Show Notes
This week on The Square, we’re back with our annual tradition: unpacking two iconic films through a design lens. What do "Die Hard" and "It’s a Wonderful Life" have in common? At first glance, maybe not much—one’s a high-octane action flick, the other a sentimental holiday classic. But dive deeper with us, and you’ll find surprising parallels in their themes, characters, and even architectural settings. Join Brandon Carmichael and James Adams as they explore how these two films reflect their eras, from the suburban dreams of Bedford Falls to the towering corporate ambitions of Nakatomi Plaza. We’ll discuss how architecture plays a role in storytelling, the emotional impact of design, and the subtle messages about community, sacrifice, and redemption. Plus, we settle the ultimate debate: Is "Die Hard" really a Christmas movie? (Spoiler: Yippee-ki-yay, yes it is.) Whether you're here for the design insights, the holiday spirit, or just a little Bruce Willis and Jimmy Stewart love, this episode has it all. 🎄🏢 Happy Holidays from TheSquare! Visit: https://www.Corgan.com/ Also connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CorganInc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorganInc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorganInc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgan Video Produced by: Corgan Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you. Email: [email protected]
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In this episode of TheSquare, we sit down with Gabriel Oros and Callea McGehee to explore how design shapes both spaces and lives. From their early sparks of inspiration to solving real-world challenges in airports and hospitals, they unpack what it means to design with empathy, intention, and impact. We dive into topics like daylighting, acoustics, the psychology of wayfinding, and how trust - and a bit of self-editing - play into the creative process. Whether you're in the weeds of a project or reflecting on your architectural legacy, this episode offers insights into the art and soul of thoughtful design. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:33 Gabriel's Journey into Architecture02:19 Callie's Design Inspirations05:03 Architectural Challenges and Solutions10:24 Healthcare Design Insights12:18 Technology's Impact on Design17:41 Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life31:42 Self-Editing and Client Trust32:41 High Sea Gates at DFW: A Case Study41:09 Designing for Short Attention Spans46:22 Balancing Advertising and Wayfinding49:01 Legacy and Community Impact in Design56:51 The Importance of Daylighting and Acoustics01:00:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Visit: https://www.Corgan.com/ Also connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CorganInc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorganInc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorganInc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgan Video Produced by: Corgan Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you. Email: [email protected]
In this episode of TheSquare, Brandon Carmichael and architect James Adams delve into the intersection of architecture and gangster films. They discuss how key architectural settings contribute to storytelling in classic gangster movies like The Untouchables and The Departed, and evaluate the recent film Alto Nights. The pair also explores tropes common to the gangster genre, dissects pivotal scenes, and offers their unique architectural perspectives on how these spaces shape the characters and narratives. Join them for an engaging conversation filled with film analysis, architecture insights, and even some fun exercises. Don't miss their thoughts on what a modern gangster hideout might look like, their drawings of character types inspired by architectural styles, and their take on the future of gangster films. 00:00 Introduction to Gangster Films00:58 Diving into Alto Nights01:43 Analyzing the Genre02:20 Key Scenes and Performances09:57 Comparing Gangster Classics12:15 The Untouchables: A Deep Dive14:48 The Departed: Modern Masterpiece25:35 Exploring Brutalist Architecture in Film28:58 The Role of Power in Gangster Films31:23 Iconic Gangster Tropes and Settings31:39 Designing a Mob Boss's Headquarters34:43 Female Characters in Gangster Films44:21 The Importance of Architecture in Gangster Films46:22 Choosing the Best Gangster Film48:18 Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement Visit: https://www.Corgan.com/ Also connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CorganInc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorganInc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorganInc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corgan Video Produced by: Corgan Have Questions? We’d love to hear from you. Email: [email protected]