Challenger Cities EP47: Cities on the Couch with Charles Landry
SummaryIn this conversation, Charles R. Landry discusses the concept of creative cities, emphasizing the importance of imagination, psychology, and human-centered design in urban planning. He explores how cities develop identities, the psychological complexities they face, and the impact of gentrification on urban evolution. Landry highlights the need for spaces that foster connection and the role of curiosity in understanding urban dynamics. He concludes with thoughts on the future of cities and the importance of simplifying complex ideas without losing their essence.TakeawaysThe creative city concept focuses on imagination in urban planning.Psychology plays a crucial role in how we perceive cities.Cities can have inferiority complexes affecting their identity.Gentrification can evolve neighborhoods positively or negatively.Human-centered design is essential for livable cities.Connection and interaction are vital for urban life.Curiosity drives exploration and understanding of cities.Cities should facilitate encounters between diverse groups.Urban growth presents challenges that require innovative solutions.Simplifying complex urban issues can lead to clearer priorities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Creative Cities02:10 The Role of Psychology in Urban Planning06:22 City Stereotypes and Psychological Complexes10:33 The Dynamics of City Identity and Confidence13:07 Gentrification and Urban Evolution19:05 The Challenges of Urban Growth and Gentrification23:01 The Importance of Human-Centered Design30:01 The Future of Cities and Connection35:06 Curating Spaces for Connection41:20 The Magic Wand for Cities55:07 Closing Thoughts on Urban Innovation
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Challenger Cities EP46: Stitching the Fragmented City with Rashiq Fataar
In this conversation, Iain Montgomery and Rashiq Fataar delve into the complexities of urbanism in South Africa, particularly focusing on Cape Town. Rashiq shares his journey from actuarial science to becoming a self-appointed urbanist, emphasizing the need for innovative urban solutions that address social and spatial inequalities. They discuss the current state of South African cities, the lessons learned from global urbanism, and the challenges faced in urban development. Rashiq highlights the importance of public spaces, transportation, and housing, while also envisioning a future where Cape Town can thrive as a model for urban living. The conversation concludes with Rashiq's vision for transformative change in urban policy and infrastructure.TakeawaysUrbanism in South Africa is often overlooked.Rashiq Fataar transitioned from actuarial science to urbanism.Curiosity about cities can lead to impactful projects.South African cities face unique social and spatial challenges.Public spaces and access to nature are crucial for urban living.Learning from global cities can inform local practices.Transportation infrastructure is key to urban connectivity.Events like the Olympics can catalyze urban development.There is a need for radical urbanism in South Africa.Quality of life improvements must be prioritized in urban planning.Chapters00:00 Exploring Urbanism in South Africa04:56 Rashiq Fataar's Journey to Urbanism09:58 The State of South African Cities14:57 Learning from Global Urbanism19:41 Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Development24:46 The Role of Events in Urban Transformation29:16 Vision for the Future of Cape Town34:19 The Magic Wand for Urban Change
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Challenger Cities EP45: Utopian Hours - Turin’s Festival of the Possible with Luca Ballarini
In this conversation, Iain Montgomery speaks with Luca Ballarini about Utopian Hours, a festival in Turin that celebrates urbanism and creativity. They discuss Luca's journey from architecture to graphic design, the challenges of transforming urban narratives, and the unique identity of Turin as a city. The conversation highlights the emotional connection people have with their cities and the importance of community engagement in urban development. Luca shares insights on the festival's diverse speakers and topics, as well as his vision for a more accessible and imaginative approach to urbanism.Utopian Hours is a festival celebrating urbanism and creativity.Turin is known as the city of four rivers, which shapes its identity.Luca Ballarini transitioned from architecture to graphic design and urbanism.Cities can be transformed through imagination and community engagement.There is a love-hate relationship with one's own city, driving change.Utopian Hours features diverse speakers and innovative ideas.The festival aims to inspire attendees to think differently about urban spaces.Emotional connections to cities can drive urban transformation.Luca envisions simplifying urbanism rules for experimentation.The festival fosters a sense of community and collaboration.Sound Bites"Turin is a city with four rivers.""Turin is the four river city.""I would simplify rules in urbanism."Chapters00:00Introduction to Utopian Hours and Luca's Background07:55The Genesis of Utopian Hours12:14Challenges and Surprises in Urban Narratives15:44Turin: A City with a Unique Identity20:07The Emotional Connection to Turin25:33Utopian Hours: A Festival of Inspiration33:17Surprises from Past Editions of Utopian Hours37:03Local Insights: Experiencing Turin40:00Magic Wand Wishes for Urbanism42:31Introduction and Call to Action43:07NEWCHAPTER
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Challenger Cities EP44: Your City Isn’t Crowded, It’s Just Full of Cars with Daniel Herriges
aniel Herriges joins us to explore one of the most underestimated levers for better cities: parking reform. A longtime Strong Towns writer and co-author of Escaping the Housing Trap, Daniel explains how the post-war American obsession with car storage has quietly shaped—and often strangled—urban life.From zoning codes that make beloved main streets illegal, to the $127 billion annual subsidy for “free” parking, Herriges walks through the cultural, financial, and environmental costs of designing places around peak car demand. But more importantly, he makes a compelling case for a bottom-up approach to urban change: one that values small bets, local agency, and a return to permission-based development.This is not a podcast about technical policy. It’s about rediscovering momentum. And why cities that want to become more livable, walkable, and resilient need to focus on being more interestingly, less wrong.💬 In This Episode: – Why parking is the “dark matter” of North American cities – The hidden cost of “free” parking – How zoning codes ban the kinds of places people love – Why most people don’t hate new neighbours—they hate traffic – The importance of small-scale experimentation – Why “let people do things” might be the best policy of all – How bottom-up momentum outperforms masterplans – Reframing density for public understanding – The power of getting it less wrong over time
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Challenger Cities EP43: Daring To Be Different with Andy Nulman
Andy Nulman is a man who’s seen Montreal through every era — and he’s not afraid to call out what’s gone wrong. In this no-holds-barred conversation, the Just for Laughs co-founder shares his frustrations with small-minded politics, lost ambition, and a city that’s forgotten how to dream big. We talk about Montreal’s golden ages, its identity crisis, and what it would take to fix the city’s flow, literally and metaphorically.From language laws to bike lanes, bad branding to bold leadership, this episode is about what happens when cities stop being bold … and how to bring the swagger back.
Iain Montgomery of Now or Never Ventures interviews urbanists, creatives, transit and development types to explore how cities can punch above their weight and create distinctive new futures outside of the tired playbooks.
New Zealand