
How Nuclear Became a Design Trend With Alessandra Wood
From Fissionary by NEI
March 19, 2026 · 34 min · Season 5 · Episode 6
About this episode
This episode explores how the Atomic Age influenced design and everyday objects through a conversation with design historian Alessandra Wood.
What does nuclear energy have to do with your living room? More than you might think. In this episode of Fissionary, Mary and Jordan talk with design historian Alessandra Wood about how the Atomic Age reshaped the visual language of the 20th century. From starburst clocks to Sputnik chandeliers, the shapes and symbols of atomic science made their way into furniture, architecture, and everyday objects, transforming fear of new technology into a sense of optimism about the future. Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary . Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener survey Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik
People in this episode
Hosts: Mary, Jordan
Guest: Alessandra Wood
Topics covered
- nuclear energy
- design history
- Atomic Age
- visual language
- furniture design
- architecture
- optimism
Keywords
- nuclear energy
- design
- Atomic Age
- 20th century
- furniture
- architecture
- optimism
- visual language
- Alessandra Wood
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: NEI, Beat Mekanik
Books & works: Fissionary
More episodes of Fissionary
- Nuclear Energy’s World Tour With Stephanie Pronco · May 27, 2026 · 27 min
- The Optimism of the Atom With Tim Gregory · April 2, 2026 · 32 min
- From Fallout to Futurism With Los Alamos National Lab · March 5, 2026 · 32 min
- How the Arctic Could Run on Nuclear With Gwen Holdmann · February 19, 2026 · 31 min
- How Nuclear Is Stopping Bugs Before They Bite With Zach Adelman · February 5, 2026 · 32 min
- Night at the (Nuclear) Museum With Jennifer Hayden · January 22, 2026 · 30 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Fissionary podcast page.