Files on Air: Episode 8 – George Jepson, Demystifying Automation

Files on Air: Episode 8 – George Jepson, Demystifying Automation

From AirAA by Architectural Association School of Architecture

September 19, 2025 · 38 min · Season 3 · Episode 33

About this episode

George Jepson reads his essay on automation and its historical context in architecture.

Files on Air is a podcast series in which contributors from AA Files read their work. In this episode, George Jepson – a writer, researcher and editor who holds a PhD from the AA – reads his essay, ‘Demystifying Automation: Charles Babbage and the Invention of the ‘Thinking Machine’, found in AA Files 81 . AA Files  is the Architectural Association’s journal of record, which promotes original and engaging writing on architecture and its related fields. AirAA podcasts are recorded, mixed, edited and distributed from the Architectural Association School of Architecture, which is based in Bedford Square in London. Special thanks to Thomas Parkes for his contribution to the production of our episodes. The opinions expressed in AirAA podcasts are solely those of the participants and do not represent the opinions of the Architectural Association as a whole.

People in this episode

Guest: George Jepson

Topics covered

  • automation
  • architecture
  • writing
  • research
  • technology
  • history

Keywords

  • automation
  • Charles Babbage
  • thinking machine
  • architecture
  • AA Files
  • essay
  • research

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Architectural Association School of Architecture, AA Files

Books & works: Demystifying Automation: Charles Babbage and the Invention of the ‘Thinking Machine’

Places: Bedford Square, London

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