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What's Up Docs?
What's Up Docs?

Can buildings make us healthier?

March 24, 2026 • 29m

Summary

⏱️ 8 min read

Overview

Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore how architecture and built environments affect our physical and mental health, featuring a conversation with architect Lisa Finlay at Coal Drops Yard in London. They discuss the parallels between ultra-processed food and ultra-processed architecture, examining how thoughtfully designed spaces can create joy, curiosity, and wellbeing, while sterile environments may harm us in ways we don't consciously recognize.

Introduction to Coal Drops Yard and the Built Environment

Chris and Xand record their health podcast outdoors at Coal Drops Yard near King's Cross, a transformed industrial space that now serves as a vibrant public area. They explore the site's history as a Victorian coal distribution hub that became a nightclub in the 1990s before being redesigned into its current form. The hosts examine how this specific location's architecture affects their feelings and wellbeing, setting up a broader discussion about buildings and health.

  • Coal Drops Yard originally handled 8 million tonnes of coal annually, transferred from trains to canal barges
  • The site fell into disuse in the 90s and housed the famous Bagley's nightclub
  • The episode explores how built environments affect physical and mental health
" Today's episode is about the effect of the built environment, buildings, on our physical and mental health. "

First Impressions: How Spaces Make Us Feel

The hosts analyze their immediate reactions to Coal Drops Yard before meeting the architect. They notice the welcoming atmosphere, mixture of old Victorian brick arches with modern swooping roofs, generous use of space, and thoughtful acoustic design. Unlike typical urban spaces, this area provides ample seating, long views, and a peaceful environment despite surrounding train stations, demonstrating intentional design choices that prioritize human experience.

  • The space feels welcoming with well-laid-out greenery and usable benches for sitting
  • Victorian brick arches have been repurposed with modern swooping roofs that appear to 'kiss' each other
  • Unlike many London spaces, there's generous use of outdoor area with long views in multiple directions
  • Despite proximity to Eurostar station, the acoustic design allows normal conversation
  • Chris notes the space has become somewhere he brings his family during stressful times
" I think there's been a very deliberate choice not to destroy the old stuff here and I think that's part of what creates an interesting effect. "
" Most of the city is not generous with its space or its light or its acoustic. "

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