders?
In this episode, we're joined by architects Roger Hawkins from Hawkins\Brown, Barbara Kauckey from Erect Architecture and Andre
RIBA Road To Recovery - 4. Maintaining business momentum
Episode 4 in RIBA's Road to Recovery series, 'Maintaining business momentum'
How can architects remain focused on business during times of crisis, and ensure that performance, finances and staff can progress once the adrenaline wears off?
In this episode, we're joined by architects Paul Bulkeley from Snug (based near Southampton), Tomas Millar from Millar + Howard Workshop (based in Stroud) and
RIBA Road To Recovery - 3. Building Resilience
Episode 3 in RIBA's Road to Recovery series, 'Building resilience'.
How should architects build practice resilience and adapt to new ways of working in the wake of the Coronavirus global pandemic?
We're joined by Cindy Walters from Walters and Cohen, Carol MacBain from Reiach and Hall and Mark Kemp from Place Architects to discuss.
This series accompanies our Recovery Roadmap, an online digest o
RIBA Road to Recovery - 2. Learning From Crisis
Episode 2 in RIBA's Road to Recovery series, 'Learning from Crisis'.
What have architects learned from previous economic or political crises that they can apply to the current situation caused by the Coronavirus global pandemic?
We're joined by Tim Bailey from X-site, Jillian Mitchell from Lomas + Mitchell and Peter Inglis from Cullinan Studio to discuss how this crisis is unique, what changes it
RIBA Road To Recovery - 1. Defining Recovery
Episode 1 in RIBA's Road to Recovery series, 'Defining Recovery'.
What does recovery look like for architectural practices after Covid-19? We're joined by Tara Gbolade from Gbolade Studio, Angus Morrogh-Ryan from De Matos Ryan and Alison McKerracher from ADP Architecture to discuss their experiences on the recovery journey.
This series accompanies our Recovery Roadmap, an online digest of resour
Recommended
BBC Newsround
Global News Podcast
Esme's Country Life
Pod Save The King
Psychology, Actually
Pride and Prejudice (version 6, dramatic reading)
Ancient Lives with Mary Beard
English Made Simple
Learn UK English By Podcast
The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast
Stick to Football
Foundling | Tortoise Investigates
