Affairs
My life as a park bench
Have you heard? You humans are rethinking the very function that we benches have performed so honourably for centuries. It’s time to take a stand.
Latest in Monocle Radio
Latest
How to tap nature’s chilling effect for a sustainable way to cool urban areas
The hum of power-hungry air conditioners has become the soundtrack of summer in the hottest cities. The architect behind a Gold Lion-winning pavilion at Venice Biennale shares a possible solution.
Seville, the ‘frying pan of Europe’, holds the secrets to managing the blistering summer heat
As temperatures continue to soar, heatwaves have become a Spanish tradition. The city of Seville is drawing on both ancient knowledge and cutting-edge science to keep its citizens cool.
Hydra’s storied past, future and present: What we learned from our sit-down with George Koukoudakis
The mayor of the Greek island spoke to Monocle about the city’s challenges, from short-term rentals and housing to climate change.
Genoa’s comeback as a hub of vision and renewal
Once a cultural and economic powerhouse, the port city spent decades in the shadow of better-connected cities such as Milan. But it is now undergoing a rebirth, thanks to visionary locals and fresh talent.
Could Europe be about to benefit from Trump’s US brain drain?
Amid Donald Trump’s cuts to federal institutions and grants, more US-based scientists are considering jumping ship – and Europe will be waiting with open arms.
‘Thai politics is deadlocked by design’: Pita Limjaroenrat on Thailand’s leadership crisis
As thousands call for Paetongtarn Shinawatra to step down, Thailand’s ‘almost prime minister’ tells us what should be done differently in a nation where the military has ensured its enduring influence over governmental appointments.
Opinion
As economic optimism rises, Javier Milei makes a play for Argentines’ mattress money
5 min read
How to cool cities naturally, without resorting to air conditioning
Humanity has adapted to environmental challenges. But to mitigate the effects of a warming world, cities must look to the past to glimpse a better future.
