What is archispeak and why can't Curtis stand it? Tune in as he and a live caller discuss what's happened to language in architecture and how it's created a disconnect between professionals and the public. They also share some of their least favorite "bad famous architecture" such as The New Museum building. This program was made possible by Hearst Ranch.

Today's episode of Burning Down the House is all about the golden ratio, the Fibonacci series, and the pentatonic scale. Host Curtis B. Wayne talks a call from HRN's president Jack Inslee to talk about Jack's trip to Bonnaroo. Curtis and Jack talk about the jam band scene at big music festivals like Bonnaroo, and how groups like Phish and The Grateful Dead use the pentatonic scale in their improvisations. Curtis goes on to talk about the Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti, and natural ratios used in his design of the Santa Maria Novella. Curtis believes that biophilia is evident in the convergence of music, architecture, mathematics, and natural phenomena! Curtis goes on to discuss ratios in the architecture of Le Corbusier, and Vitruvius's belief in interdisciplinary knowledge to help the architect. This program has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.

"Jerry Garcia's riffs are totally architectural!"

"When you get into proportions musically, you have this oddball proportion of the sixth- which, in terms of architecture, is the mantel height...that comes directly from musical theory." --Curtis B. Wayne on Burning Down the House

Grand Central Terminal is 100 years old, and on today's episode of Burning Down the House, Curtis B. Wayne reflects on the past, present and future of the New York City landmark with guests Raju Mann, Director, Policy & Planning at the Municipal Art Society of New York and Kathleen Bakwell, Executive Director of BioCities. What redevelopment plans does Mayor Bloomberg have in plan for Grand Central Terminal? What infrastructural issues exist in New York City, and how are they being addressed? Tune in for an in-depth conversation that offers plenty of insights into the built environment of New York City. This program was sponsored by Rolling Press.

"The issue is making sure that we, as a public, define the civic virtues that we want to memorialize in a preservation framework." [13:00]

"There's an allure and ego that's associated with the skyline that's hard to avoid. The building that ultimately contribute the most to the city are the ones you experience in the street in a meaningful way." [20:50]

Raju Mann, Director of Policy & Planning at the Municipal Art Society of New York