The Observatory Newsletter

Michael Bierut|Audio

The Observatory: Dollars and Change

On this episode of The Observatory, Michael Bierut and Jessica Helfand discuss the midterm election and currency design.

Michael Bierut|Audio

The Observatory: Epidemics and Theater

On this episode of The Observatory, Jessica and Michael talk about design, performance, and fear of Ebola. 

The Editors|Audio

Announcing The Observatory

A new monthly podcast with Michael Bierut + Jessica Helfand

Michael Bierut|Audio

Episode 112: The Sweet Smell of Succession

Television: HBO’s Succession, The Deuce, The Politician, Face Values at Cooper Hewitt, Jessica Wynne photographs mathematician blackboards

Jessica Helfand|Audio

Episode 128: Decoding Luxury

Guest host Avery Trufelman talks about Articles of Interest, clothing, luxury; Larry Rosenberg’s Breath by Breath; Little Fires Everywhere on Hulu

Michael Bierut|Audio

Episode 80: Age and Authenticity

The Age of Post-Authenticity and the Ironic Truths of Meme Culture, a Prince George parody account, American house numbers

Jessica Helfand|Audio

Episode 129: Spatial Justice

A conversation with De Nichols about cities, monuments, and designing for community.

Michael Bierut|Audio

Episode 81: American Royalty

Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle; Tom Wolfe as design writer, Benedict Cumberbatch as Patrick Melrose; the scent of Play-Doh

Michael Bierut|Audio

Episode 97: Candidates and “Creatives”

2020 presidential campaign logos, 50 Books | 50 Covers, the “creative” hustle, Ellsworth Kelly stamps, Olivia Colman in Flowers

Michael Bierut|Audio

Knockout

Are boxing and photography hipster pleasures? Are they past their prime, or do they have a bright future?

Michael Bierut|Audio

Episode 52: Dictator Style

Peter York on autocrat chic, Sunday in the Park with George, BBC interview with Robert Kelly, Jessica Dimmock’s The Convention

Michael Bierut|Audio

Episode 102: The Long View

Black hole image, Dyson Airblade, Titus Kaphar, Liz Jackson, Comic Sans takeover