Building Without Walls – Why Architecture’s Obsession with Control Is Killing Creativity (and How Nature Holds the Answer) - Episode 136 with Anne Romme

Building Without Walls – Why Architecture’s Obsession with Control Is Killing Creativity (and How Nature Holds the Answer) - Episode 136 with Anne Romme

May 6, 2026 · 40 min · Season 3 · Episode 136

About this episode

The episode explores the intersection of art, engineering, and human-centered design through the insights of architect Anne Romme.

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with architect and researcher Anne Rinne to explore the powerful intersection of art, engineering, and human-centered design. From her unconventional path into architecture to her work at the Royal Danish Academy, Anne shares how creativity, curiosity, and experimentation shape the spaces we inhabit. The conversation dives into her pioneering “space plate” structures—lightweight, ultra-efficient systems inspired by nature’s own geometry—and how these designs could redefine sustainability, resilience, and even how we build our own homes. Anne also explores biomimicry, the role of daylight as a fundamental building material, and why empowering people to participate in creating their own spaces may be key to a better future. It’s a fascinating look at architecture that doesn’t just shelter us—it challenges, inspires, and evolves with us. More About Anne Romme Anne Romme, Architect, PhD. Associate Professor at the Institute of Architecture and Culture at the Royal Danish Academy. Founder of the bachelor program Finder Sted, Head of Program 2014-24. Member of the board of the Danish Institute in Athens, and of the…

People in this episode

Host: Joe Menchefski

Guest: Anne Romme

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Royal Danish Academy, Danish Institute in Athens, Danish Academy, Cooper Union, Princeton University School of Architecture, Cooper Union School of Architecture

More episodes of Better Buildings For Humans

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Better Buildings For Humans podcast page.