Constructive Voices

Jackie De Burca
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  • EVERY TWO MONTHS

Constructive Voices is an award-winning global platform and media brand dedicated to accelerating positive change in the built environment. We connect the dots between sustainability, biodiversity, design, development, health, policy, innovation and community by creating conversations that break down silos and bring important ideas to wider audiences. Through podcasts, video, editorial content and live forums, we explore topics such as green building, biodiversity, renewable energy, resilience, regenerative development, AI and nature-positive solutions. With the launch of the Constructive Voices Future Places Forum, we are taking this mission further—creating place-based events and media that spotlight the people, projects and partnerships shaping more sustainable cities and regions. Our vision is to work with companies, institutions and individuals across the world to feature the positive work they are doing, positioning Constructive Voices as a leading source of inspiration, insight and practical examples for a better built environment and world. We are passionate about sustainability, biodiversity and innovation, and we bring together global experts, local communities, businesses and emerging voices to help document and drive the historic changes needed in our time. Hosts and presenters to date have included Jackie De Burca, Henry McDonald, Peter Finn, Steve Randall, Emma Nicholson, Sarah Austin, Rhiannon Matthias, Mohammed Hesham Khalil and Ciara O’Brien. Biodiversity course teachers on Learn at Constructive Voices have included Ben Stansfield, Rachel Blount, Paula Wakelin, John Cornell FRGS, Ellen Davies, Claire Wansbury, Jane Findlay FLI PPLI, Dr. Carol Williams, Archie Ruggles-Brise and Dr. Kate Vincent.

  1. 17 MAR

    Moein Nodehi: From War and Exile to Reimagining How We Build

    “I grew up with my parents telling me stories about the ancient Persian civilisation… and I created this huge passion for ancient civilisations.” Moein Nodehi Moein Nodehi Constructive Voices Podcast Cover He was born in the middle of war. As conflict tore through Iran, Moein Nodehi’s family fled in search of safety, eventually ending up in an immigration camp in Sweden. But even in those uncertain early years, another world was being built inside him. His parents kept hope alive by telling stories of ancient Persia — its gardens, palaces, civic systems and extraordinary buildings. Those stories stayed with him. So did the contrast he later witnessed when he returned to Iran as a boy: the visible scars of war set alongside the brilliance of ancient architecture. That collision of destruction and civilisation shaped him. It made him question how we build, why we build, and what kind of world our buildings are really creating. “What happened to me in the pyramids was deeper than what I can really explain with words.” Moein Nodehi Biotonomy's visual of green walls Years later, that questioning would take him from engineering school to major construction projects in Dubai, and then far beyond the mainstream industry altogether. Disillusioned by what he saw — buildings celebrated as symbols of innovation while human and environmental costs were ignored — Moein chose a different route. He walked away, travelled widely, learned from grassroots projects around the world, and eventually founded Biotonomy: a company focused on nature-based architecture that treats buildings as living systems rather than machines. “I was really obsessed about how we are building our buildings, our cities, and really our civilisation.” Moein Nodehi In this episode of Constructive Voices, Jackie De Burca speaks with Moein about exile, ancient wisdom, modern cities, water, heat, resilience, and why nature may hold many of the answers we’ve forgotten. Moein Nodehi Biotonomy aerial view of green roofs “The design decisions that we take for our cities, for our buildings, have a direct impact on our brain waves and our wellbeing.” Moein Nodehi In this episode Jackie and Moein explore how buildings can work with nature rather than against it — and why that shift matters not just for carbon and climate, but for

    1hr 6min

  2. 24 FEB

    Neurosustainability: How the Built Environment Shapes Brain Health, Ageing & Resilience

