HABU
HABU

*How Architecture Builds Us

In this eight-part podcast series, we take you on a journey through Edmonton’s architectural landscape. Each episode features in-depth conversations with architects, planners, scholars, and community voices who shed light on how these spaces influence our daily lives, reflect our cultural values, and guide the city’s future development.

Together, we’ll discover how thoughtful design and innovation can turn bricks and mortar into vibrant, inclusive, and meaningful places.

Episode 1 - Metro Cinema (10 minutes)

Guest Speakers

Dan Smith

Executive Director of Metro Cinema, Dan Smith, takes Sasha behind the scenes of the historic single-screen theatre. He shares his vision for the organization, fond memories of working within a community-driven space, and reflects on how his involvement with Metro began.

Mackenzie joins Katia to discuss the importance of preserving historic buildings — including one of her favourite landmarks, Edmonton’s single-screen theatre, Metro Cinema. A scholar and frequent attendee, Mackenzie shares her perspective on why spaces like Metro matter to the city’s cultural life.

Mackenzie Ann Mayor

Episode 2 - Jasper Place Library (10 minutes)

Guest Speakers

Michael Dub

Principal Architect at Dub Architects, Michael Dub, joins Katia to discuss his role in designing Edmonton’s Jasper Place Library. They explore the inspiration behind the building’s signature curves and reflect on what libraries might look like a hundred years from now.

Madeline Gormley

Madeline Gormley, Director of Branch Services and Community Engagement at the Edmonton Public Library, joins Katia to discuss the importance of third spaces. Together, they explore how libraries have evolved, what they once represented, and what their future might hold.

Produced with the support of:

  • Edmonton Public Library

  • Telus - StoryHive

  • DUB Architects

  • START Architecture

  • Metro Cinema

  • The City of Edmonton

  • University of Alberta

  • Reimagine Architects

  • Wolf Willow Studio

  • The Works

  • Red Plaid Development