Spaces Podcast

What if the future of America doesn’t resemble a democracy — but a modern form of feudalism? In this gripping episode of Built to Divide, Dimitrius Lynch traces a chilling throughline from 19th-century “other-ism” to the emerging architecture of concentrated power shaping today’s housing markets, financial systems, and governance models. Beginning with the displacement of Chinese and Japanese labo...

In this episode of Built to Divide , Dimitrius Lynch traces how crisis becomes opportunity — not for everyone, but for those positioned to acquire when others are forced to let go. From psychological influence campaigns and the weaponization of belief to pandemic-era wealth acceleration, this episode reveals how instability reshapes ownership itself. Lynch connects redlining to modern rent burdens...

In this episode of Built to Divide we dissect the collision of NIMBY politics, Proposition 13 in California, environmental law, rising construction costs, and cultural status signaling that defined housing in the 2010s. Dimitrius Lynch takes listeners inside the community meeting rooms where projects die quietly, tracing how California’s tax revolt rewired local incentives, how CEQA evolved from e...

In this episode of Built to Divide, we pick up where the post-2008 housing machine left off—and show how the subscription economy (SaaS, streaming, “pay forever”) migrated into the built environment. Dimitrius Lynch traces the privatization movement from Milton Friedman’s voucher logic and post–Brown v. Board backlash to modern power brokers like ALEC, corporate bill-writing, and the quiet reframi...

October 13, 2008: behind closed doors in Washington, the U.S. government forces Wall Street’s biggest banks to take rescue money—no opt-outs, no stigma, no time for debate. What follows isn’t just a bailout. It’s a quiet rewrite of capitalism: stabilize the banks first, let homeowners and workers fight for air. Dimitrius Lynch traces how the TARP bailout, near-zero interest rates, and weak homeown...

What do a 1970 psychology experiment and the 2008 housing crash have in common? In Episode 6 of Built to Divide, Dimitrius Lynch traces how social identity theory—the instinct to form “us vs. them” groups—became a political weapon that helped sell a bipartisan push for mass homeownership, weaken skepticism, and pave the way for subprime mortgages, mortgage-backed securities (MBS), CDOs, and a cris...

In August 1971, Richard Nixon went on television and detonated the global financial system. By severing the U.S. dollar from gold, the Nixon Shock ended Bretton Woods, ushered in fiat money, and unleashed a new era of credit, speculation, and inequality. What followed wasn’t just inflation and currency volatility—it was a fundamental rewiring of housing, wealth, and power. In this episode of Built...

In the summer heat of Birmingham, children faced police dogs and fire hoses. On a bus in Montgomery, a 15-year-old refused to stand. From Claudette Colvin to Rosa Parks, from Greensboro counters to the March on Washington—the Civil Rights Movement shook America awake. Yet, even as laws changed, maps and mortgages quietly redrew the lines of belonging. In this episode of Built to Divide, Dimitrius...

What happens when the machinery of war is turned loose on the home front? In this episode of Built to Divide, host Dimitrius Lynch traces how the end of World War II, the GI Bill, and federal housing policy combined to build the largest middle-class expansion in U.S. history—while quietly deepening racial and economic division. Beginning with the surrender in Tokyo Bay and the massive demobilizati...

At the dawn of the 20th century, American finance looked modern—telegraphs, syndicates, Wall Street empires—but it had no brakes. In this episode of Built to Divide, host Dimitrius Lynch follows the chain reaction from the Panic of 1907 to the creation of the Federal Reserve, revealing how crises, central banking, and policy choices concentrated power at the top and quietly reshaped who gets to ow...

Why does housing in America feel so unattainable—and why does it seem designed that way? In this sweeping opening chapter of Built to Divide , host Dimitrius Lynch traces the origins of today’s housing affordability crisis back more than 100,000 years, revealing how our primal instincts around territory, ownership, and status have been shaped—and exploited—over millennia. From the campfire rituals...

Built to Divide is a cinematic audio documentary that unearths how America’s homes became the front lines of inequality. From land giveaways to red lines, gated communities to algorithmic rent hikes—each episode reveals the forces that shaped not only where we live, but who gets to belong. Guided by host Dimitrius Lynch Jr., an award-winning architect with a storyteller’s eye for systems and desig...