    What if “healthy ageing” isn’t just about genes, diet, or healthcare — but also about the streets you navigate, the air you breathe, the noise you sleep through, and the buildings you spend 90% of your life inside? “This conversation makes the case for a shift: from sustainability as a materials-and-energy conversation, to neurosustainability — designing environments that protect sleep, reduce stress load, support movement, and build cognitive resilience across the lifespan.” Jackie De Burca Host: Mohamed Hesham Khalil – Creator of the Neurosustainability theory, architect and neuroscience researcher, and a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge. Guest: Professor Agustín Ibáñez — Director of Global Research Networks at the Global Brain Health Institute (Trinity College Dublin) and Scientific Director of the Latin American Brain Health Institute Guest: Burcin Ikiz — Neuroscientist and brain health advocate working at the intersection of climate, equity, and brain outcomes Podcast cover Brain health isn’t only personal. It’s environmental. And the places we live, move, and work in can either build resilience — or quietly chip away at it. “The built environment… is the space where we most of the time live, move, think and also thrive or become sick.” — Professor Agustín Ibáñez In the third part of this mini-series about neurosustainability, Cambridge scholarship student, Mohamed Hesham Khalil sits down with Professor Agustín Ibáñez and Burcin Ikiz to connect the dots between climate, inequality, urban design, and the ageing brain. They unpack the exposome and zoom into the built environment as the missing middle layer we can actually change. “Scientists sometimes we use strange words for simple things.” — Professor Agustín Ibáñez What is the exposome? The exposome is the full set of environmental influences (physical, social, and economic) that shape our health and behaviour over time — and why the built environment is the missing “mesoscale” link between global forces (like climate change and inequality) and individual brain outcomes (like cognition, dementia risk, and mental health). “I always see that the built environment itself maybe hasn’t been given the same attention… because… people spend around 90 percent of time indoors.” Mohamed Hesham Khalil Th...

    46 min

  3. 30 JAN

    Neurosustainability: Designing Places Where Brains Can Thrive

    Neuro-Sustainability: Designing Places Where Brains Can Thrive What if sustainability wasn’t only about carbon, materials, and energy — but also about the human brain? In this second episode of the mini-series about neuro-sustainability, neuroscience and architecture meet in a conversation that feels both urgent and surprisingly practical. We investigate the work of Cambridge scholarship student, Mohamed Hesham Khalil, which we believe should be integrated into planning and architecture around the world. “We can change diet, can change habits, but we cannot change a built environment. It’s built once and it lasts for tens of years.” Mohamed Hesham Khalil In this episode, he is joined by Burçin Ikiz, who brings a climate-and-health lens to brain wellbeing across the lifespan. Mohamed Hesham Khalil brings a design-and-research lens focused on environmental enrichment — and what our homes, streets, workplaces, and neighbourhoods are doing to us every day, whether we notice it or not. This is not a theoretical chat. It’s about how we design environments that help brains thrive — especially as heat, pollution, and chronic stress become part of daily life for millions. Why this episode about neuro-sustainability matters We like to think of brain health as something personal: sleep, diet, exercise, mindset. But the built environment is a long-term exposure — and it’s stubbornly permanent. If your surroundings make movement hard, keep you indoors, overwhelm your senses, trap heat, or load the air with pollution — you don’t just “feel it.” Your brain does too. What you’ll learn 1) What “environmental enrichment” means in the real world This conversation translates neuroscience into design language: environments that support movement, stimulation, connection, and recovery. “Don’t use it, you lose it. Just kind of like our muscles in our bodies.” Burçin Ikiz 2) The indoor reality we rarely talk about If buildings are designed mainly for convenience and comfort, what happens to stimulation, mobility, and everyday brain engagement? “When we spend like around 90 percent of time indoors… almost no chance for cognitive stimulation or physical activity through the building…” Mohamed Hesham Khalil 3) Heat, buildings, and brain function As the climate warms, poorly adapted buildings become neurological stressors — not just uncomfortable boxes. “If most of our buildings… have not been created for this increasingly warming world, it can be very, very hot indoors and that can really affect our brains.” Burçin Iki...

    48 min

  4. 15 JAN

    Neurosustainability & the Built Environment-Why Your Brain Needs Better Cities

    Welcome to the Constructive Voices’ mini-series that dives into neuro-sustainability and the built environment. “The brain is not concrete… it is always changing.”  Mohamed Hesham Khalil We investigate the work of Cambridge scholarship student, Mohamed Hesham Khalil, which we believe should be integrated into planning and architecture around the world. Mohamed also brings other top global experts to your ears during this short series of podcasts. Neurosustainability and the built environment What if sustainability isn’t complete unless it includes the brain? In this opening episode, architect and Cambridge PhD candidate Mohammed Hesham Khalil introduces neurosustainability—a way of thinking about buildings and cities that asks how everyday environments shape mental health, cognition, stress levels, and long-term brain resilience. “Sustainability… has to be inclusive and include the brain as well.” Mohammed Hesham Khalil  Jackie and Mohammed explore how the built environment influences us in ways we often overlook: the presence (or absence) of nature, whether our days include movement, how much variety and “spatial complexity” we experience, and how factors like air pollution can undermine health—even in places that look green on the surface. This episode sets the foundation for the series: a practical, research-informed conversation about designing places that support the brain—not just the building. Neurosustainability and the built environment This episode is for anyone who makes decisions that shape how people live inside places—and anyone who’s felt, personally, that certain environments lift you up or drag you down. “It’s not only about architecture… it’s about the way we live.” Mohamed Hesham Khalil People who really need to listen Architects & designers (especially if you care about wellbeing beyond “light and air” checklists) Urban planners & transport planners working on walkability, density, public realm, and mobility Developers & project managers making trade-offs between cost, space, green features,...

