Episodes

  • Jeonse Games - Financing Housing in South Korea
    Jan 14 2025

    How do different countries pay for housing?

    Alex and Minkoo delve into peculiar, but impactful complexities of South Korea's real estate market, focusing on the significant rise in housing prices, the cultural implications of high-rise living, and the unique Jeonse system. They discuss the impact of fluctuating financial conditions on housing, the consequences of the Jeonse collapse, and draw comparisons with China's real estate challenges. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of Korea's housing market amidst demographic shifts and economic pressures.

    Keywords

    South Korea, real estate, housing market, Junsei system, Seoul, cultural significance, interest rates, economic stability, population decline, rental market

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome and Overview of South Korea's Real Estate Market 02:47 The Dynamics of Housing Prices and Cultural Implications 05:52 Living Conditions and Housing Preferences in Seoul 08:50 Urban Development and High-Rise Living in East Asia 11:33 Geographical Constraints and Housing Density 14:28 Construction Efficiency and Housing Affordability 17:33 Understanding the Jeonse System 20:41 The Challenges of the Jeonse System and Market Dynamics 23:22 Impact of Rising Interest Rates on Housing Market 24:46 Consequences of Defaults and Tenant Rights 27:03 Cultural Reflections in Media: Squid Game 28:30 Emergence of the Rental Market in Korea 29:35 Economic Growth and Real Estate Dynamics 31:22 Lessons from China's Real Estate Market 33:54 Global Economic Interconnections and Steel Production 37:01 Tariffs and Their Impact on Housing Costs 40:12 Future of Housing in Korea: Challenges Ahead 42:32 Shifts in Living Preferences and Market Dynamics 46:08 Opportunities for Innovation in Housing Solutions

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    49 mins
  • Looking Back on MoPo's First Year
    Jan 2 2025

    Summary

    In this reflective episode, the hosts of MoPo discuss their journey over the first year making the show. They emphasize the need to expand their network beyond familiar circles and the value of learning through conversations with diverse guests. The hosts also share insights on the iterative process of podcasting, the challenges and opportunities in their field, and their hopes for the future of the show.

    Keywords

    podcast, built environment, pandemic impact, communication, collaboration, interdisciplinary, growth, opportunities, challenges, reflection

    Chapters

    00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Conversations

    02:54 The Impact of the Pandemic on Perspectives

    06:08 Expanding the Network: Beyond Friends

    09:00 Communication and Learning Through Podcasting

    12:13 Navigating the Built Environment

    15:06 Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Approaches

    17:58 Growth and Iteration in Podcasting

    20:51 Looking Ahead: Future Directions

    24:06 The Balance of Challenges and Opportunities

    27:10 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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    33 mins
  • Grassroots Development: Building Communities Abroad - KC Hardin
    Dec 18 2024

    KC Hardin, founder of Conservatorio, joins MoPo and shares his inspiring journey from corporate law in New York to real estate development in Panama. He discusses the revitalization of Casco Viejo - a historic district in Panama City, the lessons learned in navigating the complexities of real estate, and the importance of community engagement in urban development. KC also reflects on the current landscape of real estate in Panama, the challenges of affordability, and his vision for interconnected neighborhoods that foster community. He emphasizes the need for adaptive reuse of buildings and the role of developers in shaping vibrant urban spaces.

    -

    Keyes Christopher (KC) Hardin is a co-founder of Conservatorio and has been its president since its inception in 2005. KC also co-founded Esperanza San Felipe, a gang intervention and integration program in the historic district of the Panamanian capital.

    Before moving to Panama, KC worked as a corporate lawyer in New York and Tokyo with the firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, where he primarily focused on mergers and acquisitions and private equity. He is a member of the Central America Leadership Initiative of the Aspen Institute and a research associate at MIT's Community Innovators Laboratory (CoLab).

    He holds a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and a B.S. in Communications from the University of Miami.


