Be-Spoke

As the largest remaining parcel of brownfield land in London, Bishopsgate Goodsyard enjoys a rich layered history and is known for its distinctive Victorian industrial architecture. The area has long been a crucible for lateral thinking and new ideas; connecting a diverse tapestry of communities, it is a seam that runs through the creative and financial districts of Shoreditch. Adriana is joined by Chris Dyson, the lead architect tasked with navigating the site’s heritage, and Nicola Zech-Behrens, Project Director at Ballymore, who has played a pivotal role in reimagining the area for years to come.

This episode explores Exchange Square's transformative reimagining. A peaceful oasis in the heart of the London, Exchange Square offers moments of rest and restoration for workers, residents, and passers-by to enjoy. Adriana is joined by Deborah Saunt, co-founder of architectural practice DSDHA, and their client David Lockyer, Head of Development at British Land. Together, they examine how the public realm contributes to wellbeing and resilience, tracing the rich narratives behind sustainable, community-driven design.

How do you reimagine a piece of architectural history and transform it for a new market? What does this journey look like when transforming one of London’s most iconic brutalist buildings? This special episode, recorded at The Department Store, home to leading architectural practice Squire & Partners, launches Bespoke's third series. Adriana is joined by Tim Gledstone, Partner at Squires, with their client Tyler Goodwin, CEO of Seaforth Land, to learn more about the vision for Space House and their close collaboration in its redevelopment.

What does art patronage look like today? Brooke Benington is a contemporary art gallery based in Fitzrovia. The exhibition programme has a strong emphasis on supporting the creative development of emerging artists and aims to inspire visitors to invest more deeply in their work, following them throughout their careers. In this episode, Adriana is welcomed by gallery co-director George Mingozzi-Marsh on the opening day of Midnight Oil, a solo installation by Victor Lim Seaward. Together, they explore the crucial role contemporary patronage holds in fostering creativity within the visual arts.

What does commissioning a piece of music, something with no tangible form, look like? In this episode, Adriana is joined by leading composer Supriya Nagarajan to learn more about her creative process and the rich, dreamy soundscapes she creates… Together they explore Supriya's cross-cultural commissions in a wide variety of contexts, from ekphrastic responses to the sculptural work of Barbara Hepworth, to bespoke performances for Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and collaborations in community-settings.