Architecture & Urban Planning
Buildings, cities, structural engineering, transit, and the built environment
#908: Why Did We Forget How to Build Cheap Subways?
Why does a mile of subway cost billions today? Herman and Corn explore the hidden complexities and rising costs of modern urban transit.
#793: Ninety Seconds to Choose: How to Pick a Building During a Siren
Learn the structural engineering secrets behind why stairwells and specific floors offer the best protection during an urban emergency.
#737: The Physics of Quiet: Engineering Soundproofing for Urban Life
Tired of city noise invading your home? Discover the science of acoustic windows and why egg cartons won't save your sleep.
#736: When Streetlights Hijack Your Sleep Clock
Are harsh streetlights ruining your sleep? Explore the science of why cities are switching to red and amber lighting for better health.
#638: When Buildings Heal Your Nervous System
Can a building actually heal your nervous system? Discover how neuro-design uses science to create spaces that reduce stress and spark creativity.
#615: Beyond the Vibe: How Experts Rank Public Transport
Explore the professional yardsticks used to rank global transit, from reliability metrics to the psychology of ticket inspectors.
#575: The End of the Car: Can We Really Quit Private Transport?
Is the private car a failed experiment? Herman and Corn discuss why EVs aren't enough and how we can design cities for people, not machines.
#573: The Tightrope of Mixed-Use Zoning
Explore how mixed-use zoning is transforming sterile suburbs into vibrant 15-minute cities. Herman and Corn dive into the future of urban living.
#572: Cracking the Code: How Zoning and Policy Shape Our Cities
Why do our cities look the way they do? Herman and Corn dive into the invisible codes, taxes, and global models that define the urban landscape.
#571: Density Without Stress: Building the Perfect City
Explore how "Hermanville" redefines urban density through acoustic architecture, mid-rise blocks, and car-free centers.
#531: The Hard-Nosed Reality of Vertical Farming
Herman and Corn explore the reality of vertical farming, from Singapore’s high-tech towers to the structural limits of growing food in cities.
#504: How to Start Thinking Like an Urbanist
Tired of "sidewalks to nowhere"? Learn the principles of good urbanism and how to advocate for a more walkable, resilient community.
#503: Dignity in the Golden Years: Vienna’s Housing Safety Net
Discover how Vienna’s social housing system ensures that elderly renters are never forgotten through proactive care and legal protections.
#499: Gentle Urbanism: Why Vienna Works and Jerusalem Struggles
From "whispering asphalt" to social housing, discover how Vienna creates a human-centric city while others struggle with noise and grit.
#481: Steel and Stone: Engineering Jerusalem’s Pilgrimage Road
Discover how modern engineering and ancient history collide beneath the streets of Jerusalem to reveal the legendary 2,000-year-old Pilgrimage Road.
#473: The Price of Progress: Jerusalem’s Light Rail Revolution
Jerusalem is undergoing "open heart surgery." We explore the brutal trade-off between futuristic transit and the survival of today's city life.
#449: Why Your Tape Fails: The Physics of Structural Bonding
Discover how the industrial-grade science behind the Burj Khalifa can help you mount heavy gear without losing your security deposit.
#413: The Skyscraper Lie: Density, Cost, and Jerusalem’s Future
Are luxury towers solving the housing crisis? Explore the "rocket equation" of architecture and why height doesn't always equal density.
#408: Why Can't We Build a Mile Into the Sky?
From vortex shedding to the elevator paradox, Herman and Corn explore the physical and economic limits of building the world's tallest towers.
#407: Why Your Elevator Feels Unsafe but Isn't
Ever wonder why rickety old elevators stay upright? Explore the engineering behind safety inspections and the hidden power of modern lift tech.