Have you ever been curious about the history and design of the first automatic traffic light? (it was designed by Detroit police officer William Potts in 1920). Are you intrigued by the design of barber poles, Jell-O molds, plastic lawn chairs, and raincoats? Want to learn how paisley became an iconic pattern across multiple subcultures, the story behind the iconic tree-shaped car air freshener, where weird city names come from, or about some design innovations that didn’t stand the test of time? Did you know that the textile industry shaped modern computing?
Those are just a few of the topics covered to date in the podcast, Forming Function. Podcast co-hosts (and co-producers) Brian Moore and Sam Malott Brown take listeners on an entertaining, informative, and educational journey with approachable conversations about the design of often overlooked elements of everyday life (the Forming Function team also includes Story Editor Jeffery Brown and Audio Editor Julia Sikora).
The Forming Function team is multi-year recipients of MAF’s Damian Farrell Architecture Awareness Grants, which have helped support the editing and production costs for the show (MAF is also the sponsor of the show’s second season).
“We deeply appreciate MAF’s support over the last two years,” said Sam. “Not only did the first grant help launch Forming Function, but the second grant has provided us the opportunity to grow and improve the show – which we hope to continue long into the future.”
What was the inspiration for Forming Function? “I had been talking about doing an audio show dating back to 2015,” said Brian. “I had just returned to Detroit after doing architecture for Walt Disney World parks and resorts. In their process, everything starts with a story, which could be several pages of content for something as small as a one-room retail shop. As a guest, these story elements are not always immediately evident but the story informs the space’s design in every aspect, down to the specific tiles on the walls or the selection of decorative objects. I found it so interesting, and it inspired me to want to find a way to unveil the storytelling behind the design of the real world.”
Adds Sam, “As a non-designer working in the architecture field (she is a marketer), I translate design jargon for a broad audience. When it came to the format of the podcast, it was really important to have it be conversational, comedic, and approachable, and with room personality, particularly compared to similar podcasts. Everyone really does have a mind for design in some capacity – for example, how to make something work better for their needs. When you can get people talking about design, you really get to see how their brains operate, which I love. I also love researching and learning new things, and sharing them in a way that invites people to be part of the conversation.”
The Forming Function team invites listeners to ask questions and suggest topics for future segments. “In our first season, a friend of ours asked about chaise sectionals which we springboarded into a full conversation about the French aristocracy and the birth of comfortable living,” said Brian. “We’ve also received questions about fake shutters on suburban houses, the costume depiction of witches, and why we hang framed paintings in our homes.” Added Sam, “It has been an interesting exercise in just putting the podcast out there – not waiting for perfection, but rather allowing everyone to join us in the process of finding our voice and style.”
Brian notes that in general, he has been surprised with almost every story Forming Function has covered. “I know there is a story behind every topic, but it is not always the one I expect,” he said. “For example, in our story about the GM Tech Center I had expected to just do a story about Eero Saarinen and the architecture of the space. But as I did more digging, the story actually became more about a number of architectural innovations that arose from the collaboration between the architects and the automotive engineers.”
In addition to segments hosted by Sam and Brian, the podcast also features guest reporters, and interviews with people impacting and influencing the design world. Season Two kicked off with an interview with Mitch Monson, executive director at brand studio Sibling Rivalry, to discuss his involvement in creating the late music artist Prince’s Love Symbol (check out Episode 11, ‘Purple Reign’). In another episode, guest reporter Lindsay Hansmann took listeners on a journey through the design evolution of toilets and how modern sanitation helped save the human race.
Other season two episodes will feature the paranormal, roller skates, sports, and more, including a story about Northland Center and how architect Victor Gruen almost single-handedly envisioned the shopping mall.
Brian and Sam note they have received a lot of positive feedback and excitement about the show, and that their listener base is continually expanding. in particular, they said non-designers appreciate the way the podcast makes learning about design and architecture more palatable, and how each story is framed to highlight its broad, modern relevance.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned from doing this podcast is that the people around you are so ready to support your creative endeavors,” said Sam. “That has been huge for us in so many ways, especially because a lot of the people in our circles have such valuable and interesting perspectives that continue to contribute to the stories we discuss. And I hope that, in turn, the podcast will also help us widen our circles of friends and colleagues, and with them, more views to share.”
New episodes of Forming Function are released biweekly. You can listen to the podcast on Listen on Spotify, Castbox, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or via their Instagram page: @FormingFunctionPodcast.
(read the recent story on Forming Function, published in C&G newspapers)