No episode playing
Urbinary is a podcast by PhD students and research fellows from the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies at Politecnico di Milano. Born in 2022 as a student project, it was rebranded in 2024 with a renewed mission: to make urban studies accessible to a broader audience by exploring innovative research topics and fostering inclusive dialogue. Through fresh perspectives and experimental approaches, Urbinary bridges academia and the public, amplifying young voices and uncovering new paths in urban research.
In this final episode of the Territorial Elsewheres series, we travel to the Valle di Lei, a borderland between Italy and Switzerland where a monumental dam reveals the tensions between local governance, energy interests and spatial appropriation. Through the voices of Michela Fanetti, Dino Buzzetti, Omar Iacomella, Dominique Durot and Martin Cantieni, we retrace the history and transformations of a valley — formally Italian, yet accessible only from Switzerland — that has become a crossroads of ecological, economic, and institutional transitions.
Audio excerpts are taken from the documentary Un metro lungo cinque by Ermanno Olmi and the video Radio 24 – Erste Sendung November 1979 vom Pizzo Groppera.
.This episode explores mountain territories as places of production, leisure, and spectacle. Considering practices of mass tourism and mega events as major drivers of spatial transformation, the episode critically explores their sustainability—not only environmentally, but also spatially, socially, and economically. Drawing insights from the work of Martin Müller and Sarah Gainsforth, the episode addresses the material and immaterial effects of such leisure practices in mountain territories through a threefold perspective: firstly, in spatial and tangible terms; secondly, in terms of governance; and thirdly, in terms of the intangible human experience. By reflecting on the above, the episode seeks to highlight the fact that mountains are increasingly undergoing processes of urbanisation, especially in the context of tourism and mega events. Ultimately, it constitutes a call for defending, protecting, and preserving our mountain landscapes.
The first episode of this new Urbinary cycle investigates how systems of labour exploitation shape space, focusing on rural southern Italy. It explores the phenomenon of Caporalato—the informal recruitment of agricultural workers—not merely as an illegal labour practice, but as a spatial and political infrastructure sustaining global food systems.
The episode navigates themes of informality, temporariness, and exclusion, tracing how settlements like La Pista emerge from the intersections of migration, state absence, and economic extraction. These spaces, often viewed as peripheral or non-urban, challenge conventional urban categories and highlight the centrality of so-called margins within contemporary capitalism.
By reinterpreting the rural as an active site of production and power, the episode raises critical questions: what defines a city, and what kinds of spaces are produced at its edges?
Beyond the city lies the non-city: agricultural fields, mountain dams, villages overtaken by tourism.
Three episodes, three territories, three forms of urban transformation.
Illegal recruitment, hydro extractivism, mega-events.
Urbinary is the podcast that tells the story of urbanization where you least expect it.
Produced by PhD candidates and researchers from Politecnico di Milano, with the support of DASTU and PoliRadio.
In this 4th episode of Urbinary, we venture beyond the traditional confines of academia to explore research, education, and publication practices situated ‘in the periphery of’ academia. We question which aspects of the ‘status quo’ can be pushed back against and how.
To unpack this, we chatted with three different editorial platforms that we admire for their thoughtful and generative perspectives: The Funambulist, KoozArch, and Bellingcat.
Join Aubrey Toldi, Isabella Traeger, and Mohamed Elgohary as they explore different positionalities within spatial knowledge production.
In this episode of Urbinary, the question of what is urban is explored by analyzing critical epistemological lenses and applying them to the Emilia-Romagna floods (2023–2024). With insights from Camilla Perrone, Paolo Pileri, Davide Castaldo, and Pascal Bernhardt, it delves into political ecology, land consumption, and the socio-natural dynamics shaping our territories. A thought-provoking journey bridging academic theories and real-world challenges to redefine our understanding of urbanization.
This episode explores the ambiguous boundaries and contested limits of urban studies and planning, delving into their complex relationship as interconnected yet distinct fields. By reflecting on the multidisciplinary nature of urban studies and on the normative, practice-oriented roots of urban planning, many contributions stemming from scholars, young academics and activists are leveraged to examine key questions around evolving definitions, roles, and challenges in these domains. Topics include the need for clear definitions and positionalities, the never-ending dichotomy between specialization and generalization, academic isolation, and the ethical and political significance of our actions. By fostering a dialogue among diverse voices and shading light on what the fields of urban studies and planning are, this episode seeks to inspire a more integrated, reflective, and impactful approach to understanding and shaping urban environments.
This episode delves into the multifaceted practice of observing urban spaces, challenging traditional approaches that rely solely on quantitative data. It emphasizes the need to integrate intangible elements — such as emotions, sensory experiences, and human interactions — into urban and spatial analysis to fully understand the dynamics of places. Drawing on insights from scholars like Gloria Calderone, Barbara Piga, and Lizzy Privitera, the episodeexplores innovative observation methods, including community-led walks, psychogeography, and bodygraphy, which highlight the importance of embodied experiences and interdisciplinary collaboration. By reflecting onthe role of scholars as active participants in the observation process, the episode calls for a more inclusive and dynamic understanding of urban environments, one that recognizes the evolving and subjective nature of these spaces. This perspective fosters a richer, more democratic approachto urban studies, planning, and design.
Welcome to the new Urbinary! In this episode, we introduce our reimagined podcast and kick off Cycle 1: Finding Our Place: Navigating Urban Studies. Join us as we reflect on the meaning of 'urban,' expand beyond cities, and explore the tensions, complexities, and aspirations that shape our spaces. Produced by early-career researchers at Politecnico di Milano, this cycle offers fresh perspectives on urban studies for everyone – from scholars to curious listeners. Let’s democratize urban studies together!
Join us in this episode of URBINARY as we explore the intricate relationship between rivers and Indian civilization with Nikhil Sanjay Shah, a multifaceted researcher, architect, and urban designer. Delve into the challenges faced by the community in the ecologically sensitive Bengre Estuary of Mangalore, where conflicting policies and development trajectories pose significant obstacles to sustainable development. From navigating the complexities of Coastal Regulation Zone policies to addressing issues of relocation and displacement faced by indigenous communities, this discussion offers valuable insights into the complexities of balancing economic development with ecological sustainability and cultural heritage preservation. Tune in to discover how placemaking-centered design approaches are shaping the future of coastal regions like the Bengre Estuary, and learn how academia can foster meaningful connections and collaboration to translate research insights into real-world impact.
Episode written by: Giulia Oldani
Interviewer: Giulia Oldani
Post production: Giulia Oldani