The Cities of the Future with an Eye to the Past
Summary
Journalist Gabriella Bennett discusses her new book, *How to Build a City*, exploring how urban environments can better serve their residents. She reflects on her childhood in Glenrothes, Scotland, analyzing its post-war design, public art, and challenges with car dependency and safety. The episode also covers global examples, including Vienna’s feminist urban planning, Sweden’s experimental test sites, and traditional eelgrass thatching in Denmark. Bennett argues that successful cities prioritize community needs, equity, and sustainable materials over shiny technological innovations.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship ads for Whole Foods and BKFC
Introduction to urban growth and the book
Glenrothes history and post-war new town context
Personal memories of moving to Glenrothes
Garden city principles and social engineering
Safety issues and women's experience in the city
Car-centric planning and public transport challenges
Feminist city planning in Vienna
Gendered urban design and underpasses
Calypso feminist co-housing block in Vienna
Sponsorship ads for Whole Foods and BBC podcasts
Glenrothes town park and public art
David Harding: The first town artist
Harding as an activist for tenant rights
Tibro, Sweden: An urban test site
Defining a good city and acknowledging failure
The importance of flexibility and unbuilding
Returning to childhood home and feelings of outsider
Eelgrass thatching in Denmark and community
Sustainable materials and finding hope in solutions
Outro and sponsorship for Good Bad Billionaire
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