
Architecture & Design
French expatriates in Philly remember the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as a landmark of their youth, and they wonder if it will ever be the same after Monday’s fire.
6 years ago
Why so few of Philadelphia’s old buildings are historically protected
Philadelphia has many old, iconic buildings and neighborhoods. So why are so few of these sites historically preserved and protected from the wrecking ball?
Air Date: April 16, 2019
Listen 13:09Hear music made ‘using an entire building’ in a West Philly church
This weekend, a church in West Philadelphia will host performances of music composed by experimental sound artist Maryanne Amacher.
6 years ago
Philadelphia Free Library builds new public rooms, new modern mission
More than 40,000 square feet of new, technology-savvy public space do not hold books, but aim to promote civic engagement as the Philadelphia Free Library refines its mission.
6 years ago
Local man wins protections for Philly’s iconic cast-iron subway entrances
Nicholas Baker wanted to save Philly’s ornate subway entrances. It took 10 years, but he did it.
6 years ago
Fresh plans released for Dilworth House condo tower ahead of review
After 20 years of bureaucratic battles and courtroom litigation, the condo tower planned for the Washington Square parcel faces what may be its final hurdles.
6 years ago
First glimpse of contemporary art museum coming to Fishtown
Blueprints show a new tower rising on an empty lot next to existing warehouse buildings. Plans show retail, an outdoor cafe, and a bar or restaurant space.
6 years ago
19th Street Baptist pulls demolition permit for landmark church
The historic 19th Street Baptist Church designed by Frank Furness may soon be demolished.
6 years ago
Developers flout city design board recommendations, study finds
Philadelphia is one of few major United States cities that has a design review process that is entirely advisory.
6 years ago
Driving in Philly: What’s behind the city’s traffic
Why is congestion so bad in Philadelphia and how can transportation be improved for drivers, cyclists, walkers, and everyone in between?
Air Date: February 19, 2019 10:00 am
Listen 49:37Society Hill residents lose zoning fight against high-rise, may challenge plan in court
Philadelphia neighbors lose zoning appeal against 31-story apartment tower in Society Hill.
6 years ago
Hive mind: What’s in these Ed Bacon photos?
Five thousand pictures of Philly in the 1960s and '70s were donated to Penn, without descriptions. The university is asking the internet for help.
6 years ago
The Gallery: The past, present, and future of a former Philly holiday destination
On this Christmas rebroadcast of The Why, we look back at the rise and fall of The Gallery, once holiday shopping institution in Philadelphia.
Air Date: December 25, 2018
Listen 12:44Flipboard flip-flop: 30th Street Station’s split-flap schedule board could be spared
Amtrak's only remaining split-flap schedule board at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia is retiring in January — or is it? And why would we miss it?
Air Date: December 13, 2018
Listen 13:02Say goodbye to the 30th Street Station flip board
Guests: Inga Saffron, Mark Kuhn, Brendan Boyle Say goodbye to 30th Street Station’s iconic flip boar ...
7 years ago
Listen 32:00