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Dezeen Weekly

Dezeen Weekly is an original podcast from Dezeen, the world's most influential design and architecture magazine. Each episode, of our journalists discuss the biggest design and architecture stories of the week. If you're interested in how humans are shaping the world around them and you like to stay

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 34 min
Latest: 9 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026 · 32 min

Why Saudi Arabia's crazy giga-project The Line failed

The world's most wildly ambitious architecture project appears dead in the water. What went wrong? This week, the team plot the strange story of Saudi Arabia's effort to build a linear skyscraper mega-city in the desert, called The Line . They explain why news that Neom Stadium has been shelved looks to be the final nail in the coffin for The Line, and debate the ethical implications for architecture studios that worked on the extraordinary and controversial project. Dezeen Weekly artwork is by Simon Volt. This episode was edited by Calum Lindsay.

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

2 Oct 2026 · 32 min
We're scared of Meta's adorable AI device
Why are AI companies opting for cute design? And why is New York building "jailscrapers"? This week, Dezeen features editor Nat Barker, design editor Jennifer Hahn and editor-in-chief Tom Ravenscroft consider the launch of Meta's Muse Charm AI device . Then, they delve into New York City's project to replace the notorious Rikers Island mega-jail with four high-rise facilities embedded within the city. Dezeen Weekly artwork is by Simon Volt. Editing is by Miguel Santa Clara.
25 Sep 2026 · 36 min
Will the iPhone Duo send folding smartphones mainstream?
Has Apple just triggered another paradigm shift in smartphone design? And what's behind Donald Trump's announcement that his triumphal arch will be a base for drones and snipers? In this episode, Dezeen editor Tom Ravenscroft joins features editor Nat Barker and design editor Jennifer Hahn to discuss Apple's first folding phone . Then, they consider Trump's surprise announcement that the triumphal arch planned for Washington DC will be a "top grade military complex".
18 Sep 2026 · 25 min
Is London having a design renaissance?
It's LDF week, and this year's edition is surprisingly strong. Could it be that London's creative scene is recovering after a difficult decade? In this episode, Dezeen design editor Jennifer Hahn is joined by deputy editor Cajsa Carlson and design and reporter Jane Englefield , who have been out and about at London Design Festival (LDF). They pick out their highlights from the week, and discuss why this year feels different to previous years.
11 Sep 2026 · 34 min
Our thoughts on the Dyson CameraJet toothbrush
Dezeen Weekly returns with a conversation about Dyson's eye-catching new product launch, plus a building in north London that aims to kickstart a revival of stone architecture. In this episode, Dezeen features editor Nat Barker and design editor Jennifer Hahn are joined by editor Tom Ravenscroft to discuss the Dyson CameraJet . The team have their take on the much-discussed launch, and come up with their own suggestions for future Dyson products. Then, they consider a landmark new building in north London that is held up by a stone exoskeleton , in what has been billed a world-first. To read…
31 Jul 2026 · 36 min
Are timber skyscrapers the future?
Is building tall with timber more than an architectural gimmick? Why is a new robotic hand a big step towards sci-fi becoming reality? And what's special about Dezeen's editor's new tattoo? In this episode, Dezeen editor Tom Ravenscroft and features editor Nat Barker discuss the world's tallest hybrid timber tower, which recently topped out in Sydney . To read more about mass timber buildings, check out our Timber Revolution series. Next, we hear a conversation between Nat and design editor Jennifer Hahn about the announcement from 1X Technologies that it has developed a hand for its…
24 Jul 2026 · 32 min
Has architecture become too boring?
Is this year's Stirling Prize shortlist the least interesting ever? And why are astronomers up in arms about a plan to launch a giant mirror into space? This episode begins with Dezeen features editor Nat Barker and design editor Jennifer Hahn discussing the plans by a US startup to light up streets at night by reflecting sunbeams from a satellite . Then, for part two, they're joined by Dezeen editor Tom Ravenscroft to debate this year's shortlist for the UK's best new building . Finally, there's been an update in the story about what we previously called "the strangest architecture…
17 Jul 2026 · 34 min
What the World Cup has taught us about stadium design
