The Elephant in the Planning Room

“It is imperative that we learn to create homes that truly support and sustain us.”

Interior and external environments affect our health and wellbeing in ways that we are only now beginning to truly understand: from the impact of the urban spaces that are fundamentally unhealthy due to air pollution and noise, to acknowledging the changes that colour, daylight, mess and a good night’s sleep can have on our mood and happiness. But what is the solution; and what changes should be made to improve the overall health of the public?

Award winning expert in all things interior design, Michelle Ogundehin, and experienced architect, planner and professor of urban design, Matthew Carmona, seek to explore the avenues towards a healthier environment, bringing a higher quality of life. Whether it’s the promotion of wellbeing in new developments, shifting mindsets towards adaptable spaces over bigger spaces, or thinking about improving and not moving, Michelle and Matthew delve into their considerable research to share their thoughts on this episode.

Guests:
Michelle Ogundehin is a writer, author, TV presenter, a trustee of the Design Museum, and visiting professor at the Manchester School of Architecture. Her work as editor-in-chief of British ELLE Decoration saw her collect numerous accolades. She is internationally renowned for her authority on interiors, colours and styles, and her new book ‘Happy Inside’ is out now, promoting the link between the home and wellbeing. You can find out more at: https://michelleogundehin.com/

Prof Matthew Carmona is Professor of Planning and Urban Design at the Bartlett School of Planning, where his research has focussed on urban design, the governance of design quality, and the design and management of public spaces. He is an advisor to governments in the UK and abroad. He is chair of the Place Alliance, which advocates for the importance of high quality built environment. You can find out more at: https://matthew-carmona.com/about/

Production Credits:
Public Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand van Tulleken is a podcast from UCL Health of the Public. Recorded remotely and edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative.