This episode of DESIGN:ED features an insightful conversation with Joost Moolhuijzen from the Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), discussing the firm’s collaborative culture and iconic projects. Moolhuijzen highlights the unique generational mix within the team, emphasizing their non-hierarchical and iterative approach to architecture. Key projects such as The Shard in London and the Grand Montets Ropeway Station in the Alps illustrate the firm’s focus on sustainability, contextual design, and public integration. The dialogue explores challenges, including adapting to climate change and the interplay between architectural legacy and innovation. Closing reflections touch on architectural responsibility, the importance of creating spaces that evoke emotion, and dedication to timeless design principles.

Photo courtesy of Renzo Piano Building Workshop

The 72-story tower sits above the underground and intercity train lines at London Bridge Station. At its feet, a 17-story office building also by Piano is under construction as part of a development called London Bridge Quarter.

Aaron Prinz is the host of the Design:ED Podcast and holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was born and raised in the rural Northern California town of Red Bluff, just two hours south of the Oregon border. After one year of college, Prinz relocated to San Francisco to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. At age 26, he began studying architecture at Portland State University while interning at Studio Petretti Architecture led by Amanda Petretti. His professional contributions while at Studio Petretti were focused on a portion of the new Multnomah County Courthouse which is a prominent addition to the Portland skyline. He currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Roxanne where he continues to work as a designer.