Asif Khan, architect

Asif Khan, architect

From Private Passions by BBC Radio 3

February 22, 2026 · 50 min

About this episode

Asif Khan discusses his transformative architectural projects and musical influences.

Asif Khan is a world-renowned architect and designer whose work inspired a recent headline – ‘is there anything Asif Khan can’t transform?’. His current projects include the re-invention of the former Smithfield meat market into the new London Museum, working with Stanton Williams and Julian Harrap Architects, and the extensive renewal of the Barbican Centre. Further afield, in Kazakhstan, he’s turned a vast former Soviet cinema into a new cultural centre. He opened his own studio in 2007, and has designed exhibitions, temporary pavilions and installations around the world. He views architecture as a multi-disciplinary field, bringing together design, science and art. His musical choices include Chopin, Shostakovich, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Brian Eno. Producer: Katy Hickman

People in this episode

Host: Katy Hickman

Guest: Asif Khan

Topics covered

  • architecture
  • design
  • cultural transformation
  • music
  • multi-disciplinary fields

Keywords

  • Asif Khan
  • architecture
  • design
  • London Museum
  • Barbican Centre
  • cultural centre
  • music

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 3, Stanton Williams, Julian Harrap Architects

Books & works: Chopin, Shostakovich, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Brian Eno

Places: Kazakhstan, London Museum, Barbican Centre

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