Affairs
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Man for all seasons
For renowned Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, the most effective urban greening projects grow out of long-term thinking.
How a school in deepest Alabama is using architecture and civic smarts to revive rural America
In rural Alabama, a university architecture programme is rebuilding the civic infrastructure of long-neglected towns, one project at a time.
The Entrepreneurs
Lauren Scott-Harris' Earnt leverages brand partnerships for social good, proving social capital can powerfully reshape communities.
Bright ideas, big cities
From rising rents to loneliness, five writers discuss Ed Stocker /the challenges facing modern urban areas – and explore the innovative solutions that are required.
Local heroes
Independent shops from Hong Kong to Madrid prove that knowing customers by name and fostering genuine community connections remains the foundation of thriving neighbourhood businesses.
Viennese vision
Maria Vassilakou, Vienna’s former deputy mayor, crosses Mariahilferstrasse, the road she transformed from traffic‑clogged chaos into a pedestrian boulevard. The campaign reshaped urban life and elevated her into political stardom.
Tokyo artist Ken Sobajima is cleaning up Shibuya’s graffiti, one wall at a time
Clean and Art is helping to keep Tokyo’s streets free from graffiti. Monocle joins the team restoring order to the urban landscape.
Prime movers
The idea of changing a city for the better might be daunting but individuals with vision and initiative can make a meaningful difference.
Sowing the seeds
In Berlin’s lively Neukölln district, Spore House blends modesty with warmth, its floor‑to‑ceiling windows revealing airy interiors filled with vibrant art, greenery, a welcoming café, and plush seating—anchoring the Spore Initiative since April.
The balance of shine and grime: A snapshot of life in Jiangjin
Must-read stories and ones you may have missed. James Chambers on Shenzhen's clean surface and the grit underneath.
