Shows
On CitiesLow Carbon CitiesIn 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 environmentally conscious cities. Tune in Friday, September 8th at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 AM PST on the Voice America Variety Channel https...2025-07-2155 minOn CitiesRegulating Design: Zoning and the Shaping of CitiesIn 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 public and private space. Do not miss this conversation, as we navigate the ongoing debate between creativity and control in the design of...2025-07-2154 minOn CitiesExploring Architecture & Material Culture with Nader TehraniIn 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://www.voiceamerica.com/show/4119/on-cities and uncover the artistry and ingenuity behind the creation of spaces that shape our physical environment and...2025-07-2155 minOn CitiesStreet Design: The Secret to Great Cities and TownsArchitect 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 on Spotify, Apple iTunes or your favorite podcast platform. John Massengale, AIA, is a thought leader on the connections between urban de...2025-07-2153 minOn CitiesThe Making of Art: Place, Culture & Identity“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 that draws the viewer into a surreal and dreamlike world while providing a powerful commentary on history, heritage and societal constructs. Tune in Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM EST...2025-07-2154 minOn CitiesOn Cities 07-28-232025-07-2153 minOn CitiesThe Underline: Public Space in AmericaAccording 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 of a city and the overall health and well-being of its population. Yet despite these...2025-07-2151 minOn CitiesArchitecture in the Era of Finance CapitalismIn 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 and the critical role that architecture plays in the current economic and political debates centered on inequality, housing shortages and financial instability. Tune in F...2025-07-2153 minOn CitiesTHE VALUE OF DOWNTOWNIn this next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with Joe Minicozzi, Principal of Urban 3, about the keys to creating financially sustainable communities by design. Minicozzi and his team delve into municipal finances to uncover economic potential that can pave the way for sustainable futures in communities of all sizes. Their eye-opening research reveals a direct link between land value economics and our current building practices. If you are interested in fostering economic growth through sustainable urban design, do not miss this episode. Tune in Friday, June 28th at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 AM PST on the Voice America...2025-07-2154 minOn CitiesPreserving the Cultural Legacy of Our Built EnvironmentIn this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with esteemed architect, preservationist and educator, Jorge Hernandez. With nearly forty years of experience in the field, Hernandez discusses the integral role of architectural preservation in shaping and revitalizing urban environments. He shares insights on ways to balance development with the need to respect the cultural and historical significance of our built heritage while highlighting the challenges faced by preservationists in navigating the delicate balance between progress and heritage. Tune in Friday, June 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 PST on the Voice America Variety Channel https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/4119/on-cities...2025-07-2155 minOn CitiesUrban Informality & Why it MattersToday, informal settlements are home to over a billion people (nearly 1/7 of the world population); and that number is projected to triple by 2050. These growing settlements are the result of rapid urbanization and present us with both lessons as well as serious challenges for the future of our planet. In this next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with Dr. Janice Perlman, a global expert on urbanization and the informal sector. With over fifty years of experience researching the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and working within informal settlements in megacities throughout the world, Perlman sheds light...2025-07-2153 minOn CitiesIdea City: How To Make Boston More Livable Equitable & ResilientRacial strife, increased social and economic discrimination, amplified political friction, and growing uncertainty around the impacts of the pandemic and climate change have increased inequalities within the city of Boston. How will these factors influence the city’s future as it nears the celebration of its quadricentennial in 2030? In this episode of ON CITIES, architect and author, David Gamble will address the many challenges facing Boston’s urban future while presenting ways to improve the city for all its citizens. Tune in Friday, June 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 PST on the Voice America Variety Channel https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/4119/on-c...2025-07-2154 