    Keywords

    real estate, Panama, urban development, community engagement, adaptive reuse, Conservatorio, Casco Viejo, architecture, sustainability, housing


    Chapters

    00:00 Casey Hardin's Journey from Law to Real Estate

    07:35 The Birth of Conservatorio and Its Impact

    12:02 Adaptive Reuse and the Challenges of Development

    18:48 Lessons Learned and the Evolution of Conservatorio

    20:28 Community Development and Zoning in Panama

    26:01 Mixed-Use Development and Community Engagement

    33:37 Challenges in Design and Development Tools

    40:01 Real Estate Landscape and Mobility in Panama

    45:40 Future Projects and Urban Revitalization

    47:32 The Vision of a Great City


    Links

    Conservatorio

    Casco Viejo

    Olde Good Things

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    53 mins
  • The Language of Design Technology - Leland Jobson
    Dec 9 2024

    Leland Jobson rides the intersection of architecture and technology. In this conversation, he emphasizing the importance of computational design and the role of teaching in shaping future architects. He introduces the significance of Open USD in bridging gaps in design and technology, the philosophical implications of language in representation, and the evolving landscape of architecture in the digital age. Leland shares insights on how software can enhance architectural practice and the need for architects to embrace technology to remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry.

    https://www.lelandjobson.com/

    https://www.lelandjobson.com/prize

    What Technology Wants: Kevin Kelly https://amzn.to/4fRbQao

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • A New Era of Landscape Architecture - William Shivers
    Nov 26 2024

    Summary

    What is the role of landscape in our built environment and how are spaces shaped for nature?

    Landscape architect William Shivers discusses his journey into landscape architecture, the education process, and the role of landscape architects in urban design. He emphasizes the importance of integrating nature into urban environments, the challenges of working with living elements, and the significance of iconic public spaces. Shivers also shares insights from his PhD research on American landscapes, particularly focusing on Hawaii's unique ecological and historical context. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of landscape architecture, its economic implications, and the need for adaptive strategies in response to climate change and urbanization.

    Keywords

    landscape architecture, William Shivers, urban design, public spaces, ecological design, education, iconic landscapes, sustainability, nature, urban planning

    Chapters

    00:00 The Role of Landscape Architects in Projects 01:15 Defining Good Landscape Architecture 04:02 Iconography and Identity in Landscape Architecture 06:43 Nature's Role in Landscape Design 09:54 Challenges of Urban Landscape Architecture 12:54 The Importance of Trees in Urban Environments 16:06 Contemporary Practices in Landscape Architecture 18:47 Post-Industrial Planting and Environmental Remediation 21:26 Navigating Tree Removal and Preservation 28:03 The Role of Native vs. Introduced Plants 29:24 Revisiting Landscape Practices 31:26 The Mediator: Skills of a Landscape Architect 32:48 Integrating Landscape into Urban Development 33:58 The Highline Effect: Signature Landscapes 36:08 Successful Urban Parks: Case Studies 39:11 Waterfront Parks and Resilience 40:52 Delicate Approaches in Landscape Architecture 43:09 Emerging Landscape Architecture Firms 46:21 William's PhD Research: Trees and History 50:00 Hawaii's Role in American Landscape 54:06 Adapting to Change in Landscape Architecture 56:59 Future Interventions for Vulnerable Areas 57:59 The Evolving Role of Landscape Architecture 01:00:51 William's Vision for the Future

    Links

    William Shivers

    William on LinkedIn

    Kate Orff and SCAPE - Living Breakwaters

    Toward an Urban Ecology

    Brian Davis, University of Virginia

    Roberto Burle Marx

    Piet Oudolff

    The High Line

    Klyde Warren Park

    Brooklyn Bridge Park

    Studio Zewde

    Merritt Chase

    Super Bloom Landscape Architecture

    Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Development for Community - Sean Webster
    Nov 19 2024

    Summary

    What does it take to get something done in a community? What does it take to get something built? What does it take to change a city?

    Sean Webster is an social entrepreneur, organizer, and citizen developer. His story centers around how one can make change in a community despite immense headwinds. Sean discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and community developer in Boston, focusing on the importance of creating sustainable environments for growth. He shares insights on navigating the challenges of urban development, the need for trust and communication between developers and the community, and the role of creativity in shaping the future of neighborhoods. The discussion highlights the balance between community needs and development goals, emphasizing collaboration and collective action to foster positive change.

    NOTE: The residential development project that is discussed in the episode awaiting city approval, received that approval shortly after the recording of this episode.