    27 min

  5. 09/12/2025

    From Rubble to Resilience Circular Reconstruction for Rebuilding Ukraine

    Rebuilding Ukraine through circularity, community with British and Dutch support, is a good news podcast episode. This positive news story has been inspired by one of the world’s most tragic situations: the war in Ukraine. “We in Ukraine are becoming a pilot site for diverse sustainable pilots, experiments and innovations. We have to leapfrog and build a society, buildings and processes that are inclusive, that are beautiful and that are sustainable. That’s our vision.” Roman Pushko Rebuilding Ukraine safely, sustainably and swiftly – courtesy of S3RoU A consortium of individuals, universities and entities in Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands has come together to create a solution that will not only help rebuild Ukraine but could be used in other places that have been affected by wars or extreme weather events. In layperson’s terms, rubble from the war in Ukraine will go through processes so it can be used to rebuild Ukraine swiftly, safely and sustainably. Discover more about the consortium who are involved in this rebuilding Ukraine project. Rebuilding Uktraine S3 University of Leeds team The conversation explores the innovative S3 project, which aims at sustainable reconstruction in Ukraine, focusing on the circular economy, community involvement, and the importance of decentralisation. Experts discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the project, emphasising the need for collaboration and inclusivity in rebuilding efforts. The discussion highlights the potential legacy of the project in shaping future construction practices and addressing the impacts of conflict and disaster. “Concrete is made up of cement, sand, gravel and water – and we can theoretically get them all back. My vision is to decentralise it, prove it can work, and show people – through real demonstrations – that this is doable.” Professor Theodore Hanein Rebuilding Ukraine S3RoU consortium Who Should Listen? This episode is for you if: You’re a civil engineer, architect, urban planner or contractor interested in circular materials and real-world pilots. You’re working on post-conflict or post-disaster reconstruction and want scalable, community-centred models. You’re engaged in climate, energy or development policy and want to understand how embodied carbon and ci...

    1hr 6min

  6. 02/12/2025

    Bringing Social Justice Messages to Your Community with Plan International Youth Representatives

    In this episode, Ciara sits down with Jessica Gill and Aoibhínn Nevin-Ginnetty, two passionate youth advocates from Plan International Ireland’s Youth Advisory Panel who took their COP28 experience and turned it into local action. Fresh from representing youth voices at COP28 in Dubai, Jessica and Aoibhínn came home determined not to let the momentum fade. Together, they designed and delivered “Feminist Voices for Climate Justice” – a youth-led Dublin event that combined a powerful panel discussion on gender and climate justice with a hands-on upcycling workshop, where attendees turned donated t-shirts into tote bags. The result? A hopeful, practical space where young people could explore climate justice through a feminist lens, pick up real advocacy skills, and literally make something together. In this conversation, Jessica and Aoibhínn open up about what it really takes to organise a community-level climate event – the nerves, the logistics, the safeguarding, the storm on the day – and the joy of seeing people leave more confident and fired up than when they arrived. In this episode about bringing Social Justice Messages to Your Community, we talk about: From COP28 to community action How attending COP28 as youth delegates with Plan International Ireland inspired Jessica and Aoibhínn to bring their learnings back to Irish communities – with a focus on the intersection of gender equality and the climate crisis. Designing “Feminist Voices for Climate Justice” Why they chose a gendered lens on climate justice, how they selected speakers, and what it was like to host the event at the Carmelite Community Centre in Dublin on 6 April 2024. Panelists included: Vanessa Conroy – National Women’s Council, Feminist Communities for Climate Justice Jennifer (Jenny) Salmon – Ireland’s climate youth delegate 2023–2024 Kiera Carney – host of The Book of Leaves podcast, bringing the arts and storytelling into climate conversations. Making climate justice feel accessible The importance of talking about everyday issues like rubbish on the beach, public transport or fast fashion, instead of always framing everything as “climate change” – and how that simple shift can invite more people into the conversation instead of scaring them off. The tote bag workshop: climate action with scissors and string How donated t-shirts from Change Clothes Crumlin became upcycled tote bags – and why a creative, hands-on activity helped break the ice, build connection, and give attendees a skill they could take home and repeat. Behind the scenes of youth-led events The very real challenges of organising a social justice event when you’re also studying, working and volunteering: Safeguarding and risk assessm...

