What happens when you run an architecture studio inside a refugee settlement — and let refugees lead it?

Scott Key (founder/CEO of Every Shelter) is back to break down how a 10-week “design school” in Nakivale turned buzzwords like “co-creation” into actual, working solutions — cow-dung bricks that survive soaking, shelter-wide mosquito netting, and quality water that families can afford.

Why it matters:

Refugees are displaced for 20+ years — which means they need permanent, local, extremely affordable building solutions. This episode shows how design unlocks what’s already on the ground: clay, ag waste, community trust, and good design.

LinksDonate to Support Every Shelter’s WorkEvery Shelter

Our Last Episode with Scott

Youtube*:* https://youtu.be/60d198yrKcY?feature=shared

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3iVzLi6aF5SV1K7WaVayT4?si=P2-DFU3_QNKP9c_XFxUEFQ

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designing-dignity-how-scott-key-and-every-shelter-are/id1725756164?i=1000702692254

Chapters

00:00 Running an Architecture Studio in a Refugee Camp02:53 Pitching the Idea to Students and Stakeholders02:53 Introduction to the Program and Partnerships05:13 Setting the Stage: The First Day of Design School07:54 Curriculum and Transformation: Learning by Doing10:20 Innovative Projects: Cow Poop and Mud Bricks12:41 Community Engagement: Addressing Local Needs15:30 Water Quality Solutions: BioSand Filters18:18 Empowerment through Entrepreneurship: Offer Letters and Business Models20:39 Feedback and Iteration: Learning from the Community22:51 The Role of Donors and Future Directions25:08 Looking Ahead: Optimism for Human Connection

In this conversation, Kevin Kennon, reflects on his experiences surrounding the events of 9/11, particularly his involvement in the Ground Zero viewing platform and the subsequent World Trade Center competition. We discusses the emotional impact of architecture, the importance of community and collaboration in design, and the lessons learned from revitalizing Lower Manhattan. Kennon emphasizes the need for architects to articulate their vision and the role of travel in enhancing one's understanding of the built environment. He concludes with thoughts on the future of architecture and the importance of fostering a sense of hope and connection through design.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkennonarchitect/

https://www.kdcaia.com/

Chapters

00:00 Ground Zero: A Catalyst for Change

07:47 The Power of Architecture in Crisis

15:05 Collaboration and Competition: Redesigning the World Trade Center

23:55 Revitalization: Lessons from Lower Manhattan

31:10 The Future of Architecture: Optimism and Collaboration

Why do some cities thrive while others slide into decline? Alex Yuen and Libo Li break down the Four Horsemen of Urban Decline - which include the Disease of Me, Construction Constipation, High Capital Contrast, and Identity Crisis. From San Francisco’s stalled growth to Tokyo’s adaptability and New York’s relentless appetite for change, this conversation reveals the hidden dynamics that decide whether a city stagnates or reinvents itself. Clear, provocative, and grounded in real-world examples, it’s a framework for seeing your city with new eyes.

Check out Alex's full article here:https://www.dusttodensity.com/p/the-four-horsemen-of-urban-decline

Subscribe to Most Podern on:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3zYvX2lRZOpHcZW41WGVrpApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/most-podern-podcast/id1725756164Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@MostPodernInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/most.podernLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/most-podern

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Four Horsemen of Urban Decline

04:10 San Francisco: A Case Study of Urban Decline

09:39 Mismanagement and Its Impact on Urban Environments

12:29 Cities That Are Thriving: Lessons from Asia

14:41 Empowering Citizens to Improve Their Cities

18:29 The Role of Leadership in Urban Identity

20:27 Applying the Framework Beyond Urban Areas

21:41 The Dangers of Overbuilding: Lessons from China

23:06 Recommendations for New Urban Leaders

25:54 Optimism for the Future of Cities

27:08 The Digital vs. Physical Urban Experience

29:10 The Future of Urban Decline: A Historical Perspective

Keywords

urban decline, Four Horsemen of Urban Decline, San Francisco urban crisis, why cities fail, construction delays, permitting reform, housing crisis, inequality in cities, capital contrast, city identity crisis, urban design podcast, built environment, urban development, architecture and cities, density and growth, future of cities, urban policy, city planning challenges, how to fix cities, urban renewal, Most Podern Podcast