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The Building Talks Podcast
A fortnightly podcast showcasing conversations with professionals across Australia’s Built Environment—spanning Construction, Property Development, Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, Consulting (and much besides).
In each episode, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and trends shaping the industry, while hearing the stories, insights, and experiences of the people behind the projects. From architects and engineers to builders, project managers, quantity surveyors, researchers, and business leaders, our guests offer valuable perspectives from across the sector.
Whether you're curious about industry issues or want to better understand the people driving Australia’s built environment, The Building Talks Podcast brings you authentic conversations with those ‘in the know.’
The Building Talks Podcast
Talking with Ben Thomson about the Psychology Behind Traffic, Parking and Urban Planning
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Hey folks, thanks for hitting play on another episode of The Building Talks Podcast! This time I’m joined by Ben Thomson, Traffic and Transport Engineer at Ratio Consultants, to explore how our streets really work and why they sometimes don’t.
We dive into car parking psychology, the balance between people and cars, e-scooters, 30km speed zones, and the transport challenges of greenfield vs inner-city suburbs. If you’re shaping communities, navigating planning, or just wondering why your street looks the way it does, this one’s for you.
Takeaways
✅ Why traffic engineers are people experts, not just planners
✅ The emotional politics behind “my parking spot”
✅ Designing streets for people, not just cars
✅ Transport challenges in greenfield vs inner-city areas
✅ The policy gaps behind the rise of e-scooters and e-bikes
✅ Balancing ideal planning with real-world constraints
✅ How early design decisions shape long-term outcomes
Chapters:
04:15 – Understanding Traffic Engineering and Its Impact
06:01 – The Role of AI in Traffic Engineering
08:40 – Day-to-day Responsibilities of a Traffic Engineer
11:20 – Challenges in Traffic Engineering Projects
14:13 – Emotional Aspects of Traffic Planning
25:53 – Designing Streets for People, Not Just Cars
30:29 – Transforming Urban Spaces: The Times Square Example
39:00 – Balancing Cars and Pedestrians in Urban Design
42:24 – The Impact of Speed Limits on Community Safety
52:51 – E-Mobility: The Future of Urban Transport
01:07:21 – Global Perspectives on Informal Transport
01:09:05 – Innovative Transport Alternatives in Australia
01:23:32 – The Role of Pets in Urban Planning
Step behind the scenes of the built environment and hear what really makes streets and cities work, for people and for progress.
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
#TrafficEngineering #UrbanPlanning #SmartCities #TransportDesign #EScooters #GreenfieldGrowth #MelbournePlanning #BuiltEnvironment #ParkingDesign #CityMobility #PublicTransport #BuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #InfrastructurePlanning
The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:
www.buildingenvirons.com.au
Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement!
www.housingallaustralians.org.au
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.
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