AnylabTalks (Anylab Experimental Studio)

In this captivating episode, join host Nurgul Yardim in a thought-provoking conversation with the brilliant Tanisha Rafidin, the Creative Director of Concept Culture; a creative agency for Built Environment practices and organisations. Together, they explore the fascinating intersection of communication, architecture and sustainability, shedding light on innovative ideas and approaches that have the power to reshape our world.

Tanisha shares her journey and insights, delving into her commitment to safeguarding the environment is evident as she emphasises the power of storytelling in addressing the pressing global challenges we face today. The episode also touches on exciting developments in the sustainability space, including ground-breaking initiatives like the Global Carbon Rewards program, offering fresh perspectives on how we can reshape our economy to reward carbon reduction efforts.

In this episode of Anylabtalks, host Nurgul Yardim, interviews Lara Lesmes and Fredrik Hellberg. They are co-founders of Spacepopular and direct the research MArch unit Diploma 2: The Civic Program at the Architectural Association. They both graduates from the Architectural Association in London and founded Spacepopular in Bangkok. The practice has been based in London since 2016; has completed buildings, exhibitions, public artworks, furniture collections, and interiors across Asia and Europe, as well as virtual architecture in the Immersive Internet. 

Visit www.spacepopular.com to see their work.

This interview was recorded in No.1 Poultry Building London on May 28, 2019. Enjoy our conversation.

This week, our host, Nurgul Yardim, talks with Angelica Trevino Baccon, visiting her in SHoP Architects New York office. 

Angelica Trevino Baccon is a principal of SHoP Architects. She holds a Bachelor's degree in architecture from Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico and a master’s degree from GSA Harvard. Her journey has been shaped by encounters with remarkable individuals and the places she's been.

Angelica is particularly special in leading complex mixed-use and workplace design projects, often at the intersection of enterprise and technology. These include the new Uber headquarters in San Francisco and several projects for global leaders in Silicon Valley.

Throughout the conversation, Angelica portrays the collaborative essence of architecture​ and emphasises how asking the right questions leads the profession forward. Tune in to hear Angelica’s story!

 

Projects Angelica mentioned:

Uber HQ: https://www.shoparc.com/projects/uber-hq/

Atlassian HQ: https://www.shoparc.com/projects/atlassian-hq/

East River Waterfront: https://www.shoparc.com/projects/east-river-waterfront/

111 West 57th: https://www.shoparc.com/projects/111-west-57-street-2/

The Brooklyn Tower: https://www.shoparc.com/projects/9-dekalb/

Essex Market: https://www.shoparc.com/projects/essex-crossing/

Pier 17: https://www.shoparc.com/projects/pier-17/

Nurgul Yardim chats to Sue Barr, photographer and Head of Photography at the Architectural Association School of Architecture. She holds a PhD from the Royal College of Art. She works and exhibits internationally, including the recent AutoPhoto exhibition at the Foundation Cartier in Paris and she has a solo exhibition at the Arles Photo Festival in July. Her book ‘The Architecture of Transit’ published by Hartmann Projects. Following historical 18th-century routes from the Swiss Alps to Naples, she used a large format camera to photograph these extraordinary and ignored architectural megastructures. 

Visit architectureoftransit.com to see Sue Barr’s works.

This interview was recorded in Architectural Association London on May 22, 2019. Enjoy our conversation.

The LFA is the world’s largest annual architecture event and celebrates London as a global hub of architectural experimentation, practice and debate. This year London Festival of Architecture making LFA Digital on the theme of Power.

As a part of LFA Digital, “Architects Love Media & Media Loves Architects – But Do They Get Along?” panel talk organised by Anylab Experimental Studio, based in Somerset House London; will question how we can define “media” in architecture. Is media only a tool, or is it a space dialogue and debate? Speakers will present their idea of media and demonstrate how media can explore the connections between architecture and its representation.

