Most Podern Podcast Minkoo, Alex, and Libo

De Peter Yi joins Most Podern to talk about his work in addressing the built environment through a design research approach to architectural practice. As an ⁠Assistant Professor of Architecture at the University of Cincinnati⁠, and founder of ⁠Rebuild Collective⁠, an architectural research and design studio, Peter’s practice addresses ways in which architectural and urban design plays a role in the evolution of contemporary society.



Combining his various roles as an architect, researcher, and educator, Peter discusses his journey from childhood experiences to architectural training, education, and professional practice. He explores the impact of research in design, the role of academia, and the development work that targets how ways to improve the relationship between policies governing the development of the built environment and the outcomes that they yield.



Featured Links


Rebuild Collective on Instagram
Zoning reform can build better residential blocks - The Architect's Newspaper
The Wandering Courtyard House⁠
Low Rise LA

Season 3 of the Most Podern Podcast focuses on design research in the built environment, ranging from innovative ways to address real estate finance, sustainability, policy, civic and engagement. In this season preview, your hosts Libo, Minkoo, and Alex explore how knowledge is created, disseminated, and applied in the industry and introduce the guests, topics, themes, and insights from the season’s upcoming episodes.


Season 3 Schedule

May 27 - Season Introduction with your hosts

June 3 - De Peter Yi - ⁠Architect and Professor at the University of Cincinnati

June 10 - Helena Rong, Tony Juncheng Yang, and Minkoo Kang - Researchers at MIT Real Estate Innovation Lab, Co-Authors of The Value of Design (forthcoming)

June 17 - Yasushi Sakai - Researcher at the MIT Media Lab's City Science Research Group

June 24- Yair Titelboim - Data Scientist and CRE Specialist at ⁠Hines Office of Innovation

July 1 - Brian Lee - Principal Research Scientist at Autodesk Research

July 8 - Irmak Turan - Vice President of Sustainability & Resilience at Thornton Tomasetti

In another in between episode, we explore the question of what makes a good building. We touch on the importance of context, the challenges of building in urban environments, and the impact of building materials and technologies. We explore the importance of light, air, and ceilings in creating a pleasant environment. Our next season on the topic of Research is dropping next week!


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Questioning the Definition of a Building

02:24 Exploring the Importance of Purpose and Context

06:49 Adaptability and Flexibility in Urban Environments

10:11 The Role of Materials and Technologies in Building Efficiency

14:48 Balancing Policy and Feasibility in Building Design

27:27 Exploring the Role of Light, Air, and High Ceilings

28:55 Discussing Comfortable Stairs and Well-Designed Spaces

32:38 Evaluating the Impact of Views, Colors, Smell, and Sound

36:25 Appreciating the Experience of Urban Environments

41:30 Defining the Characteristics of a Good Building

50:53 Encouraging a Demand for Better Built Environments

The Sphere in Las Vegas is a unique and captivating building that has gained viral attention. It is a giant LED screen and a building in one, displaying dynamic and immersive content. It has quickly become a symbol of Las Vegas and its entertainment culture. In this episode, we discuss the Sphere's impact on the built environment and its place in the prioritization of spectacle and entertainment, pushing the boundaries of architecture and real estate.


00:00Introduction to the Sphere

13:41The Sphere as an Immersive Experience

28:57The Sphere: Building or Billboard?

39:35The Importance of Entertainment in Buildings

In this conversation, we explore the challenges of running an architecture business. Why architects are reluctant to view their practice as a business and the stigma associated with prioritizing profit. We dive into the intersection of architecture and entrepreneurship, how architects can become developers and create their own projects. We discuss the business side of architecture and the importance of having the ability to adapt and pivot in response to market changes.

Chapters

00:00The Stigma of Viewing Architecture as a Business

01:50The Lack of Emphasis on Business Practices in Architecture Education

05:09Why Architecture Firms Are Not High-Value Businesses

09:19The Role of Branding and Specialization in Architecture Firms

14:30The Limitations and Risks of Running an Architecture Business

29:59Bridging the Gap: From Architecture to Development

32:17Innovation in Architecture: Addressing Market Needs

35:26The Business Side of Architecture: Understanding Codes and Zoning

38:12Challenges and Rewards of Running an Architecture Business

49:03Building a Strong Team and Network for Success

52:53Self-Awareness and Continuous Learning in Architecture

In this conversation, we explore the definitions of work, career, and job, and how they differ from each other. We discuss the importance of finding work that aligns with one's values and provides a sense of fulfillment. What is the role of office culture and politics in work satisfaction, and how it can it vary across different industries and regions?


Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Work

08:14 Work-Life Balance and Approaches

25:50 Finding Flow

38:04 Lessons Learned and Applying Them to Business