In this episode of Il Salotto Sessions, Sara Seravalli sits down with Marc Cairns, director at New Practice, an architecture studio known for its deep commitment to community engagement and placemaking.
Together, they explore how architecture can better serve people—by listening more, collaborating often, and embracing both sustainability and creativity as core values. Marc reflects on Glasgow’s legacy of community-led development, the power of public art to spark dialogue, and the urgency of moving beyond greenwashing in the built environment.
Key takeaways:
Good design starts with diverse voices at the table.
Community-led approaches have deep roots—and real impact.
Art is a powerful tool for engagement and visibility.
Sustainability must be embedded, not added on.
Collaboration, not competition, drives meaningful change.
Temporary public art can bring life to overlooked spaces.
Every community deserves design that reflects its unique needs.
A conversation full of insight, purpose, and a call to do better—together.