Design to Connect

We often speak of change as something we do. A movement. A decision. A strategy. But what if true transformation begins somewhere else? Over the past four episodes, we’ve explored healing in many forms through the lens of design, liberation, art, style, belonging, and identity.🎙️ In this conversation, we invite you to reflect with us on:🔹 How healing shapes the way we live and lead🔹 Identity as...

What does it mean to decolonise design and research? How can design become an act of liberation, truth-telling, and collective healing rather than extraction or control?.💛 This is a tender, layered conversation. We invite you to listen gently, pause when needed, and hold yourself with care as you move through these reflections..In this episode of our Healing Series, we speak with Pause and Effect...

In this third episode of our Healing Series, we explore the intricate relationship between style, identity, gender, self-expression, and mental health, and how personal style can serve as a powerful vehicle for healing, joy, and self-discovery.🎤 Inspired by the SareeNaSorry Funshop, a playful, safe space to explore the sari as a tool of empowerment created by Poppy Jaman, this conversation reflec...

What if art wasn’t just a form of expression — but a way back to ourselves? In this special workshop-style episode, we explore the healing power of art and music as a personal and collective journey. Hosted on International Women’s Day 2025, this session celebrates creativity not just as beauty, but as medicine — and as activism. We invited our listeners into a live session with three incredible m...

✨ We’re so proud to launch Episode 01 of our new podcast series on Healing, created together with our dear friend and global mental health ambassador Poppy Jaman. In this powerful opening conversation, we explore healing as a personal, communal, and societal journey, told through stories of growing up under systemic oppression, not belonging, and finding strength in movement, design, voice, and c...

In this final episode of our "Care Season," we dive into one of the most overlooked yet powerful aspects of urban and architectural design: its impact on our health and behavior. 🏙️💡Our guest, Georgia Gon, is an Assistant Professor based in the Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). She has also been consulting for th...

In this episode of Design to Connect, we are joined by Ursula Biemann, a globally renowned artist, author, and video essayist. From her fieldwork in the Amazon rainforest to groundbreaking projects like The Forest Mind and Acoustic Ocean, Ursula takes us on a journey into territories of transformation. Ursula’s art interweaves cinematic landscapes, Indigenous knowledge systems, and speculative nar...

How can we rebuild neighborhoods to foster belonging, combat isolation, and reduce inequality in our communities? In this episode of Design to Connect, we tackle these critical questions with Seth D. Kaplan, author of Fragile Neighborhoods and a leading expert on fragile states, societies, and communities. As a Professorial Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University and the author of four books, Seth sh...

Cities are more than just structures and streets; they are the backdrops of our childhoods. Yet, over time, urban spaces have increasingly sidelined the needs of children. Play areas are diminishing, streets are dominated by cars, and the spontaneous joy of play is fading. When was the last time you saw children freely running through the streets, turning every corner into an adventure? Join us in...

In this episode, we discuss a wide range of topics, including the impact of gender inequality on the built environment, the mission and approach of Period Think Tank, and its initiatives to address gender inequity through data activism, advocacy, and lobbying. We also explore the challenges of bias in technology, the importance of community involvement in tackling social and environmental issues,...

Urban environments shape our experiences, but how do they resonate with our natural cycles and health? What can we learn from nature and the way our body works to inspire our urban development? How can topics like menstruation and the design of our spaces be related? In this episode of Design to Connect, we explore the fascinating intersection of menstruation, nature, and architecture. Sounds unre...

In recent years, architects and city planners have increasingly begun to consider the diverse populations they are designing for. Cities are starting to address the needs of often overlooked groups. Traditionally, urban design has focused on the working force—the healthy, able, independent, and productive individuals who thrive on speed and efficiency. This approach has ignored the needs of those...

What if we Cared? What if our Cities Cared? In this episode, we delve into the topic of care in our societies and its impact on urban environments, architecture, and personal well-being. We talk about the essence of care, not just as a job but as a fundamental aspect of human life and its significant absence in today's modern culture. The conversation later transitions into a broader discussio...

