THE GRIMSHAW PODCAST

Joel Kotkin, a fellow in urban studies at Chapman University in California, is the author of the best-selling book The Coming of Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class. He is widely recognised as a leading international commentator on the future of cities and suburbs.In this episode, Joel joins Tim Williams for a passionate and insightful conversation about key urban trends. They explore Joel’s concern that declining home ownership and growing inequality are leading to a concentration of wealth and power reminiscent of pre-modern Europe. An important and thought-provoking discussion.

Today's episode features Dr. Caroline Butler-Bowden, State Librarian for the State Library of New South Wales, alongside Dr. Tim Williams and Grimshaw Principal, Eduard Ross. Together, they explore the role of libraries and museums in shaping cities and their significance as dynamic public spaces.

Dr Hila Oren has an international reputation as a city-making and branding expert. In her work in Tel Aviv over decades she has helped make that ‘smart-city’ a recognised global leader in tech start-ups and innovation. In conversation with our host Tim Williams, Head of Cities at Grimshaw, Dr Oren shares that journey with us and her insights into what other cities can learn from it.

We are excited to share this unique episode to begin the fifth series of the Grimshaw Cities Podcast, The Resurgent City. Today we speak with our very own Jorrin ten Have, Associate Principal and Graham Gibbon, Principal about how Grimshaw, collaborators and clients collectively designed and delivered the Elizabeth Line – and won one of the world’s most prestigious architectural awards. Featuring special guest Howard Smith, Transport for London Elizabeth Line Director.

Making sure that cities provide enough social and affordable housing has become a global priority. Rebecca Pinkstone, head of new government agency Homes NSW with its $6b budget and 130,000 homes in ownership, leads the charge in Australia’s global city. Joining Tim Williams in this episode is housing specialist Leigh Hanekom, Associate Principal at Grimshaw.

Cities are in flux in the wake of the pandemic with further disruption imminent in the era of Urban AI. On today's episode of the Grimshaw Cities Podcast Series, Carlo Ratti, Director of MIT Senseable City Lab & Curator of the 2025 Venice Biennale asks, "What role for architects in the future city?" Also joining the conversation is Keith Brewis, Partner at Grimshaw.

This episode's guest is Beck Dawson, who has an international reputation in her crucial role as Chief Resilience Officer for Australia's global city, Sydney. In this conversation, Beck shares her acute insights into the international innovation and best practice for promoting the resilience of our cities.

Today's guest is Todd Litman, Executive Director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, based in Canada. Todd is recognised internationally as a thought leader in transport and city-planning. This episode discusses everything from congestion charging through Transit Oriented Development, to EVs and AVs, so don't miss it.