S12E1: The Future of Cities is Climate Adaptive with Michael Eliason

The Design Of Business | The Business of Design

The Design Of Business | The Business of Design
S12E1: The Future of Cities is Climate Adaptive with Michael Eliason
Mar 04, 2025 Season 12 Episode 1
Design Observer

Welcome to the 12th season of DB|BD. This season we are Designing for the Unknown

Michael Eliason of Larch Lab is an architect, researcher, writer and urbanist based in Seattle He’s a self-described activist for dense, livable, affordable, and sustainable cities and the author of Building for People: Designing Livable, Affordable, Low-Carbon Communities. 

In the aftermath of the fires in Southern California, Michael helps host Ellen McGirt understand how we can build or rebuild communities to anticipate the significant climate changes imperiling our world and make us healthier, happier, more connected people.  

On this season of DB|BD, we are Designing for the Unknown. Host Ellen McGirt asks visionary designers how they navigate uncertainty- whether it be technological disruption, global crises, or shifting cultural norms.

Visit our site for more on this episode and to view a transcript.

Michael’s book Building for People: Designing Livable, Affordable, Low-Carbon Communities

Larch Lab

Jane Jacobs: Neighborhoods in Action

Henry Graber on Tokyo’s approach to fire resistance