This episode is not just about green labels or superficial eco-friendly features; it's a deep dive into the essence of sustainability and its impact on our lives and the planet. Key Highlights: Beyond Green Labels: Discover why sustainability is more than just adding trees or solar panels to buildings. It's about a holistic approach that encompasses social, economic, and environmental aspe...

This year's theme, “The Laboratory of the Future,” curated by academic and novelist Lesley Lokko, resonates deeply with me and aligns perfectly with the Theme of this channel. Lokko said, “Architects have a unique opportunity to put forward ambitious and creative ideas that help us imagine a more equitable and optimistic future in common.” 🔹 Featured Works in this Video 🔹'Debris of Histo...

Today, we delve into the power of active mobility in urban spaces and discuss with experts Juliette Ténart and Jim Walker about how cities can be reimagined for better health, stronger communities, and enhanced happiness through active modes of transportation like walking and cycling. In this episode, we explore: The 'why' behind active mobility and its necessity in modern cities. Debunkin...

Many of us experience significant differences in our creativity, energy, and mood levels when we're in different environments. Have you ever felt overwhelmed in a city, bombarded by noise, pollution, and artificial lights, to the point where you struggle to solve even the simplest problems? Now contrast that with the moment you enter a quieter neighborhood, a village, or a natural setting. Sud...

Cities shape our experiences, but not all experiences are created equal. Women, in their daily lives, often navigate urban spaces with an acute sense of awareness tied to concerns about aggression and harassment. These concerns are not just intangible fears; they manifest in real behaviours - precautionary steps or outright avoidance of certain areas, particularly during nighttime hours. This sign...

Ever felt trapped in a city that seems designed more for cars than people? Dive into this episode where we explore the world of urban design and its impact on our daily lives. From the forgotten joys of walking to the challenges of biking in modern cities, discover how the design of our surroundings affects our health, happiness, and even our waistlines! 🌆🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️ Learn why some cities make us...

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” Sir Winston Churchill . Your built environment can impact EVERY aspect of your life 101# . The built environment can impact all of us, BIG TIME! It may be time that we are all aware of its impacts and start making more conscious decisions as we move through our cities. #architecture #urbandesign #cityplanning #walkability #impact #architect #arch...

Are you interested in learning more about 20-Minute Neighbourhoods? In this episode, we delve into the concept of 20-Minute Neighbourhoods, discussing topics such as #healthyplanning , #Livablecommunities , and the benefits of this concept. Tune in as we join @Gemma Hyde, the Project and Policy Officer at TCPA, to gain a comprehensive understanding of this innovative approach. . Gemma is a highly...

Check out our latest episode and listen as we dive into the intersection of #cities , #feminism , and #inclusivespaces with a social entrepreneur, educator, and feminist urbanist, Nourhan Bassam . . 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮. . Nourhan has a professional background in architec...

So our latest guest has been the speaker of the  @TEDx  titled Including residents in urban planning, the author of #childrenbook "The Car That Wanted to be a Bike" and the Co-Founder & Urban Planner at "Humankind". . Lior is an urban planner, based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He helps cities to look beyond functionality and to plan urban spaces that make people smile. A...

Welcome to the latest episode on Design to Connect! In this episode, we had the chance to have Liat Rogel join us and talk about many interesting issues related to housing. Liat is a leading expert in design for social innovation, the founder of HousingLab, and the Director of Impact Housing Foundation. Make sure to tune in, learn from her expertise, and gain insights into her impactful projects a...

A few weeks ago, Design to Connect had the opportunity to discuss youth empowerment, community building, and creating better cities through youth inclusion and education with an architect, writer, lecturer and the Co-Founder of POoR Shawn Adams. Shawn currently teaches BA Architecture at Central St Martins, UAL, Professional Practice at the Architectural Association and works at housing specialist...