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Anthony Burke's By Design

Anthony Burke's By Design

ABC Australia 42 Episodes Oct 15, 2026

Hosted by Anthony Burke, Professor of Architecture at UTS and a leading voice on building better futures, this podcast explores the clever ideas and human stories behind the spaces, systems, and objects shaping our everyday lives. Each episode dives into a theme through engaging interviews and real-life case studies from across Australia, covering topics like prefab housing, smart homes, and the future of open-plan living. The show ends with The Extraordinary Everyday, a segment uncovering the cultural and social history of familiar objects. With an informal, accessible tone, By Design makes design visible, relatable, and relevant for everyone.

Episodes

The secret symbolism of chopsticks
The secret symbolism of chopsticks Oct 15, 2026 0:15:49 There is evidence that chopsticks existed in the Neolithic period. That's around 10,000 years of evolution in design. From a cooking tool to a symbol of status, identity and social customs, the chopstick has remained a tried-and-tested utensil, but what do its various evolutions say about the people who used it and the times they lived in?
Designing homes for a robotic future
Designing homes for a robotic future Oct 13, 2026 0:23:51 Robots are moving beyond the factory and into the home. From vacuum cleaners to companion robots, how might domestic robots reshape housing design, and are our homes ready for what's next?
How sunscreen went from niche remedy to public health essential
How sunscreen went from niche remedy to public health essential Oct 8, 2026 0:18:02 Protecting our skin from the sun is a design challenge that spans centuries. From glacier cream to Slip! Slop! Slap!, how has sunscreen evolved to meet changing lifestyles, technologies and health concerns?
Designing recovery: What comes next for Nepal?
Designing recovery: What comes next for Nepal? Oct 6, 2026 0:23:42 The decisions made after a disaster can shape a community for generations. A month after devastating floods tore through Nepal, more than 5,000 people are still missing. As Nepal moves from emergency relief to long-term recovery, what role can architecture play in rebuilding communities and reducing future risk?
What did babies wear before nappies?
What did babies wear before nappies? Oct 1, 2026 0:13:41 Cradles with holes in them, moss and safety pins: all of these items played a part in keeping babies dry and clean across different cultures and centuries. Modern nappies rely on sophisticated absorbent technology, but how did our ancestors keep their babies dry? And could any of their methods work today?
How your home is silently affecting your health
How your home is silently affecting your health Sep 29, 2026 0:25:18 Is the air you breathe at home safe? Mould, ventilation and temperature all have a significant impact on our health, and our homes control the quality of the air we breathe. So how can design make our homes healthier and safer?
Inside our love affair with photo booths
Inside our love affair with photo booths Sep 24, 2026 0:13:01 It’s a human-sized booth that creates long-lasting memories. The photo booth was first invented in the late 1800s, but it’s gone on to record thousands of moments: from friendships to lovers and even as tickets to adventures overseas. But in a digital age, why are they enjoying a resurgence?
Not just for presidents: bunkers designed for entire populations
Not just for presidents: bunkers designed for entire populations Sep 22, 2026 0:27:05 Bunkers aren't just for leaders. Long before the White House expansion, some nations were building underground shelters for civilians. How do they function, how long could people survive in them, and does Australia have any shelters capable of protecting us in a crisis?
Before fridges: How hessian sacks kept food cool
Before fridges: How hessian sacks kept food cool Sep 17, 2026 0:19:00 Before electric refrigeration, how did we keep our food from spoiling? Most Australians didn’t have access to a fridge until the 1950s, so how did people battle the heat and insects before then? From the Coolgardie safe to the smart fridges of today, the evolution of refrigeration in Australia is a fascinating story.
What wealthy nations can learn from doing more with less
What wealthy nations can learn from doing more with less Sep 15, 2026 0:40:09 Necessity drives innovation. As conflict and climate pressures displace millions creating safe, dignified places to live has become an urgent global challenge. What can wealthy nations learn from architects working with fewer resources? The Aga Khan Award for Architecture seeks out design projects that improve lives, through creative, human-centred architecture. 
Why books are humanity’s most enduring technology
Why books are humanity’s most enduring technology Sep 10, 2026 0:13:43 Despite the invention of many new technologies, the book still thrives. From ancient codecs to today’s lightweight paperbacks the written word has found its way into many hands, thanks to the evolution of its design. And even while e-books and audio books flood the market, the hard copy remains a popular option for many.
How the digital revolution has reimagined libraries
How the digital revolution has reimagined libraries Sep 8, 2026 0:24:41 With information at our fingertips today, why do we still have libraries? While the internet and personal computers mean we can access pretty much what we want, when we want it – technology can’t give us what we truly crave: connection and community. Libraries today have to work much harder to create a space that serves diverse community needs – but with innovative design these s

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