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March 10, 2026

Has modern architecture lost touch with humanity?

S2 E8 138 MINS

Architecture shapes how we live, how we relate to each other and even how we feel. For centuries, our buildings have embodied our cultural values, traditions, needs and beliefs. 

But critics of modern architecture say that it is disconnected from human expression and context. They argue that uniform, imposing, minimalist buildings erase uniqueness, ignore the landscape and even increase stress. Meanwhile, proponents praise modern construction’s functionality and efficiency, saying it addresses global problems like climate change, affordable housing and rapid urban expansion.

In this episode, we explore whether architecture in the modern age has lost touch with humanity, or whether it is just as expressive and responsive as in any other era.

Participants

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Marwa Al-Sabouni

Architect, urbanist, and author; founder of Arch-News

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Bidisha Sinha

Architect and associate director, Zaha Hadid Architects

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Lucien Steil

Author, educator and architect

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Kamil Khan Mumtaz

Architect and author

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Soraya Salam

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