In this episode of Mixed Signals, we dive into architectural education, student work, and the future of the discipline with special guest Ryan Scavnicky. From a cold critique of recent University of Pennsylvania studio projects to debates about Peter Eisenman, post-digital aesthetics, and neo-brutalism, we ask: what is architecture prioritizing right now?The conversation expands into virtual architecture, video games, Unreal Engine, and the attention economy—exploring how Minecraft, The Sims, Assassin’s Creed, and immersive media are shaping the next generation of architects. Is architecture just about buildings anymore? Or is world-making the real discipline? Plus: OMA’s “Death Star,” fluted facades, and one of the wildest Japanese real estate commercials we’ve ever seen.We also look at some new buildings and some trending topics! Make sure to follow us on our socials!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mxd_signalTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mxd_signal

What happens when the “dream office” looks a lot more like the rest of the industry? In this Mix Signals segment, we get into the uncomfortable reality behind architecture’s prestige economy—where star firms are idolized, but pay, job security, and working conditions can still be fragile. We talk through the reported proposed redundancies at BIG’s London office and why architects protesting publicly feels like a shift in the culture.

From there, the conversation opens up into the bigger problem: why architecture struggles to pay a living wage, why “free work” quietly resets the market against everyone, and why students and young designers are forced into impossible tradeoffs (portfolio vs. stability, prestige vs. sustainability). We also connect this to recent unionization efforts and labor disputes in the discipline—what worked, what didn’t, and why the profession keeps normalizing conditions that would be unacceptable in almost any other field.

If you’ve been through this (or found a better way), we want to hear it in the comments.

Make sure to follow us on our socials!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mxd_signalTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mxd_signal

The MXD crew discusses Digital and Post-Digital Architecture. What's the difference and does it matter? We also discuss student work from the Bartlett and the role of the animation in explaining the projects. Also, is the corporate glossy render done? We talk about the trend of the 'anti-render'.