Light, Cities + Architecture.

• Season 4: Ep 4: Jane Jacobs and the challenges of city planning.

  In this episode of Light Cities and Architecture, we explore the legacy of urbanist and writer Jane Jacobs and her 1961 book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities.Jacobs’ work challenged the planning ideologies of her time—rejecting top-down zoning, soulless high-rises, and sweeping expressways in favour of cities shaped organically by the people who live in them.Her ideas have influenced generations of urban planners and architects, but do they still have relevance today?

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• Season 4: Ep 3: Art Deco and the Architecture of Shanghai

  Welcome back to Light Cities and Architecture, where we explore the ideas behind the buildings and people and that shape our built environment.In a change of approach this time, we invite you on a personal journey as Justine Costigan shares her firsthand account of a recent visit to Shanghai — and the city’s remarkable Art Deco legacy.In this episode, Antony steps into the role of interviewer, exploring Justine’s passion for Art Deco architecture, fashion, and furniture. Her love for travel, Shanghai, and this distinctive design movement shines through — and may inspire your next trip.In a fascinating footnote to architectural history, Shanghai is home to one of the world’s best-preserved collections of early 20th-century Art Deco architecture — a fusion of East and West, shaped by the legacies of the former International Settlement and the French Concession.It’s a story of design, culture, and unexpected connections across time.

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• Season 4: Ep 2: Learning from Le Corbusier

  Le Corbusier’s Unité d’habitation in Marseille remains one of the most polarising architectural landmarks of the 20th century. A bold experiment in modernist housing, it envisioned a radical new way of urban living, one that was both efficient and communal. While celebrated by many architects for its innovation, it has also faced criticism for disregarding the social and cultural complexities of real cities.In this episode of Light Cities Architecture, writer and editor Justine Costigan and practising architect Antony DiMase delve into the legacy, mythology, and reality of this Brutalist icon. Was it a revolutionary step forward, or an idealistic vision that fell short? And, given the choice, would either of them choose to live there? Tune in to find out.Links:Fondation Le Corbusier https://www.fondationlecorbusier.fr/en/Unité d’Habitation tours https://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/discover-marseille/culture-heritage/discover-the-sites-and-monuments-in-marseille/cite-radieuse-of-le-corbusier/Instagram: @lightscitiesarchitectureLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-costigan/https://www.linkedin.com/in/antony-dimase/Credits:Editor: Suzanne McLeodThis episode was recorded at Image online, Abbotsford, Australia.

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• Season 4: Ep 1: Ayn Rand and the architect as hero

  Ayn Rand’s philosophical novel The Fountainhead is one of the most-read and most  and quoted books of the 20th century. Dismissed and loved in equal measure, it polarised critics and readers.  The Fountainhead expressed Rand’s strong beliefs about the role of the creator, the need for freedom, and the moral imperative of self-interest. One of the few novels dedicated to the profession of architecture, The Fountainhead’s ideas about architects and architecture continue to influence how we think about the profession today. In this episode, Antony and Justine discuss the novel, its pros and cons, and why it is still a treasured reference for right-wing thinkers today. Quote: “In reviewing my career to date, I came to the conclusion that I have worked on a true principle: the principle that constant change is a necessity of life.   Since buildings are an indispensable part of life, it follows that architecture must change constantly.  I have never developed architectural prejudices for myself, but insisted on keeping my mind open to all the voices of the times.   The fanatics who went around preaching that all structures must be modern were just as narrow minded as the hidebound conservatives who demanded that we employ nothing but historical styles.   I do not apologise for those of my buildings which were designed in the Classical tradition.   They were an answer to the needs of their era.  Neither do I apologise for the buildings which I designed in the modern style.   They represent the coming better world.  It is my opinion that in the humble realisation of this principle lies the reward and the joy of being an architect.” The character of architect Peter Keating, The Fountainhead Links: John Crace on Ayn Rand, The Guardian, 2009 https://www.theguardian.com/books/2009/mar/11/ayn-rand Social: Instagram: @lightscitiesarchitecture LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-costigan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/antony-dimase/ Credits: Editor: Justine Costigan This episode was recorded at Image online, Abbotsford, Australia. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/always-for-youLicense code: FKADBZMC5CF0HIR8

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• Season 3: Ep 3: NIMBY V YIMBY

  Join architect Antony DiMase and writer and editor Justine Costigan as they discuss the rise of NIMBYs and YIMBYs and how these groups reflect the growing dissatisfaction with the way our cities are planned.  We welcome your feedback, questions and topic suggestions. To get in touch email [email protected] Referenced in this episode: Tom Cowie’s story about the Thornbury church https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/empty-church-ignites-tension-between-heritage-and-housing-20240424-p5fm7b.html Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/always-for-you License code: FKADBZMC5CF0HIR8

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