Speakers:

Dara Huang/ Architect, Founder of DH Liberty, Co-founder of Vivahouse

Tom Wilkinson/ History Editor The Architectural Review, Author of Bricks and Mortals: Ten Great Buildings and the People They Made, co-director of New Architecture Writers

Sam Jacob/ Principal of Sam Jacob Studio for architecture and design, Professor of Architecture at UIC and Visiting Professor at Yale School of Architecture

Manijeh Verghese/ Founding Director at Unscene Architecture, Head of Public Programmes at Architectural Association, Co-Curator of the British Pavilion at the 2021Venice Architecture Biennale

Jim Stephenson/ Photographer, Film-maker, Founder of Clickclickjim

Bobby Jewell/ Press and Communications Consultant, Coordinator at ACAN, Co-organiser of the Negroni Talks

Shukri Sultan / Co-founder of Afterparti, inaugural member of the New Architectural Writers program

Nurgul Yardim/ Architect, Podcast Host, Founder of Anylab (Chair)

Dive into the world of the architecture with Jürgen Mayer H. in this thought-provoking podcast episode; as he puts "architecture is a field of investigations".

Host Nurgul Yardim as she delves into his journey, from his days in Stuttgart to his time at Cooper Union, exploring the path of a passionate, visionary architect and educator who has indelibly shaped our cities.

Jürgen founded J. MAYER H. in 1996 in Berlin. In 2014, Andre Santer and Hans Schneider joined as partners in the firm, which is an international award-winning architecture office with projects at the intersection of architecture, communication, and new technology.

In this episode, Jürgen also discusses his designs, such as Metropol Parasol in Sevilla and the border checkpoint in Georgia, sharing his evolution from imaginative concepts to groundbreaking projects. Discover how he is pushing the boundaries of architecture and find inspiration in his unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter and better future.

*This episode was recorded in the J.MAYER.H office in Berlin.

 

Explore J.MAYER.H's work on their official website: https://jmayerh.de

⁠Ecocity World Summit ⁠Special Episode 

In the second episode of Season 3, Nurgul meets Tomas Stokke, co-founder of Haptic Architects in 2009 alongside Scott Grady, Timo Haedrich, and Nikki Butenschøn. As a Norwegian national based in London, Tomas divides his time between the London and Oslo offices.

Tomas plays a pivotal role in Haptic's international endeavors and leads several significant projects, including the Norwegian Government Headquarters, Noida International Airport, Oslo Airport City, and a substantial waterside development for a marine center and aquarium in Oslo. During the episode, he discusses the importance of sustainability and the need for flexible buildings that can adapt to changing needs. He also emphasizes the value of collaboration in the design process and the benefits of working with diverse stakeholders. Tomas's excitement about the ongoing waterfront marine campus project in Oslo, dedicated to ocean regeneration and education, shines through. The interview wraps up with an engaging discussion about motivation and the research process.

In this compelling episode, host Nurgul Yardim engages in an enlightening conversation with visionary architect Professor Yasmeen Lari and founder of Barefoot Social Architecture, delving deep into the profound impact of architecture as a catalyst for social change and empowerment.

Yasmeen Lari is widely recognised as Pakistan's pioneering female architect, and she holds the distinction of being the first woman since Zaha Hadid to receive the prestigious Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This award - the first to be personally approved by His Majesty The King - acknowledges Yasmeen Lari’s work championing zero-carbon self-build concepts for displaced populations.

Lari shares her resolute mission, wherein architecture transcends its conventional boundaries and becomes a potent tool for uplifting communities, with a special emphasis on empowering women. Throughout the discussion, Lari also emphasises the pivotal role architects play in championing causes they passionately believe in, advocating for designs that prioritise the well-being of people over conventional commissions.

The episode concludes on an uplifting note, with a vision of a future where architecture stands as a symbol of inclusive and vibrant communities.

This episode's guest is Ricardo Emilio Bofill Maggiora Vergano. Ricardo joined Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura in 1991 after graduating from Harvard University, and he is currently President of his family's Barcelona-based architecture practice, which is three generations in the making. 

RBTA is an architecture, planning and interior design studio founded in 1963 by Ricardo Emilio Bofill's father legendary architect Ricardo Bofill one of the defining voices of postmodernism. 

This interview was recorded in La Fábrica, the 3,100 sqm former cement factory which discovered in 1973 and has repurposed as studio, office and residence in Barcelona.

Enjoy our conversation.