    Keywords

    entrepreneurship, community development, real estate, urban planning, trust, collaboration, housing, Boston, social impact, creativity, downtown, cities, urban design

    Chapters

    00:00 The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Boston 02:57 Revitalizing Downtown Boston 06:15 Navigating Real Estate Inequities 09:06 Collective Economics and Community Empowerment 11:55 Building a New Model for Community Development 15:13 The Challenges of Community Trust 17:56 The Role of Design in Community Spaces 21:04 Friction in Community Development 23:55 The Impact of Preservation on Development 27:15 The Future of One Elmwood Project 39:41 Community Development Challenges 42:48 Navigating Bureaucracy and Community Expectations 46:07 The Importance of Resilience in Development 49:30 Inter-Agency Communication Issues 53:04 Financial Risks and Community Impact 56:56 The Long Road to Realizing Dreams 01:01:08 The Role of Democracy in Development 01:05:10 Engaging the Younger Generation 01:09:07 Creativity as a Driving Force 01:12:07 The Future of Community Development

    Links

    Sean Webster This family wants to redevelop their Roxbury home into much-needed housing. It isn’t working - Boston Globe

    Roxbury family will be allowed to replace their house with an apartment building after years-long neighborhood battle - Boston Globe

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • The State of Housing Design & Development - Sam Naylor
    Nov 13 2024

    How can we build better housing and more of it? Sam Naylor is the co-author of “The State of Housing Design 2023” (Harvard University Press) and the research report “Legalizing Mid-rise Single-stair Housing in Massachusetts”. He is a licensed architect and researcher and joins MoPo to discuss the critical importance of housing design in addressing the current housing crisis. He emphasizes the need for innovative and quality housing solutions and the challenges posed by zoning laws and community resistance. Naylor advocates for design thinking as a means to unlock production and density while also highlighting the significance of community engagement and leadership in shaping housing policy. The discussion also touches on the potential of policy changes such as single-stair reform and the future of housing design, reflecting on personal ideals and the broader implications for urban development. Links [Sam Naylor](https://naylorsam.com/) [Sam on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-naylor/) [Sam on IG](https://www.instagram.com/sam__naylor/) [The State of Housing Design 2023](https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/media-files/2024-07/harvard_jchs_state_of_housing_design_2023.pdf) [Legalizing Mid-rise Single-stair Housing in Massachusetts](https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/media-files/2024-07/harvard_jchs_state_of_housing_design_2023.pdf) [The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University](https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/) Keywords housing design, architecture, housing crisis, Joint Center for Housing Studies, innovative design, community engagement, zoning laws, single stair reform, affordable housing, urban development Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Housing Design and Its Importance 02:59 The Role of the Joint Center for Housing Studies 05:50 Innovative Housing Design: Themes and Insights 09:08 The Importance of Quality Design in Housing 11:57 Challenges in Housing Development and Funding 14:53 Zoning Laws and Their Impact on Housing 18:17 Community Resistance to New Developments 21:11 The Need for Clear Zoning Regulations 24:08 Building Codes and Their Influence on Housing 26:55 Single Stair Reform and Its Potential Benefits 37:19 Revisiting Building Codes and Safety Innovations 40:43 The Case for Scissor Stairs and Efficient Design 43:09 Navigating Building Regulations and Renovations 46:58 The Need for Proactive Code Revisions 49:12 Designing for Functionality and Community Engagement 52:55 The Role of Political Engagement in Housing Architecture 56:16 Community Involvement in Housing Development 01:00:08 The Future of Housing: Leadership and Public Perception 01:04:54 Imagining Ideal Living Spaces 01:08:36 Reflecting on Modernism and Future Projections

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Finding Your Voice Through Art - Betty Chen
    Nov 4 2024

    In this conversation, Betty Chen shares her multifaceted journey as a student, project manager, and content creator in the fields of architecture and art. She discusses her experiences in public speaking, the origins of her YouTube channel, and her passion for making art and architecture accessible to the public. Betty emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, community engagement, and the challenges of navigating criticism in her work. The conversation culminates in reflections on the future of architecture and the need for mutual understanding in society.

    Episode Links:

    https://www.youtube.com/articulations

    https://www.instagram.com/articulationsv/

    https://www.relay.fm/pictorial


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    1 hr and 7 mins