    18 min

  7. 24/11/2025

    COP30 Outcomes, the Amazon & the Rise of the Bioeconomy with Author, Tim Christophersen, VP Climate of Climate Change at Salesforce

    In this episode of Constructive Voices, Jackie is joined again by Tim Christophersen, Vice President of Climate Action at Salesforce and author of Generation Restoration. Fresh back from COP30 in Belém, Tim shares why – out of roughly 15 COPs he has attended – this one felt like a genuine turning point for climate, nature, and the emerging bioeconomy. "The Blue Zone in Belem: A long way to go, but the direction is clear!" Photo by Tim Christophersen Drawing on decades of experience inside the UN system and now in the private sector, Tim takes us behind the headlines – beyond disappointment over the lack of fossil fuel phase-out language – into the real energy that’s building around solutions, especially in and around the Amazon. He talks about dawn boat rides past parrots and agroforestry plots, industrial-scale ecosystem restoration on degraded pastureland, and the quiet revolution happening in food, finance, and cities. At the heart of it all is one simple shift: treating nature as core infrastructure, not decoration. “For the first time at a COP, I had the feeling that the excitement about building something new is bigger than the anxiety about dismantling the old, extractive, unsustainable economy.” Tim Christophersen Photo credit: Deposit Photos COP30 Outcomes – Listen To The Podcast To Fully Understand Why COP30 in Belém, Brazil, felt different from previous climate summits – and why Tim sees it as a pivot point rather than just “another COP”. How Brazil used the location – right in the Amazon – to showcase a new kind of bioeconomy, from deforestation-free cattle to forest-based products and restoration concessions. What the new long-term forest finance facilities, including the Tropical Forests Forever concept, could mean for paying countries to keep forests standing. The rise of ecopreneurs and large-scale restoration projects turning degraded pasture into thriving forests – powered by carbon markets and better tech. Why Tim believes the real story now is building something new, not just fighting the old fossil-fuel system. How cities like Paris and Singapore are quietly proving that climate action can make daily life better – cleaner air, more green space, healthier people. What it means to see food and regenerative agriculture as the frontline of the bioeconomy, from Amazonian superfoods to local, seasonal diets in Europ...

    47 min

  8. 18/11/2025

    Building Climate-Ready Streets, Homes & Transit with Feljin Jose

    Public transport advocate and Dublin City Councillor Feljin Jose joins interviewer Ciara to unpack how streets, housing and rail policy shape daily life—and climate action. We connect DART+, MetroLink and better buses to the built environment: denser homes near stations, safer walking and cycling, revived main streets, and public spaces that welcome everyone. Feljin also reflects on Irish climate advocacy—what’s working, what isn’t—and how these lessons scale into global city solutions. “Housing policy is transport policy.” Why listen A clear, human explainer of how infrastructure + planning drive emissions down and quality of life up. Concrete links between transit corridors and housing supply, vacancy fixes, and public realm design. First-hand insights from Irish climate advocacy with takeaways for other

    19 min
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About

Constructive Voices is an award-winning global platform and media brand dedicated to accelerating positive change in the built environment. We connect the dots between sustainability, biodiversity, design, development, health, policy, innovation and community by creating conversations that break down silos and bring important ideas to wider audiences. Through podcasts, video, editorial content and live forums, we explore topics such as green building, biodiversity, renewable energy, resilience, regenerative development, AI and nature-positive solutions. With the launch of the Constructive Voices Future Places Forum, we are taking this mission further—creating place-based events and media that spotlight the people, projects and partnerships shaping more sustainable cities and regions. Our vision is to work with companies, institutions and individuals across the world to feature the positive work they are doing, positioning Constructive Voices as a leading source of inspiration, insight and practical examples for a better built environment and world. We are passionate about sustainability, biodiversity and innovation, and we bring together global experts, local communities, businesses and emerging voices to help document and drive the historic changes needed in our time. Hosts and presenters to date have included Jackie De Burca, Henry McDonald, Peter Finn, Steve Randall, Emma Nicholson, Sarah Austin, Rhiannon Matthias, Mohammed Hesham Khalil and Ciara O’Brien. Biodiversity course teachers on Learn at Constructive Voices have included Ben Stansfield, Rachel Blount, Paula Wakelin, John Cornell FRGS, Ellen Davies, Claire Wansbury, Jane Findlay FLI PPLI, Dr. Carol Williams, Archie Ruggles-Brise and Dr. Kate Vincent.

Information

  • Creator
    Jackie De Burca
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Constructive Voices
  • Show Website
    Constructive Voices