# Architecture Is More Political Than Politics — The Hidden Power Buildings Have to Shape Society, Identity & Human Behavior – Episode 144 with Isun Kazerani

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/better-buildings-for-humans-6593348/architecture-is-more-political-than-politics-the-hidden-power-buildings-have-to-shape-society-identity-human-behavior-episode-144-with-isun-kazerani
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/better-buildings-for-humans-6593348/architecture-is-more-political-than-politics-the-hidden-power-buildings-have-to-shape-society-identity-human-behavior-episode-144-with-isun-kazerani.md
Podcast: [Better Buildings For Humans](https://stenobird.com/podcast/better-buildings-for-humans-6593348)
Published: 2026-07-08T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bbfh6/episodes/Architecture-Is-More-Political-Than-Politics--The-Hidden-Power-Buildings-Have-to-Shape-Society--Identity--Human-Behavior--Episode-144-with-Isun-Kazerani-e3lk8nn
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/e6dc7530/podcast/play/122347703/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-6-3%2F427303799-44100-2-f4ce1c54274e7.m4a
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/better-buildings-for-humans-6593348/episodes/architecture-is-more-political-than-politics-the-hidden-power-buildings-have-to-shape-society-identity-human-behavior-episode-144-with-isun-kazerani
Duration seconds: 2333

## Resource

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with architect, researcher, educator, and design leader Isun Kazerani for a fascinating conversation that explores architecture far beyond buildings themselves. Drawing on her international experience across Australia and the United States, Isun shares how architecture intersects with fashion, culture, politics, mindfulness, and human identity—and why architects have a far greater influence on society than many realize. The discussion explores everything from the surprising parallels between fashion and architecture to regenerative design, adaptive reuse, sensory experience, and the responsibility architects have to shape healthier, more equitable communities. Isun explains why timeless design matters, how architecture can encourage mindfulness through movement and materiality, and why slowing down the design process often produces more meaningful and enduring buildings. She also reflects on the lessons she has learned leading her own practice, conducting doctoral research on human experience in architecture, and working across multiple countries and design cultures. The conversation also dives into the political power of architecture, examining how the built environment can either create barriers or foster inclusion through thoughtful urban planning and design. Along the way, Isun shares her perspective on preserving cultural identity, designing for human emotion, the future of regenerative architecture, and why great buildings should function as living systems that evolve alongside the people who inhabit them. It's a wide-ranging and inspiring discussion about the profound ways architecture influences not only our cities, but our everyday lives, our relationships, and the future of our communitie…

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