minOn CitiesSHAPING RURAL FUTURESJoin us on the next episode of ON CITIES, as we delve into the work of Liminal, a non-profit research and design group dedicated to revitalizing Italy’s rural towns. We will explore how Liminal leverages the rich cultural and historical heritage of these towns, turning them into hubs of research and innovation. Discover how their multi-disciplinary approach, encompassing urban planning, architecture, economics, urban law and development is searching for cohesive and sustainable solutions to the most pressing challenges facing Italy’s rural areas, including depopulation, disinvestment and infrastructural decay. Tune in Friday, May 31 at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 AM PST on t...2025-07-2153 minOn CitiesLéon Krier: The Architecture of CommunityIn this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad will be speaking with Léon Krier, one of the most provocative architectural and urban thinkers of our time. Krier’s career has been a long-standing critique of the legacy of modernist city planning; and his revolutionary theories have changed the discourse of what makes a city successful through a return to traditional principles of architecture and town planning and the creation of community. Do not miss what will surely be a memorable conversation. Tune in Friday, May 26, 2023 at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 PST on the Voice America Variety Channel https://www.voi...2025-07-2155 minOn CitiesOn Cities 05-19-232025-07-2154 minOn CitiesSINKING CITIESIn this next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with Anthony Acciavatti on the complex relationship between water, urban development and environmental sustainability. Acciavatti’s work straddles the realms of landscape, history and technology; and his pioneering research offers invaluable insights on how cities have evolved in relation to groundwater extraction. Join us Friday, May 17th at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 AM PST on the Voice America network as we uncover the fascinating journey of civilizations built on the ebb and flow of water and the urgent challenges they face in an era of unprecedented environmental change. Connect to al...2025-07-2152 minOn CitiesHungry Cities: How Food Shapes our LivesAcclaimed author, Carolyn Steel joins ON CITIES for a thought-provoking conversation on the relationship between food and cities. The feeding of cities has greater social and physical impact on us and our planet than anything else we do. Yet few of us living in modern cities are conscious of the process. In her books, Hungry City and Sitopia, Steel discusses the history of food production and distribution, the challenges of feeding our growing cities sustainably, and her vision of Sitopia, a new way of thinking about food and its role in creating more resilient, equitable and joyful urban futures...2025-07-2154 minOn CitiesHow Shall We Live?In this next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad discusses the evolving concept of domesticity with architect and educator Tatiana Bilbao. Bilbao scrutinizes the traditional norms surrounding our living spaces, reshaping housing into a vibrant canvas that celebrates cultural diversity and drives societal progress. From crafting individual houses to tackling complex social housing projects, Bilbao advocates for dignified and beautiful living environments accessible to all. Join us on Friday, May 10th at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 AM PST on the Voice America Network as we reimagine the composition of our homes and the future of our cities. Connect to all...2025-07-2154 minOn CitiesThe City: Between Theory and PracticeIn this next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad will speak with Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Suárez, architect and current director of the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The conversation will highlight Rodriguez-Suárez’s dual career as an architect and educator, focusing specifically on the study of the city in the history of architectural pedagogy. Tune in Friday, May 5 at 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 AM PST at https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/4119/on-cities; and find all previous episodes on Spotify, Apple iTunes or your favorite podcast platform. Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Suárez, FAIA, is the...2025-07-2154 minOn CitiesArtificial Intelligence and the future design of citiesIn this next episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad will speak with Olivia Ramos, the visionary founder and CEO of Deepblocks, an AI-driven real estate platform that is transforming the way we think about the future development of cities. The conversation will dive into the exciting and rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and what this means for architects, urban planners, and anyone interested in the future of our built environment. You will not want to miss this conversation, as we explore the endless possibilities of AI and its potential to shape the cities of tomorrow. Tune in...2025-07-2155 minOn CitiesNew Urban Responses to Climate ChangeHow will our cities respond to the rising threats of climate change? Internationally recognized urban designer and co-founder of the New Urbanism movement, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk discusses the two main categories of climate response and the ways they can be implemented to meet the urban and environmental challenges of sea-level rise. Plater-Zyberk will highlight how New Urban principles focus on the design of the built environment to influence changes in behavior that can inspire people to consume less and live more lightly on the land. Tune in to this episode of ON CITIES to learn how to design and adapt...2025-07-2155 minOn CitiesBuilding Small: The Power of Incremental UrbanismIn 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 insightful conversation on shaping the future of our...2025-07-2153 minOn CitiesFilmmaking in service of social transformationIn this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad will dive into the fascinating world of documentary filmmaker and educator, Sanjeev Chatterjee. Chatterjee’s thought-provoking, cinematic vision strives to unite viewers in an increasingly divided world through the exploration of themes that impact us all including climate change, health, urbanization, technology and migration. Tune in on Friday, April 14th at 11:00 am EST, 8:00 AM PST to learn how films can serve as an instrument of advocacy, to promote awareness of current global challenges and the ways that we can work together to adapt, innovate and prosper. Sanjeev Chatterjee is...2025-07-2154 minOn CitiesDignity in Design: The Work of MASS DESIGN GROUPWelcome 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 narratives and...2025-07-2154 minOn CitiesCreating a sustainable future for formerly incarcerated womenWhile in Federal Prison, Dr. Topeka K. Sam witnessed firsthand the epidemic and disparity of incarceration on women. After her release in 2015, and in response to what she saw and learned in prison, Topeka founded The Ladies of Hope Ministries (The LOHM), an organization whose mission is to help disenfranchised and marginalized women transition back into society through affordable housing, education, entrepreneurship, spiritual empowerment, and advocacy. With Vanee Sykes, Topeka developed the vision for Hope House NYC, a safe housing space for formerly incarcerated women located in the Castle Hill neighborhood of the Bronx; and she is working to...2025-07-2152 minOn CitiesDeborah Berke: A Life in ArchitectureJoin us for the next episode of ON CITIES where host Carie Penabad will speak with internationally recognized architect and Dean of the Yale School of Architecture, Deborah Berke. In this episode, Deborah will discuss her career trajectory, design and teaching philosophy and the changing role of architecture in society. The show will explore some of Deborah’s most notable works and the ways that she is shaping the next generation of leaders in the field. The conversation will also touch upon her experience as the first female dean of Yale School of Architecture and her efforts to promote di...2025-07-1852 minOn CitiesLearning from the Past to Design Tomorrow’s StreetsJoin 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 transforming blighted areas into vibrant, inviting spaces that...2025-07-1853 minOn CitiesViews of the CityOn this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad will speak with award-winning photographer Steven Brooke. The conversation will delve into Brooke’s career, which has spanned four decades and produced over forty books on some of the world’s most iconic cities and landmarks. Through his lens, Brooke captures the beauty and historic significance of buildings, monuments and urban landscapes, showcasing the unique character and cultural heritage of each setting. We’ll hear about Brooke’s inspirations, techniques and approaches to distilling the essence of the cities he photographs. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of architec...2025-07-1854 minOn CitiesDesigning America: The Life and Work of Frederick Law OlmstedJoin 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 transforming blighted areas into vibrant, inviting spaces that...2025-07-1852 minOn CitiesShaping Community through the ArtsIn this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad will speak with Cathy Leff about the intersection of culture, art and community-building. Drawing from more than thirty years of experience leading cultural institutions in the city of Miami, Leff will share the story of her current work with the Bakehouse Art complex. As a leading incubator for artistic creativity, the Bakehouse enables more than 100 artists to not only create their work but also to share it with the broader community. Leff’s vision