In this SPACES Recheck, we're revisiting a standout episode from the archive that you may have missed... The incarcerated population has ballooned over the last 50 years and public attitudes have slowly shifted towards active pursuit of criminal justice reform. However, we can't forget about prison design itself. In this episode we highlight key points of criminal justice reform and discuss the ev...

In this SPACES Recheck, we're revisiting a standout episode from the archive that you may have missed... We tackle the controversial, complex, and rapidly evolving industry of cannabis...and its history will definitely spark a conversation, maybe even shock you. We also discuss issues and considerations for the various facility types: dispensary, grow, and extraction. Anthony Winston III, of Winst...

In this SPACES Recheck, we're revisiting a standout episode from the archive that you may have missed... The controversial art form of Graffiti has grown from its outlaw past to be an accepted element in beautifying some urban communities. Danni Simpson, commercial and street artist, of Danni Simpson Art joins the show to discuss her style and inspiration, participation in the movement and experie...

In this SPACES Recheck, we're revisiting a standout episode from the archive that you may have missed... Urban population growth and the dependence on transportation has reached a point where 30 to 60% of urban areas are taken by roads and parking lots. Subsequently, mobility issues have exponentially increased. Brandon Reyes P.E., Project Manager at Michael Baker International joins the show to d...

In this SPACES Recheck, we're revisiting a standout episode from the archive that you may have missed... With busier lifestyles, an array of entertainment options, cable television, streaming services, and social distancing, movie theaters are facing an unprecedented number of challenges that will likely spur evolution in design. Robert McCall, AIA, NCARB, Principal at JKRP Architects joins us in...

In this SPACES Recheck, we're revisiting a standout episode from the archive that you may have missed... What will future stadiums look like? Licensed engineer...architect...AND LEED BD+C certified professional, Erleen Hatfield, PE, AIA, Managing Partner of the Hatfield Group, joins us to discuss structural engineering, stadiums, and her work on the Atlanta Falcons Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Francisco...

Going Green  is a Finalist in the Signal Awards —the largest award solely dedicated to podcasting! Now I need YOUR help: The Listener’s Choice Awards are open for voting worldwide through October 9th.  Vote here today! Going Green uncovers the untold stories about our environment that everyone needs to hear. Whether you're curious about how energy impacts your daily l...

In this SPACES Recheck, we're revisiting a standout episode from the archive that you may have missed... Jason and Dimitrius discuss pressures in the industry and some ways to deal with that feeling of being overwhelmed. If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media . Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES // Gābl Media All rights reserved...

In this SPACES Recheck, we're revisiting a standout episode from the archive that you may have missed... Jason and Dimitrius chat about the mental and emotional roller coaster that is 2020, and share some personal and internet tips on how to push through. If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media . Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website LYNES...

In this SPACES Recheck, we're revisiting a standout episode from the archive that you may have missed... Education and school safety are some of the most polarizing topics in our society today. In this episode, Todd Ferking, an architect and principal of DLR Group, joins the show to discuss school design, philosophy to promote a good educational environment, and achieving a balance in design that...

In this SPACES Recheck, we're revisiting a standout episode from the archive that you may have missed... Matthew Grocoff, Esq., LEED-GA, LFA, founder of  THRIVE Collaborative , joins us for an inspiring conversation about Veridian at County Farm , a beautiful 13.59 acre community in Ann Arbor, Michigan that is targeted to be one of the nation’s first mixed-income net zero energy communities....

In this SPACES Recheck, we're revisiting a standout episode from the archive that you may have missed... Kelly Lieu, Senior Consultant and Account Manager for the Southern California region at Ei Companies, joins the show for an enlightening conversation about what it means, code milestones, rating systems, the war between electricity and gas, key concepts to consider, and how to best execute your...

In this SPACES Recheck, we're revisiting a standout episode from the archive that you may have missed... It is estimated that by 2040 most of the world won’t have enough water to meet demand year-round. In this episode, we highlight the evolution of water and waste water treatment; Rory Harnisch, a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of California shares his expertise on today's water trea...