Episode 306

In “Material World”, Simran Raswant and Francisca Alliende Covarrubias explore the ethical implications of the materials used in architecture and the supply chains that produce them. They discuss the invisibility and lack of transparency surrounding global supply chains, which often involve unethical labor practices and forced labor. The hosts highlight the need for architects to challenge preconceptions and expand their scope of action in addressing these issues. They reference the Design For Freedom report, which exposes forced labor in building material supply chains, and discuss the role of architects in avoiding the subsidization of unethical practices. The episode emphasizes the importance of awareness, certifications, and design thinking in promoting ethical practices, as well as the need to revisit and redefine the codes of conduct that guide the architectural profession.

Season 3 of rAADio is produced by Andy El Set, Alejandro Marin, Armita Peirovani, Francisca Alliende, Maria Candelaria Ryberg, Simran Raswant & Zhoufei Tang.

This episode of rAADio was brought to you by the guidance of Dean Andres Jaque and AAD assistant director Xiaoxi Chen, director and producer Max Lauter, composer and audio engineer Alex Hamadey, and recording engineer Alana de Vito.