for an expanded, future arts complex may serve as a model for how cities can build st...2025-07-1853 minOn CitiesStorytelling and SpaceThe stories we shape are largely the result of our physical and cultural contexts. In this episode of ON CITIES, award winning multi-disciplinary writer, journalist and playwright Vanessa Garcia will discuss the themes that shape her creative work through the lens of an American born Cuban (ABC). As an immigrant, she belongs to the space in between two countries – Cuba and the United States. Her work draws on the inherited memories of a displaced homeland while constructing new immersive environments and narratives that center on the timeless themes of home, family and identity. Vanessa Garcia is a Cu...2025-07-1854 minOn CitiesBuildings and Time: Architectural Heritage at Yale UniversityIn 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 where Knight shares insights into the...2025-07-1855 minOn CitiesUrban Futures: How technology will transform the cityWithin a few decades seven out of every ten people will be living in urban areas. Now more than ever, the way we build our communities, our neighborhoods and our homes will have a critical impact on our collective safety, comfort, health and well-being. As Dean of the University of Miami School of Architecture, Rodolphe el-Khoury has advanced cutting edge initiatives on Smart and Resilient Cities as well as the ways in which embedded technology will influence all scales of design from objects to urban form. In this episode of ON CITIES, el-Khoury will discuss the lessons he has...2025-07-1853 minOn CitiesOn Cities 02-23-242025-07-1853 minOn CitiesOn Cities 02-17-232025-07-1853 minOn CitiesOn Cities 02-16-242025-07-1854 minOn CitiesOn Cities 02-10-232025-07-1853 minOn CitiesOn Cities 02-03-232025-07-1854 minOn CitiesOn Cities 02-02-242025-07-1853 minOn CitiesBrave New Home: Our Future in Smarter, Simpler, Happier HousingUrban policy expert and author, Diana Lind joins ON CITIES to discuss her most recent book, Brave New Home: Our Future in Smarter, Simpler, Happier Housing. Described by the New York Times as an invaluable resource that provides a new and revelatory window on a familiar challenge, Brave New Home offers a concise history of single-family housing in America and highlights the social, economic and environmental consequences of our current housing crisis. Lind discusses new housing trends and illustrates how these models can help Americans tackle the challenges of equity and affordability so that we can all live better...2025-07-1854 minOn CitiesOn Cities 01-26-242025-07-1853 minOn CitiesOn Cities 01-05-242025-07-1854 minOn CitiesDesigning America: The Life and Work of Frederick Law OlmstedJoin best-selling author Witold Rybczynski as he returns to ON CITIES to delve into the extraordinary life and groundbreaking work of Frederick Law Olmsted. Hailed as a pioneer in landscape architecture, Olmsted crafted some of America’s most iconic landscapes, including New York’s Central Park and the Emerald Necklace in Boston. Discover how Olmsted's diverse formative experiences in farming, writing, reporting and traveling laid the foundation for his unparalleled career. Explore how his visionary designs came to epitomize 19th-century America and continue to captivate and inspire us today. Tune in this Friday, January 12th, at 11:00 AM EST / 8:00 AM PST...2025-07-1853 minOn CitiesThe Story of ArchitectureIn the first ON CITIES episode of the new year, host Carie Penabad speaks with renowned author Witold Rybczynski about his latest book, "The Story of Architecture." Rybczynski expertly navigates the vast history of architecture from the Stone Age to the present, showcasing how societal shifts, technological advancements and artistic expression have shaped the world’s greatest buildings. Tune in Friday, January 5th at 11:00 am EST, 8:00 am PST on the Voice America Variety Channel, as Rybczynski sheds light on how architecture shapes our cities and reflects our collective societal aspirations. https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/4119/on-cities Connect to all pr...2025-07-1852 minOn CitiesOn Cities - March 7th, 20252025-03-0751 minOn CitiesOn Cities - February 14th, 20252025-02-1451 minOn CitiesMIAMI: IN DEFENSE OF THE DYNAMIC CITY In this episode of ON CITIES, host Carie Penabad speaks with architect, author, and educator Allan Shulman. Known for his work at the intersection of preservation and contemporary urbanism, Shulman explores Miami’s distinctive architectural and cultural identity. His acclaimed books, including Miami Modern Metropolis: Paradise and Paradox in Midcentury Architecture and Planning, examine modernism, tropicality, and the city’s evolving urban landscape. Shulman will discuss Miami as a layered and dynamic metropolis, navigating the balance between preservation, development, and resilience. From adapting historic buildings to the enduring lessons of tropical architecture, he shares insights on shaping a more...2025-02-0752 min