Bjarke IngelsEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

Design intent is the governing framework of a project, yet it is often compromised as it moves from concept through construction. In this episode of Deliberate Words , Ben Caldwell, Director of Specifications at the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), joins Dave and Steve for a discussion on how design intent can be systematically preserved through documentation, alignment, and early-stage decision-making. The conversation examines the role of narrative-based specifications, the continued relevance of UniFormat as a systems-based approach, and the value of integrating estimating insight earlier in the process. Rather than treating documentation as a downstream technical exercise, Ben positions it as an active instrument for conveying intent, coordinating systems, and enabling informed decisions. Drawing from BIG’s global practice, the discussion challenges conventional methods and reframes specifications as a critical medium for translating design into constructed reality, with a brief but memorable aside on the unlikely inspiration of a well-crafted banana split.

Today on the Giant Ideas podcast we welcome visionary architect Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), whose work includes Google’s Silicon Valley campus, the Danish Maritime Museum, and 2 World Trade Center. In this episode, Bjarke shares his philosophy of “utopian pragmatism,” the inseparable link between form and function in architecture, and his thoughts on why architecture matters. Bjarke also discusses collaborations with fellow visionary Thomas Heatherwick, the economic and societal forces shaping our built environment. We discuss his ambitious “ Mindfulness City” project in Bhutan, his concept of “hedonic sustainability”: designing cities and spaces that are irresistible and joyful. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of how architecture can shape a better world, insight into the Danish approach to design and sustainability, and why balancing contradictions is needed more than ever. Building a purpose driven company? Read more about Giant Ventures at www.Giant.vc . Music credits: Bubble King written and produced by Cameron McLain and Stevan Cablayan aka Vector_XING . Please note: The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making any investment decisions.

Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative partner of Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), shares how empathy for the community drives his creative design solutions, which include incorporating a ski slope and climbing wall into the exterior of a waste-to-energy plant.

Canadian artist and author Douglas Coupland's slogans for the 21st century take on a new relevance in the era of COVID-19. Just before the virus paused large gatherings, DAC invited Coupland and Danish architect Bjarke Ingels to Copenhagen for an evening public conversation. The two observe daily life and bring into focus those things that may be just outside our peripheral vision. Generous funding is provided by Realdania and the Danish Industry Foundation which also support BLOX Talks, DAC's lecture series.

In this podcast interview, my guest is Daniel Sundlin, a partner at Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in New York. We talk about how BIG innovates and what opportunities and challenges digitalization brings to architecture. BIG is a Copenhagen and New York based group of architects, designers, builders, and thinkers operating within the fields of architecture, urbanism, interior design, landscape design, product design, research and development. The Interview In the interview, we discuss these topics The philosophy, key principles, and vision of BIG How experimentation and innovation are part of the company’s DNA What digitalization means in design The challenges and opportunities of the digital economy The role of the architect and how BIG wants to expand it The future plans of BIG as a company About Daniel Daniel joined BIG in 2008 and has worked on many of BIG’s most prominent projects and winning competitions, including Tallinn Town Hall, Slussen Masterplan in Stockholm, Astana Library in Kazakhstan, Qingdao Bridge in China and the international competition for a new entrance pavilion at the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec. Daniel was one of the lead designers of the prize-winning Maison Des Fondateurs Audemars Piguet (Audemars Piguet Museum) in Le Brassus, Switzerland and the PARC Jussieu Campus in Paris. Recently, he worked as Project Leader for VIA 57 West, a mixed-use residential building in New York City. Daniel currently oversees the expansion of the Google campus (Google North Bayshore and Google Charleston East) in Mountain View, California; the Audemars Piguet Hotel also in Le Brassus, Switzerland; the Spiral high-rise and the Eastside Costal Resiliency project (BIG U) both in Manhattan, New York; and the Wilson Secondary School in Arlington, Virginia. With a background as a photographer and graphic designer, Daniel is a strong communicator, leading visualization and graphical representation at BIG. Daniel moved to New York City in 2010. You can learn more about BIG at big.dk. To connect directly with Daniel, email him at Daniel@BIG.dk. The title photo is courtesy of BIG. Listen to the interview (also in iTunes)