Architecture for kids

Antonio Capelao
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Hosted by Antonio Capelao co-founding director at Architecture for kids CIC, and in collaboration with the Built Environment Trust, the Thornton Education Trust, and the Welsh School of Architecture Cardiff University. CEOs surveyed by PricewaterhouseCoopers reported that as they anticipate an increasingly automated workplace, the human skills that they will most prize are ‘problem-solving, adaptability, collaboration, leadership, creativity, and innovation (PwC, 2018). These short and to-the-point podcasts hope to improve the interplay between the fields of the built environment and education as we share knowledge between the practitioner, the creative, and the primary school teacher. Exploring how to prepare children and young people for economic, environmental, and societal challenges, and for their professional lives according to today’s needs and those of a sustainable future. These short and to-the-point podcasts hope to improve the interplay between the fields of the built environment and education as we share knowledge between the practitioner, the creative, and the primary school teacher. Exploring how to prepare children and young people for economic, environmental, and societal challenges, and for their professional lives according to today’s needs and those of a sustainable future. The series received an award commendation by the Thornton Education Trust (TET) – Inspire Future Generations Awards 2024 – Commendation, category Online /IT Projects and Materials / Resources.

  1. Architecture for Kids podcast: Co‑Production & Architecture for Social Change withHarry Thorpe & CAUKIN

    11/15/2025

    Architecture for Kids podcast: Co‑Production & Architecture for Social Change withHarry Thorpe & CAUKIN

    What if a classroom could seed a local business, reshape gender norms on site, and stand strong through a category‑five cyclone? We sit down with CAUKIN co‑founder Harry Thorpe to unpack architecture’s role in driving education, gender equity, and climate resilience, tracing a bold path from student initiative to 60+ transformative projects across Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, and Europe.. We explore how co‑production—not just co‑design—anchors every stage, from forming the brief to sharing tools on site. Harry unpacks a Zambia case study with Mothers of Africa, where transparent decision‑making, mixed‑skill local crews, and young people‑led workshops turned four classrooms into a community engine. In Fiji, we look at practical resilience: buildings that survive extreme weather, then inspire families to replicate cyclone‑safe details using local materials. Along the way, we discuss working with NGOs, partnering with local architects and craftspeople, and tailoring drawings to different ways of learning so everyone can lead, not just follow. When travel halted, CAUKIN pivoted. We talk about moving the model into UK schools and launching global virtual workshops that bring together architects, makers, and social practitioners. The practice has matured, too—developing “architecture plus,” where spaces come bundled with livelihood pathways, micro‑enterprise, and skills training that keep value in the community. We also confront the hard questions: where our agency starts and ends, when to design ourselves out, and how to sustain impact with fair fees in charity‑led work. If you care about community architecture, humanitarian design, co‑production, education through building, and resilient, low‑carbon construction with local materials, this story offers practical tools and honest lessons. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show—and tell us: what does true co‑production look like in your world?

    34 min
  2. Architecture for Kids podcast: Student Wellness with Dr Simon Johns

    08/29/2025

    Architecture for Kids podcast: Student Wellness with Dr Simon Johns

    When Dr Simon Johns first stepped into the vibrant classrooms of Ecuador—some overlooking the sea, others nestled in the Andean mountains, and a few without walls in the Amazon jungle—he discovered something profound about education. Wellbeing wasn't labeled or taught as a separate subject; it was woven into the fabric of learning itself. This revelation sparked a journey that would lead him back to Wales to develop and research digital wellbeing programs for schools. In this enlightening conversation with Antonio Capelao, Simon shares how his background in psychology and experiences teaching across continents shaped his innovative approach to student wellbeing. At the heart of Simon's research is "Pause Up," a digital resource that creates structured moments throughout the school day for students to reset mentally and physically. His findings reveal fascinating patterns across age groups: younger students embrace movement-based activities, while teenagers connect more deeply with reflective exercises exploring gratitude, empathy, and purpose. Perhaps most compelling is how the physical school environment—from modern facilities to century-old buildings—significantly impacts program effectiveness. Set against the progressive backdrop of Welsh education policy, which uniquely includes wellbeing as a core curriculum area, Simon's work takes on special significance. He articulates a vision where wellbeing isn't "an isolated island" visited occasionally but the foundation upon which all learning is built. His research points toward a future where the architecture of school spaces is fundamentally reconsidered with student and teacher wellbeing at its centre. For educators, designers, parents, and anyone interested in how physical spaces shape mental wellbeing, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating learning environments where young people can truly flourish. As Simon aptly puts it, "If wellbeing is at the top of the lesson plan, everything else runs smoother." Please subscribe to Architecture for Kids podcast and leave your rating and review. Recommend us to your friends and family. To find out more, visit antoniocaplan-portfolio.co.uk, buildingcenter.co.uk, thorntoneducationtrust.org, and https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/architecture

    31 min
  3. The Architecture of Student Wellness with Dr Simon Johns

    08/29/2025

    The Architecture of Student Wellness with Dr Simon Johns

    Pleases to be involved in the discussion on innovative, creative spaces for young people to thrive.

    31 min
  4. Architecture for kids podcast with Professor Penny Hay, Founding Director House of Imagination

    03/22/2025

    Architecture for kids podcast with Professor Penny Hay, Founding Director House of Imagination

    Professor Penny Hay shares her journey from disaffected student to Professor of Imagination, exploring how reimagined learning environments can transform education for children and young people. Her pioneering projects challenge traditional educational models by creating immersive spaces where creativity, architecture, and nature converge to empower young learners. • Art teacher saved Penny after friend's death at 16, leading to combined degree in education and fine art • First professional experience included teaching drawing to architects and engineers • School Without Walls project places children in residence at cultural venues for 6-7 weeks • Forest of Imagination transforms urban spaces by bringing nature into the city • Co-design and co-production with children central to all projects • Creating "beautiful living classrooms" where children's ideas are valued alongside professionals • Built environment and learning spaces critically impact how children engage with education • Reimagining education means seeing "the child as the curriculum and the community as the school" • Every classroom could be a studio – an immersive, multidisciplinary environment • Child-friendly cities benefit everyone and create more sustainable futures • Professor of Imagination role focuses on nature, wellbeing, and creative responses to global crises Subscribe to Architecture for Kids podcast and follow us on Instagram @archforkidsCIC, and LinkedIn. Visit antoniocapelao-portfolio.co.uk, buildingcenter.co.uk, thorntoneducationtrust.org, and cardiff.ac.uk for more information.

    28 min
  5. Architecture for kids podcast with Tim Gill an independent scholar, writer and consultant on childhood - Rethinking Childhood

    09/20/2024

    Architecture for kids podcast with Tim Gill an independent scholar, writer and consultant on childhood - Rethinking Childhood

    Children are not just the citizens of tomorrow. They are also - and equally - citizens today, with clear needs and concerns about the places where they live. Antonio's Architecture for Kids podcasts are a great platform for exploring why children are an 'indicator species' for cities, and how cities need to change.

    33 min
  6. Architecture for kids podcast with Jorge Raedo Director Osa Menor

    03/09/2024

    Architecture for kids podcast with Jorge Raedo Director Osa Menor

    I want to participate in this podcast to spread architecture education for children thanks to the network that Antonio Capelao weaves from the UK . We learn together.

    23 min
  7. Architecture for kids podcast with Dinah Bornat Director ZCD Architects

    03/02/2024

    Architecture for kids podcast with Dinah Bornat Director ZCD Architects

    It's been a pleasure being involved with this project that I hope is a reflection of all the great ideas happening around involving built environment professionals with young people.

    25 min
  8. Architecture for kids podcast with Dr Jenny Wood Co-Founder and Co-Director A Place in Childhood (APiC), Policy and Research

    02/24/2024

    Architecture for kids podcast with Dr Jenny Wood Co-Founder and Co-Director A Place in Childhood (APiC), Policy and Research

    I’m delighted to be taking part in the Architecture for Kids podcast. The right of children and young people to have a say and be listened to is vital in how we create better places. I look forward to talking about our research and practice on creating child-friendly places in Scotland.

    29 min
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About

Hosted by Antonio Capelao co-founding director at Architecture for kids CIC, and in collaboration with the Built Environment Trust, the Thornton Education Trust, and the Welsh School of Architecture Cardiff University. CEOs surveyed by PricewaterhouseCoopers reported that as they anticipate an increasingly automated workplace, the human skills that they will most prize are ‘problem-solving, adaptability, collaboration, leadership, creativity, and innovation (PwC, 2018). These short and to-the-point podcasts hope to improve the interplay between the fields of the built environment and education as we share knowledge between the practitioner, the creative, and the primary school teacher. Exploring how to prepare children and young people for economic, environmental, and societal challenges, and for their professional lives according to today’s needs and those of a sustainable future. These short and to-the-point podcasts hope to improve the interplay between the fields of the built environment and education as we share knowledge between the practitioner, the creative, and the primary school teacher. Exploring how to prepare children and young people for economic, environmental, and societal challenges, and for their professional lives according to today’s needs and those of a sustainable future. The series received an award commendation by the Thornton Education Trust (TET) – Inspire Future Generations Awards 2024 – Commendation, category Online /IT Projects and Materials / Resources.

Information

  • Creator
    Antonio Capelao
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    44
  • Copyright
    © Architecture for kids
  • Show Website
    Architecture for kids