Introducing ‘The Listening Post Project’

In an uncertain world new ideas are needed. How do we make sure we recognise and hear them?

There have been numerous creative initiatives to amplify under-heard voices in architecture, but very little attention has been given to our ability to listen. And that creates echo chambers, free of voices that challenge our existing thinking.

Introducing the listening post project…

Brand strategist Emma Keyte of Free-Projects and I are launching this project as part of the London Festival of Architecture whose theme is ‘Voices’.

Emma and I listen a lot in our work, Emma asks incisive questions, listening carefully to tease out the essence of a practice’s identity and as a coach, I help leaders increase their effectiveness and confidence – listening deeply and actively to ask the right questions to create new thinking and ideas and help them become better leaders.

We are gathering conversations between people with good ideas who might not normally get the chance to listen to each other, because their circles or views are so divergent. We’re bringing together professionals who listen in different contexts who might be able to help us listen better, even when it’s really hard.

The project comprises a series of podcasts and an event on 17th June.

You will find the podcasts here.

Podcast guests so far include:

Linda Thiel & Louis Hermawan of White Arkitekter with whom Rachel and Emma explore listening within an intergenerational and hierarchical context.

Ria Kalsi of Matriarch and engagement specialist, Daisy Froud who share what they have learnt about listening from their respective ‘expert listener’ roles.

At the event on 17th June, we’ll share our initial observations and then give the stage over to a series of 15 minute ‘water-cooler’ conversations between our invited special guests.

Special guests on 17th June include:

·       Blossom Young, Poplar HARCA

·       Nicola Hawkins, Duke Street Property

·       John McRae, Orms

·       Sachin Puntambekar, Hawkins Brown

·       Legend Morgan, Freehaus

·       Emily Foster, Thornton Education Trust

·       Lauren Lemcke, Aecom

·       Dian Small, The Cultural Architect

·       Miranda MacLaren, Orms

·       Ayo Abbas, Abbas Marketing

·       Jay Morton, Bell Phillips

·       Jacob Willson, The Guiness Partnership

 This event is now sold out but watch this space as this project will continue beyond the festival!