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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

The Essay Podcast

The Essay

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.

The Essay: Architecture: The Fourth R

The Essay: Architecture: The Fourth R: Episode 1: The Past Sure Is Tense

Architecture: The Fourth R

Episode 1

Episode 1: The Past Sure Is Tense

The Past Sure Is Tense

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Sunand Prasad searches for the root of our tense relationship with modern buildings today.

Architect Sunand Prasad examines the past 200 years of architecture in a search for the root of our tense relationship with modern building today.

Making shelter is a fundamental human activity, so, asks Former President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Sunand Prasad - why don't we talk about it? The way we build reflects society's values and aspirations - but also its fears. In The Essay, Sunand Prasad takes us on a journey through Architecture, from the India he grew up in, to the Utopian vision of Le Corbusier, from the concrete carbuncles of Post-War Britain, to the design that will combat Climate Change. 

In this first programme, he examines our relationship with buildings of the past 200 years, in a search for our mistrust of the new. And despite the failed Utopias of 60s tower blocks, Sunand Prasad sees a brave new architecture emerging in their wake.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Architect Sunand Prasad discusses the importance to us of buildings

Former president of the Royal Institute of British Architects Sunand Prasad discusses the importance of architecture. He goes on a journey from India, where he grew up, to buildings for the future

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Episode 1: The Past Sure Is Tense

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