15 of the best architecture and design podcasts to subscribe to
With podcasts continuing to grow in popularity, we've compiled a guide to the best ones focusing on architecture and design, including one on "invisible" design and one on architectural failure.
Face to Face
Dezeen's podcast series Face to Face is hosted by its founder and editor-in-chief Marcus Fairs and features conversations with the biggest names in architecture and design such as Es Devlin, Thomas Heatherwick and David Chipperfield.
Scratching the Surface
Hosted by Jarrett Fuller, Scratching the Surface investigates the overlap between design criticism and practice. The extensive database of interviews features designers, writers, critics and educators including Oliver Wainwright, Alexandra Lange and OMA partner Reinier de Graaf.
Failed Architecture
A combination of personal stories, research and reflection, the Failed Architecture podcast seeks to explore the meaning of architecture in contemporary society. The discussions surround unconventional narratives, ranging from the architecture of data centres to the influence of video games on our urban experience.
Time Sensitive
Released weekly, Time Sensitive has hour-long interviews with creative people that are considered to be leaders in their field. In the most recent episode, architect Bjarke Ingels discusses his tortuous path to success, his practice BIG's latest ventures and the time he spent working at OMA.
Scaffold
Scaffold offers an in-depth look into the minds of different architects and designers, uncovering details about their work that are often overlooked. Hosted by Matthew Blunderfield, the long-form interviews are released on a fortnightly basis and include names such as writer and curator Jack Self, and architects Charles Holland and Mary Duggan.
soundcloud.com/scaffoldpodcast
99% Invisible
99% Invisible focuses on the unnoticed architecture and design that forms the world around us. Host Roman Mars explores ordinary design happenings, from the rise of IKEA hacking, hostile urban architecture and the relationship between skateboarding and swimming pools.
GSAPP Conversations
GSAPP Conversations investigates contemporary architectural practice interviews and discussions. Hosted by Amale Andraos, dean of Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), the conversations take place between the school's noteworthy faculty and its students.
arch.columbia.edu/conversations
About Buildings and Cities
In this podcast British architects Luke Jones and George Gingell lead curious conversations about how film, fiction and seminal texts relate to architecture, buildings and cities. In Episode 10ttw for example, the pair attempt to unpick Aldo Rossi's title The Architecture of the City after both owning the book for 10 years, but never having read it.
The Business of Architecture
Architecture and business come together in this varied series. Informative conversations, tips, strategies and secrets of business development for modern day practice are discussed in the podcasts. Guests include Adam Nathaniel Furman, who talks about using digital tools such as Instagram for inspiration and discussion.
Design and Architecture
In this podcast Frances Anderton takes a broad look at design and architecture in Los Angeles. Episodes range from a conversation with Sterling Ruby about his fluorescent orange block at the Desert X biennial art festival, to a tour of hidden LA bars that operate a ban on mobile phones.
e-flux
The e-flux podcast is a collection of stimulating conversations based on essays and contributions originally published in the monthly e-flux journal. Rigorously researched, thought-provoking and sometimes funny the podcast talks with "some of the most engaged artists and thinkers working today".
Material Matters
In the Materials Matters podcast design writer and critic Grant Gibson hosts in-depth 30-minute interviews with designers, makers and artists. The guests each talk about their relationship to one particular material or process, including one of the most controversial – plastic.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/material-matters-with-grant-gibson
The Observatory
Michael Bierut and Jessica Helfand discuss design at the intersection of current events and everyday items, including the first image of a black hole and the Dyson Airblade, in The Observatory podcast. Expect fresh and engaging discussions that capture the zeitgeist of our time.
Monocle on Design
"Everything you need to know about the world of design", claims Monocle on Design. Guests range from architect David Chipperfield talking about coffee pots, Terry Farrell his the MI6 building and Elizabeth Diller on striking success in her home city.
Talking Practice
Produced by Harvard Graduate School of Design, this podcast has comprehensive interviews with leading architects, designers, and planners. The series aims to offer a glimpse into the life and thought processes of practitioners from around the world.