Ecocity World Summit Special Episode

In this captivating episode, Nurgul engages in a dynamic conversation with the visionary architect, Jerry Tate. Jerry founded Tate+Co in 2007 and maintains a central role at the practice. He is driven by his desire to generate creative, pragmatic and unique solutions for each project that have a positive impact on our built and natural environment.

Jerry emphasises the importance of staying informed about changes in sustainability and understanding the expanded definition of sustainability as a social and cultural concept. He also highlights the need to create platforms that steer towards positive outcomes and connect people with nature in meaningful ways. Jerry discusses the balance between architectural innovation and community needs, emphasising the importance of stakeholder engagement and creating buildings that people love.

Ecocity World Summit Special Episode

In this episode, Nurgul Yardim sits down with Sam Lee, a strategic urbanist and the founder of OURI Labs. If you're passionate about urban design, sustainability, and the future of our cities, this episode is a must-listen.

Join us for an engaging conversation where Sam discusses her work in creating healthier and more sustainable urban environments, her commitment to participatory governance and design, and her vision for a regenerative future for our cities and communities.

Get ready to be inspired and motivated to take action towards a better urban world.

This episode's guest is is Benedetta Tagliabue. She is director of the acclaimed international architecture firm EMBT Miralles Tagliabue, founded in 1994 in collaboration with Enric Miralles, based in Barcelona. 

Among EMBT’s notable built projects are the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Diagonal Mar Park, and the Santa Caterina Market in Barcelona, Campus Universitario de Vigo, and the Spanish Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo which was awarded the prestigious RIBA International “Best International Building of 2011” award. 

In the teaching field, she has been a visiting professor at Harvard University, Columbia University and Barcelona ETSAB, lecturing regularly at architecture forums and universities, and is on juries around the world. 

Her work received the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2005, the National Spanish Prize in 2006, the Catalan National Prize in 2002, City of Barcelona Prize in 2005 and 2009, FAD Prizes in 2000, 2003 and 2007. She won the 2013 RIBA Jencks Award, which is given annually to an individual or practice that has recently made a major contribution internationally to both the theory and practice of architecture. 

This interview was recorded in Miralles Tagliabue EMBT studio in Barcelona. 

Enjoy our conversation.

⁠Ecocity World Summit ⁠Special Episode 

In this episode of AnylabTalks Podcast, host Nurgul Yardim Mericliler interviews Michelle Sánchez Brajkovic, an architectural designer and sustainability lead at RHSP. She discusses her role in driving the sustainability agenda within the practice and ensuring projects meet sustainability targets. 

In this episode, Michelle emphasises that the term sustainability was defined back in 1987 by the UN as the balance of the environmental, economic, and social impact of any project – this is the Sustainability Triple Bottom Line. She also highlights the growth of the sustainability industry and the need for architects to engage in research and development. 

Overall, the episode provides insights into the evolving role of architecture in promoting sustainability. Enjoy!

This episode's guest is Sumita Singha. 

Sumita set up her London-based practice Eco=logic in 1993, specialising in ‘eco-friendly design, community projects and design for those with disabilities’. Sumita set up Architects For Change, the equality forum at the RIBA and has been past Chair of Women in Architecture. 

At present, she sits on the RIBA professional standards committee and its Ethics and Sustainable Development Commission. Singha is currently a tutor in professional practice at the University of Westminster and is the founding director of Charushila, a design charity for community projects. 

She has written numerous books including Architecture For Rapid Change and Scarce Resources, the four-volume Women In Architecture (2018) and Future Healthcare Design. 

Singha is also a trustee of the Architects Benevolent Society and the Commonwealth Association of Architects and, since 2013, has been a non-executive director of Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, where she chairs the People and Culture committee. 

This interview was recorded via Zoom. Enjoy our conversation.

This special podcast recording was a part of Arch + Dsgn Summit and took place at the İzmir Architecture Center, Turkey on 26 September 2019. Moderated by Nurgul Yardim, the talk explored Kirsten Lees’ thoughts on the role of the global architect, the inter-relationship between architecture, place and the city.

