Southern Coffee Talk

The human cost of tourist paradise.In this episode of Southern Coffee Talks, we explore the paradox of tourism-driven cities: how can places with booming visitor economies face severe housing challenges for the people who actually live there? Host Surella Segu (Loeb Fellow 2018) speaks with Ricardo Fernández (engineer and urban planner), Armando Hashimoto (architect, El Cielo), and Shaney Peña Gómez (architect and former Director of Planning and Projects, Ministry of Tourism RD) about the cases of Tulum and San Pancho in Mexico, and Verón–Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.Together, they unpack data, development models, informal growth, and local responses—while reflecting on how public policy, the private sector, and communities can reconnect tourism growth with territorial justice.A critical and hopeful conversation on how to build destinations where both residents and visitors can truly thrive.CREDITSLoeb Host:Surella Segu (Loeb Fellow 2018)Production & Audio Edit:Eduardo Useche @arquialien

In this episode, we travel to Ethiopia through the voice and story of Rahel, an architect, educator, and advocate deeply engaged in questions of place, identity, and transformation.The conversation offers an intimate glimpse into the socio-spatial realities of Ethiopian cities and communities, exploring how architecture and urban practice can respond to both local and global challenges.We reflect on the tensions between tradition and modernity, and how young professionals in the Global South navigate systems shaped by colonial legacies, inequality, and rapid urban change. Rahel shares her perspective on the power of education, the importance of listening to communities, and the urgency of designing with empathy and purpose.This episode invites us to rethink how we learn from other contexts, not as models to replicate, but as voices that expand our imagination of what architecture and design can be.CREDITSLoeb Host:Rahel Shawl LF17´ & Mpho Matispa LF22´Guest:Catherine Sani & Dawitt BentiProduction & Audio Edit:Eduardo Useche @arquialien

Join us in understanding spatial (in)justice from various perspectives in our podcast series, "Rapid Urbanization on Coastal Communities." Delving into the intricate issues of gentrification, rapid urbanization, environmental challenges, and regenerative opportunities, this podcast sheds light on local activism and the promotion of well-being in coastal regions.In our spotlight episode, we focus on Costa Rica, a country renowned for its commitment to sustainability, protecting 25% of its land and aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 through renewable energy initiatives.Despite its strong democracy and reallocation of military funds to public services since 1948, coastal areas like Santa Teresa face significant challenges. Rapid gentrification has led to socio-spatial segregation, inadequate public spaces and transportation, poor water management, and real estate speculation.Santa Teresa, a remote surf beach town on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, exemplifies the struggle to balance ecotourism, local development, and natural preservation amidst rapid urbanization. Since being dubbed the "Next Tulum" by the New York Times in 2016, the influx of celebrities, digital nomads, and investors has exacerbated these issues.Featuring former Costa Rican Loeb Fellows Mike Smith LF19’ and Claudia Dobles LF23’, along with local activists Roberto and Rebecca, this episode offers inspiring stories about the challenges and practical opportunities for a regenerative future in Santa Teresa and Hermosa in Cobano, Costa Rica.Through dialogues exploring personal stories, anecdotes, and real-life examples, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play. We conclude with practical advice and resources for listeners to explore further.Tune in to "Rapid Urbanization on Coastal Communities" for a nuanced look at the intersection of environmental aspirations and urban development.CREDITSLoeb Host:Michael Smith-Masis LF19´ & Claudia Dobles Camargo LF23´Guest:Roberto de la Osa & Rebeca PerezProduction & Audio Edit:Michael Smith-Masis LF19´, Eduardo Useche Juzga