The Catalyst podcast series unpacks clever design solutions in the built environment. Join host Tania Davidge in conversation with designers and field experts as they explore themes and issues that act as catalysts for creative design thinking.
The Catalyst Podcast series is presented by Open House Melbourne and produced with the assistance of the Alastair Swayn Foundation. Find out more at alastairswaynfoundation.org. The Catalyst Podcast series was recorded at The Push, Collingwood Yards.
Image: Rocks on Wheels. Photo: Courtesy of Mike Hewson.
Catalyst Podcast E5:
End of Life as Catalyst
What impact can good design have on spaces focused on the end of life?
In this episode, we are looking at the End of Life as a Catalyst for the design of palliative care facilities. We will consider the design of the places in which we might die and reflect on how we can live a good life, right up until the end. It will look at what it means to die with dignity and address how we can help our loved ones to lead the conversation, allowing them agency at the end of life.
Please note: This episode discusses topics that may be upsetting to some listeners, including end of life and palliative care. Please take care while listening and contact Griefline at 1300 845 745 if you need further support.
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Catalyst Podcast E4:
Play as Catalyst
In this episode, we are looking at Play as a catalyst for design, creativity and engaging people with the city.
Cities are not only for living and working – cities are also places where we play. Play can be many things. It can be creative and active or reflective and imaginative. Play is about discovery and curiosity, and it’s good for the body and the soul.
We speak with Professor Lisa Grocott from Monash University and artist, Mike Hewson, to explore the ways play and a playful mindset can foster connection and creativity in the city. We look at how we play in the city and the ways in which design can foster playful connections in an urban environment.
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Catalyst Podcast E3:
Audience as Catalyst
In this episode, we are looking at Audience as Catalyst for design through the lens of Performing Arts Centres. Tania Davidge speaks with Professor Katya Johanson from Edith Cowan University and architect and founding director, Ian McDougall from ARM Architecture, to help us unpack the relationship of audience to the design of the contemporary performing arts centre.
The modern performing arts centre has its roots in the 1960s. These centres were designed as iconic buildings which spoke to their important role in our cities and towns. Although they were founded with great intentions – of bringing the arts to a wider public audience – they have traditionally showcased the ‘high arts’ to a relatively narrow cross section of the community.
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Catalyst Podcast E2:
Flood as Catalyst
The climate crisis is driving more and more extreme weather events and in Australia flood and fire are impacting our urban areas. In this episode, Tania Davidge speaks with planner Jane Keddie from Hansen Partnership and architect James Davidson from JDA Co. to discuss how planning and design can work with the weather and environmental flows to mitigate risk and rethink our relationship to water.
In the midst of a climate crisis, where we are seeing increasing extreme weather events, how can we plan and design for flood? Is it simply a matter of barricading our buildings against the flood waters or can we work with the ebbs and flows of our water eco-systems to design in a more responsive way?
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Catalyst Podcast E1:
Critters as Catalyst
In this episode, we are looking at Critters as Catalysts for design and engineering. We are speaking with engineer Peter Standen from Partridge and architect Stuart Harrison from Harrison and White to discuss how engineering and design can help to take care of our more than human friends.
When we think about design and architecture, we typically think about designing for people but what does it take to design for animals? What does it take to get a frog in the mood for romance? How do you move pregnant elephants safely and securely from A to B? And how can design help to rehabilitate raptors?
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