Kirsten Lees is the Grimshaw London studio’s Managing Partner and Partner in Charge of the design Arter Museum, opened in İstanbul, Turkey. Kirsten is a highly experienced architect with over 25 years’ experience in architecture, strategic planning, urban design and regeneration in sensitive environments within the arts, sports and master planning sectors. She brings insight and creativity to the development of strategic projects, and she demonstrates strong conceptual judgment when integrating buildings into sensitive settings, both urban and rural. Her work has been acknowledged for its subtle response to place, the pre-eminence of the cultural agenda and its unique expressive and material qualities. She was shortlisted for the AJ Woman Architect of the Year award in 2014. She is currently developing the Koç Contemporary Art Museum in Istanbul, and a new grandstand for Curragh Racecourse.

Enjoy our conversation.

In this episode of Anylabtalks, host Yardim Yardim interviews Sevince Bayrak and Oral Goktas, partners and co-founders of SO; an Istanbul-based studio focusing on design, architecture, and urbanism. 

In 2013, they won the Young Architects Program by MoMA/PS1, creating Sky Spotting Stop for Istanbul Modern, which was exhibited in MoMA and MAXXI. In 2015, they won the invitational competition at the Royal Academy of Arts; their project Unexpected Hill was realized in London. Their work has been published internationally and nominated for prestigious Mies, Aga Khan Awards, they were among the finalists of the Architectural Review Emerging Architecture Award 2019. They were shortlisted for the Future Architecture Platform 2019. Their recent work includes a public cultural center in Istanbul, a chicken coop and a cabin in the rural parts of Turkey, and an interdisciplinary research project on post-disaster emergency housing. Sevince recently published a book adapted from her PhD dissertation about the evolution of public space in Istanbul and teaches in MEF University since 2015 and Oral has been running a graduate design studio, titled Alternative Architectural Practices in MEF University since 2019. Visit www.soistanbul.com to see their work.

This interview was recorded in MEF University Architecture Studio, Istanbul on October 18, 2019. Enjoy our conversation.

This week, our host, Nurgul Yardim, talks with Dan Sibert, visiting him at the Foster + Partners London office. 

Dan Sibert is a Senior Partner at the Foster and Partners. He is originally from just outside Cardiff, Wales. He is interested in the evolution of how we live and work, what this means for the design of the spaces we inhabit, and the role of technology in architecture. His background leading projects that utilize computational architecture and BIM, led him to look at how processes can encourage a greater concentration on design. 

Tune in to hear Dan’s story!

 

Show notes and links:

*This interview was recorded at the Foster + Partners London office on September 14, 2023.

*The Design of the Workplace report was carried out by Perspectus Global, an independent research and insights agency, and commissioned by Brookfield Properties in partnership with Foster + Partners. Download the Design of the Workplace Report here:

https://www.brookfieldproperties.com/en/our-approach/events/design-of-the-workplace-161.html

*To coincide with Design of the Workplace, Brookfield Properties and Foster + Partners showcase a co-designed workstation installation at Ecocity World Summit. The installation featured new climate-forward Foster + Partners designed products, which will be repurposed in Brookfield Properties’ spaces.

This week our host Nurgul Yardim talks with Jing Liu, visiting her in their office in Brooklyn, New York.

 

Jing Liu has been practising for more than 15 years, working on a wide range of projects both in the US and abroad. A native of China, Jing Liu received her education in China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and New Orleans.

Jing Liu co-founded SO-IL in 2008 with Florian Idenburg. Through building practice and interdisciplinary research projects, Jing has led SO–IL in the engagement with the socio-political issues of contemporary cities — in projects like the Artists Loft North Omaha and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in Cleveland.

Jing leads all of the projects from concept to realization and considers carefully all aspects of design and construction — from the building’s presence in a community, down to the fasteners in a window. Her projects range from artistic collaborations with contemporary choreographers and visual artists to master plans and major public realm design.

Tune in to hear Jing’s story!

 

 

Show links:

 

SO-IL website: http://so-il.org

SO-IL insragram: https://www.instagram.com/solidobjectives/

Book “Solid Objectives: Order, Edge, Aura”: https://www.lars-mueller-publishers.com/solid-objectives

We are in extraordinary times; a lot of us working remotely and meeting daily to keep in touch, and make sure our business is moving forward. As Anylabtalks we help to stay connected and meet new people talking about the things we are most passionate about. 

