Ep 34: Built to Function Forgotten to Feel: Boring Benches, Bland Bus Stops & Nondescript New Builds

In this solo episode I explore how architecture and everyday functional objects in public spaces can impact our day to day, without us even realising it! From characterless cars and bland bus stops to nondescript new builds, why does it sometimes feel like modern designs are uninspiring compared to older ones? Is that even true?

In today’s episode I draw on thoughts from designers, architects and previous podcast guests, to try and understand if we've lost something in the way we design our built environment, or whether nostalgia and the passage of time give us rose tinted glasses for the architecture of the past!

We discuss everything from the Victorians love of gothic architecture, new builds, brutalism, shopping centres, trams stops, and the benches at Chatsworth House!

In a nutshell, I’m wondering what is it that makes certain buildings and functional objects memorable, appealing and meaningful enough to give us a sense of place?

Read issue no 4 of the newsletter on Patreon (apologies I realised I said issue 3 during the episode!)

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(Recorded September 2026)