What's the creepy technology at one of the major 2026 World Cup stadiums? Are stadiums the only giant buildings that people really like? And what does the future hold for stadium architecture? In this episode, Dezeen features editor Nat Barker is joined by US editor Ben Dreith to discuss all things stadiums, to tie in with our new editorial series, Future Stadium . They discuss some of the architectural highlights from this year's World Cup, as well as the broader current trends in stadium architecture. Then, they look ahead to some of the giant stadiums currently being planned around the…
10 Jul 2026 · 25 min
Why everyone likes the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
How did the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library manage to sidestep America's architecture culture war? And is affordable design having a moment? In this episode, Dezeen design editor Jennifer Hahn and editor Tom Ravenscroft reflect on the unusually positive reaction to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library , designed by architecture studio Snøhetta and recently completed in North Dakota. Then, they discuss Yinka Ilori's unexpected new collection for British high-street furniture retailer Dunelm , and whether it signals a shift towards more widespread affordable design. Dezeen…
3 Jul 2026 · 32 min
Can Kylie Jenner detoxify AI smart glasses?
Would we wear the new Meta smart glasses? Is Frank Gehry's Abu Dhabi opera house actually pretty good? And why did Paris Fashion Week feel like the last days of the Roman Empire? In this episode, Dezeen design editor Jennifer Hahn and architecture reporter Amy Peacock discuss Meta's collaboration with Kylie Jenner on its first designed-in-house smart glasses . Then, they consider the late Frank Gehry's performing arts venue on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi , which has drawn some unflattering comparisons from Dezeen commenters having just begun construction. Lastly, they reflect on the…
26 Jun 2026 · 28 min
Is Gaudí the greatest architect ever?
Why is Gaudí so widely admired? Is there a darker side to his architecture? And should he be made a saint? Listen to the latest episode of Dezeen Weekly now. This month marks 100 years since the death of Antoni Gaudí, one of the most famous architects of all time. For this episode, Dezeen features editor Nat Barker was joined by architecture reporter Amy Peacock and editor Tom Ravenscroft to reflect on Gaudí's extraordinary work and career. Dezeen Weekly artwork is by Simon Volt. Editing is by Miguel Santa Clara.
19 Jun 2026 · 34 min
What mattered at this year's 3 Days of Design
In this special video episode of Dezeen Weekly sponsored by Framery, we discuss highlights from this year's 3 Days of Design . Last week, we were in Copenhagen for the biggest design festival in northern Europe, 3 Days of Design. Dezeen features editor Nat Barker sat down with deputy editor Cajsa Carlson and design reporter Jane Englefield to reflect on the standout moments from the event and why they were significant. Among their picks were a yellow conversation pit the size of a swimming pool, a steel pavilion in the shape of a giant Alvar Aalto vase and a vending machine selling…
5 Jun 2026 · 36 min
Why are we obsessed with liminal space?
This week, we discuss a new architecture-themed horror film, some concerning news about green walls and a new architectural term that one of our hosts has audaciously coined. In this episode, Dezeen features editor Nat Barker and design editor Jennifer Hahn consider Backrooms – a surprise-hit horror movie from a 20-year-old director – and its origins in the internet's fascination with "liminal space". Then, they talk through new research indicating that plastic-potted green wall systems could make fire spread up building facades faster than the cladding used on Grenfell Tower. Finally, they…
29 May 2026 · 40 min
Why does everyone seem to hate the new electric Ferrari?
In this episode of Dezeen Weekly, we discuss the fierce reaction to Ferrari's unveiling of its first all-electric car , designed by Jony Ive and Marc Newson. This week, Dezeen features editor Nat Barker and design editor Jennifer Hahn are joined by our co-CEO Ben Hobson, who was at the Ferrari Luce launch event in Rome at the weekend. Together, they analyse the car's design and consider why it has met with such a heated response.
22 May 2026 · 41 min
Is IKEA's new collection too good to be true?
Why is everyone talking about a giant new data centre planned for the Utah desert? Is IKEA's new collection a wake-up call for the design industry? And why do Parisians hate tall buildings? In this episode, Dezeen features editor Nat Barker and design editor Jennifer Hahn begin by discussing a project to build a huge data centre in a remote part of Utah , including the local backlash. Then, they react to IKEA's new PS collection , and consider how it's possible for such nice design to cost so little. Finally, they talk about what might prove to be Paris's last ever skyscraper .
15 May 2026 · 35 min
Is parametricism the defining architecture style of the 21st century?
In the latest episode of Dezeen Weekly , we give listeners a crash course in parametricism , from its origins to its much-disputed claim of being the most significant architectural style since modernism. We debate some of the most pressing questions surrounding the movement: Did Patrick Schumacher's association with the style actually torpedo its success? How much agency lies with the architect when using parametric design tools? Would Schumacher ever design an extension for the home of Dezeen editor Tom Ravenscroft ? And is parametricism really, as Schumacher claims, the defining style of…
8 May 2026 · 43 min
How Adidas won the super-shoe war
What was special about the shoes on the feet of the record-breaking runners at the recent London Marathon? Is the Met Gala an important design event, or just about money and celebrity? And why is a new addition to a 930-year-old French cathedral so controversial? In this week's episode, Dezeen's design editor Jennifer Hahn and features editor Nat Barker plot a brief history of the race to create the first shoe capable of breaking the hallowed two-hour marathon barrier. Then, they reflect on this year's Met Gala, and whether it has any relevance for design as a whole. Finally, they discuss…
1 May 2026 · 32 min
What's so bad about brands taking over Milan design week?
In this episode of Dezeen Weekly , we reflect on the major trends from this year's Milan design week , and discuss whether the festival has reached peak "brandification". Why did food and inflatables have such a big presence in Milan this year? Could there be a link to the geopolitical issues gripping the globe? Also, did this year mark a tipping point for corporate installations? And is the involvement of fashion houses and other brands at design week a problem? For this, episode Dezeen features editor Nat Barker was joined by deputy editor Cajsa Carlson and design and interiors reporter…
24 Apr 2026 · 41 min
Why architecture has a large gender pay gap
Why are there so few women in top architecture jobs? What's the deal with the world's first kilometre-high skyscraper, currently under construction in Saudi Arabia? And why do major building projects stall? In this episode, Dezeen features editor Nat Barker is joined by architecture reporter Amy Peacock and editor Tom Ravenscroft . They discuss the most recent gender pay gap figures for the biggest UK architecture studios , and the issue of unequal salaries in the profession. Then, they talk about Jeddah Tower , which is steadily rising to become the world's tallest building after a series…
17 Apr 2026 · 32 min
Why Milan design week is such a big deal
What's so important about Milan design week, and what we can expect this year? And how does the proposed "Arc de Trump" compare to the Arc de Triomphe? In the latest episode of Dezeen Weekly, we look ahead to the biggest week in the design industry calendar , and discuss yet another bombastic architecture proposal from Donald Trump . This episode was hosted by Dezeen features editor Nat Barker and design editor Jennifer Hahn. It was recorded and edited by Miguel Santa Clara.
10 Apr 2026 · 47 min
Are the walls closing in on Donald Trump's ballroom?
Why is the White House currently stuck with a giant hole in the ground? Is the redesigned Lime bike a success? And what does it mean to be a top designer in 2026? In this episode, Dezeen features editor Nat Barker and design editor Jennifer Hahn discuss a dramatic plot-twist in the story of Donald Trump's East Wing redevelopment project. Then, they share their thoughts on the new Lime bike design currently being rolled out in the UK . Finally, they reflect on a rare interview with legendary designer Marc Newson , and what it says about being a successful designer today.
27 Mar 2026 · 37 min
Style Wars: The Modernists Strike Back
Why did a coalition including the American Institute of Architects file a lawsuit against Donald Trump this week? How did a conversational AI toy respond when a five-year-old child told it "I love you"? And why are there concerns about the skyscrapers springing up across Africa? In this episode, Dezeen design editor Jennifer Hahn and features editor Nat Barker discuss the row over Trump's renovation plans for the Kennedy Center , as well as his decision to rename the building after himself. Then, they delve into the findings from a study on the potential psychological impacts for young…
20 Mar 2026 · 32 min
Is AI really coming for architects' jobs?
How worried should architects be about large language models taking their jobs? How did the Pritzker Architecture Prize make us look silly this week? And what is "bio-upcycling"? In this episode, Dezeen features editor Nat Barker and design editor Jennifer Hahn consider a controversial labour impact study by AI company Anthropic . Also, they reflect on the surprise announcement about this year's Pritzker laureate, Smiljan Radić . Finally, they discuss the news that scientists have managed to produce a Parkinson's drug from waste plastic with the help of bacteria.
13 Mar 2026 · 35 min
The strangest architecture competition ever?
What's the deal with the mysterious competition to design a new "world wonder"? And how did Apple manage to halve the price of its least expensive laptop? In this episode, Dezeen features editor Nat Barker and design editor Jennifer Hahn discuss proposals for a huge new landmark in Rotterdam aimed at inspiring people to reduce their carbon footprints. Then, they consider the significance of the new Apple MacBook Neo .
6 Mar 2026 · 37 min
Is this the end of the Pritzker Architecture Prize?
What do the revelations about Tom Pritzker's association with Jeffrey Epstein mean for the Pritzker Architecture Prize? What happened in a recent court case about Zaha Hadid's name? And could the escalating conflict in the Middle East be a worry for big architecture studios? In this episode, Nat Barker and Tom Ravenscroft discuss the delay to this year's announcement of architecture's most prestigious accolade. Then, they explain the result of a legal battle between the firm and the foundation of the late architect Zaha Hadid, and consider the implications of the Burj Al Arab being struck by…
27 Feb 2026 · 34 min
The White House ballroom project progresses
In this episode, we discuss an update to Donald Trump's controversial redevelopment of the White House's East Wing . Then, we delve into an unexpected story from Ukraine : the emergence of a flurry of interestingly designed interiors in the war-stricken country. Finally, we talk about the design of the spaceship that NASA hopes will soon take its astronauts on the longest journey in the history of humankind. This episode was hosted by Dezeen features editor Nat Barker and design editor Jennifer Hahn .
20 Feb 2026 · 28 min
Have we passed peak touchscreen?
This week's episode sees us analyse Jony Ive and Marc Newson's interiors for the first electric Ferrari and whether the design signals a revival of the physical button. Then, we consider plans for what has been touted as Australia's first new city in 100 years . Will its climate strategy be enough to cope with scorching temperatures? How exactly will it be "inclusive"? And when does a suburb become a city? This episode was hosted by Dezeen features editor Nat Barker and design editor Jennifer Hahn .
13 Feb 2026 · 26 min
"Bjarke Ingels, shame on you!"
Why did protesters stage a demonstration outside the office of a global architecture firm? Is a Saudi Arabia-inspired proposal for a high-speed railway connecting five countries realistic? And why was this year's Stockholm Design Week like none before? This week, Dezeen design editor Jennifer Hahn and features editor Nat Barker discuss RIBA president Chris Williamson's plan for The Loop (00:45). Then, they mull whether the new-look design week in Stockholm could signal a change in the way the furniture industry markets its products (08:39). Finally, they reflect on the industrial dispute in…
6 Feb 2026 · 32 min
Architects' designs for Donald J Trump Airport
Does Donald Trump approve of modernist buildings if they have his name on them? And are we living through an era of architectural "gentleism"? In this week's episode of Dezeen Weekly, Dezeen editor Tom Ravenscroft and features editor Nat Barker discuss architects' proposals for an overhaul of Eero Saarinen's iconic Washington Dulles Airport following criticisms made by Donald Trump (00:47). Then, they reflect on the significance of the pick for this year's RIBA Royal Gold Medal, Irish architect Niall McLaughlin (15:35). Finally, they consider the impact of Brexit on the design industry, five…
30 Jan 2026 · 23 min
Neom's fake-snow Asian Winter Games ambitions falter
In this week's episode, Jennifer Hahn and Nat Barker discuss the indefinite delay to the 2029 Asian Winter Games, planned for the Trojena ski resort in Saudi Arabia (00:33). Next, they consider the world's first building concept designed by a humanoid robot (08:37), and talk through the challenges of taking on the prestigious Serpentine Pavilion in 2026 (13:20).

About Dezeen Weekly

Dezeen Weekly is a English arts & books podcast from Dezeen. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Dezeen
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 34 min
Latest episode: 9 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1871205904

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