In this episode host Nurgul Yardim Mericliler talks with Lauren Shevills and Joe Penn from the Architects Climate Action Network. Enjoy our talk, stay safe and stay connected!

Lauren Shevills / Coordinator at Architects Climate Action Network, Architect at Mæ

She defines herself as creative individual, dabbling in mediums ranging from design to fabrication and lots of other things in between. She has personal interests for socio-political research and architectural activism which focus on delivering quality architecture for positive social and planetary change.

Joe Penn / Coordinator at Architects Climate Action Network, Architect at Rock Townsend

He studied Political Architecture and Critical Sustainability, previously working in architectural practice in Denmark and the UK. Joe’s passion lies in the creation of social and joyful architecture through a process of collaboration and craft.

In our first episode special to women's day as well, I speak with Aleksa Rizova, founder of the Aleksa Studio in London. We talk about Aleksa Studio’s bold and innovative designs and interaction of new media platforms and discuss the materials and fabrication through advanced techniques.

This week Nurgul speak with Jonathan Mizzi, founder of Mizzi Studio, award-winning architecture and design practice. He is currently rolling out nine sculptural kiosks in London’s Royal Parks and a new Serpentine Café, with a fantastical sweeping brass canopy, Serpentine Bridge. In this interview, Jonathan talks about his love for science fiction and high-tech architecture, through his experiences at Foster and Partners, Jason Bruges Studio, Cinimod Studio and Mizzi Studio. Think you already know what Jonathan Mizzi is really excited about for future? Tune in to find out.

In this episode Nurgul talking with Chris Hildrey founder of Hildrey Studio. Chris is an architect and designer focusing on complex systems, including contemporary social issues. He has worked variously at Foster + Partners, OMA, ZHA and Níall McLaughlin Architects. After establishing Hidrey Studio, his work spans a range of fields with specific interests in the social implications of design, emergent systems, and cross-discipline collaboration. In 2017 he became the first architect to be chosen for the Designers in Residence programme at the Design Museum. Enjoy!

"Your words should inspire others." In the second episode Nurgul talks with Juliette Mitchell, a freelance writer and editor. Juliette has always worked with words and for years she worked as an editor at Penguin Books. Now, she runs Architypal, a writing consultancy for architects. We talk about the power of telling stories in architecture to change people’s minds and make things happen. Juliette provides practical tips for architects to write about their projects. You might be struggling to express what you do differently, then listen to our conversation!

In this episode, Nurgul speaks with Dara Huang founder of Design Haus Liberty, a London-based architecture and design practice. Dara has received numerous awards and honours including Property Weeks 40 under 40, BBC China's 100 Women, and three RIBA competition recognitions. This conversation touches upon many topics, from how buildings need to be paired with technology, and immersive experiences to becoming a new generation of designer. Dara also speaks about her passion on creating value and leading design in emerging market trends, DH Liberty’s collaborations and boundaries of the way architects engage clients. We hope you enjoy.

In this episode, my guest is Tarek Merlin, Director & Co-Founder of Feix&Merlin Architects, a creative design studio particular interests in the arts and public spaces as well as commercial office and infrastructure projects. Tarek graduated from the Bartlett School of Architecture and originally worked at Foster & Partners before joining Alsop Architects. He played a key role on some of Alsop’s most high profile projects including Queen Mary University ‘Blizard Building’ and the ‘Palestra’ office building. Tarek went on to become a Senior Architect at Yoo, a high-end interior design studio co-founded by John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck. In this interview, Tarek explains creating spaces that enable collaborative environments, client sides of the projects and why he is optimistic about change. To learn more go to our conversation.

This episode’s guest is Patrik Schumacher, principal of Zaha Hadid Architects. This interview was recorded in Zaha Hadid Architects Studio in London. Patrik is one of the most influential figures in architecture today, with his educational background in both philosophy and architecture. He lectures around the world, contributing articles to journals and publishes books on parametricism. Patrik Schumacher founded the leading-edge Design Research Laboratory at the Architectural Association in London, focuses on parametric design in architecture and urbanism. A true believer in innovation, Patrik is not someone who shies away from engaging in challenging conversations on some of the most crucial issues of our generation. His constant desire to push limits makes him an “outside-the-box” thinking within the profession. In this exclusive interview, we talk about his leadership in a world-famed firm carrying one of the biggest names in modern architecture, Zaha Hadid; the future of architecture and urbanism and why he is so passionate about creativity.

