2nd Studio Podcast: Interview with Michael Kimmelman

The Second Studio (formerly The Midnight Charette) is a podcast explicitly about design, architecture, and everyday life. Hosted by architects David Lee and Marina Bourdelone, it features unscripted conversations between a variety of creative professionals, allowing for thoughtful input and personal discussion.

A variety of subjects are covered with honesty and humor. Some episodes are interviews, others are tips for fellow designers, reviews of buildings and other projects, and casual explorations of everyday life and design. Second Studio is also available on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube.

This week, David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by New York Times architecture critic Michael Kimmelman to discuss his career. The role of the critic. New York City; Evolution of the Profession. Housing crisis. Public housing. The value of architecture. more!

Highlights and timestamps

(00:00) Background

(07:58) Early career

(13:35) Thoughts of the emerging generation

I think it’s good that architects are trying to make themselves more relevant to broader society at the moment. And their profound role in shaping the societies we build is not just about building beautiful objects for people to occupy, but also about how we reimagine the world at a time when there are so many very serious crises. Helpful. (16:44)

(21:13) Role of architect

Silos of responsibility and ideas are also creating problems for architecture. Because the architectural aspects of the work seem to exist in a vacuum, rather than within the street, the community, the context, and that’s how people experience it. In fact, this disconnect between reality and the profession is detrimental to the profession. (25:54)

(31:19) Critics’ theme selection process

I will use my spotlight to create a kind of emphasis, not meant to exactly negate others, but to honor some things that have been underrepresented. . (33:08)

(35:22) Have an architect friend

(37:36) Thoughts on architects

In my own experience, the architects I work with are thoughtful, honest, generous, care deeply about what they do, and are competitive yet open…in a way. Architects have underestimated themselves and their potential to play a meaningful role in society as a whole. (38:33)

(46:05) The value of architecture

I think architecture is the chronicle of our civilization. That’s who we are. This is the most public record of our values ​​and what we want to leave behind. Buildings are not permanent, but they have evolved, languages ​​have evolved, engineering techniques have evolved, but they are also an expression of our changing values ​​and changing knowledge as a civilization. (46:49)

(53:15) Converting office buildings into affordable housing

(59:31) Thoughts on UCSB Munger Hall and the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery in London

(01:05:01) Favorite neighborhood in New York

Check out previous editions of The Second Studio Podcast.