This episode's guest is Angela Dapper, the principle of Grimshaw Architects leading hotel, commercial and cultural projects. This interview was recorded in Grimshaw Architects in London. Angela is currently focused on research and development of people based on buildings integrated with public space. Before joining Grimshaw, she was a Partner at Denton Corker Marshall Architects where she was involved in several landmark London projects. She led the design and construction of Stonehenge Exhibition and Visitor Centre. Following this success, Angela was shortlisted for the Architect's Journal Emerging Woman Architect of the Year. We talk about the culture of architecture, human-based design and gender equality in the discipline.

This episode’s guest is Mat Barnes, director of CAN: Critical Architecture Network in London. CAN is an architecture studio that designs buildings, environments and installations. Prior to founding CAN, Mat was an Associate at Studio 54 Architecture where he was responsible for the award-winning Peabody infill housing projects. He has been a guest critic at a number of universities including Oxford Brookes and Westminster. Recently his design of Lomax Studio project picked up a Royal Institute of British Architects London regional award. In this interview, we talk about experiences, McDonald's, ornament in architecture and how to make a great city. I hope you enjoy our talk.

In this episode anylabtalks featuring “Dezeen Day”, an international architecture and design conference took place on 30 October. The interviews were recorded in Dezeen Day at BFI Southbank, London. In this exclusive interviews Nurgul Yardim Mericliler and Emre Erdogan have talked with high-profile speakers and asked their motivation behind their speeches. This episode’s guests are Paola Antonelli, Arthur Mamou-Mani, Rachel Armstrong, Liam Young, Benedict Hobson, Patrik Schumacher and Dara Huang. Thanks Dezeen for this opportinity! Enjoy the episode! Paola Antonelli is an author, editor and curator. She is currently the Senior Curator of the Department of Architecture and Design at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. Arthur Mamou-Mani is an architect and director of Mamou-Mani Architects and a specialist in digital fabrication and advanced bioplastics. Rachel Armstrong is professor of experimental architecture at Newcastle University, she is a pioneer of living architecture, an approach that seeks to give buildings some of the qualities of natural systems. Liam Young is an architect who operates in the spaces between design, fiction and futures. He is the founder of Tomorrows Thoughts Today and runs the programme on Fiction and Entertainment at SCI-Arc. Benedict Hobson is the Dezeen’s chief content officer. We asked him what was his personal highlight of the day? Patrik Schumacher is the principal at Zaha Hadid Architects and founder of Design Research Unit at the Architecture Association. Dara Huang is an architect and founder of Design Haus Liberty and co-founder of Vivahouse.

We’re happy to be back on the air with our second season. In this episode, our guests are Mina Hasman and Phil Obayda. This interview was recorded in Skidmore, Owings & Merrill London headquarter at SOM-designed Broadgate Tower. In this episode, Mina and Phil discuss their path in SOM; sustainability within the building industry and how we all come together & help to shape the future.

This episode's guest is Gilles Retsin. He studied in Belgium, Chile and the UK, where he obtained a masters from the Architectural Association’s Design Research Lab in London. His work has been exhibited at the New York’s Museum of Art and Design, the Vitra Design Museum and at the Royal Academy of Arts. He is Program Director of the B-Pro Architectural Design within the Bartlett School of Architecture. This interview was recorded in in UCL Bartlett School of Architecture in London on May 13, 2019. Enjoy our conversation.

At Anylabtalks, we're proud to spotlight great women, who have broken barriers and stood for creativity. Over one year, our host Nurgul Yardim Mericliler have had the great privilege of sitting by many of them, hearing their stories and asking why they are hopeful about future. Reflecting on just a few of those conversations, this short episode feels a little like what they would have talked. The episode featuring Dara Huang, Angela Dapper, Mina Hasman, Kirsten Lees and Benedetta Tagliabue.