Urbanism
While other Italian cities vaunt their history, Milan sets its sights on a multicentric future
The Lombard capital’s bold ambition to host various urban centres where locals can live, work and thrive is shaping up nicely.
Latest in Monocle Radio
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How Tokyo made it to the top of Monocle’s 2026 Quality of Life Survey
Our Tokyo bureau chief tells us about daily life in the calm, clean and ambitious Japanese capital.
Good cities point the wayfaring stranger in the right direction
Wayfinding is an art form and one too often neglected. There is a whole industry built around this craft that seeks to manoeuvre us around airports, hospitals and cities using signs, graphics and clever…
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.
Does Barcelona’s building bonanza bombard everyone’s wellbeing?
The clatter of cranes and major construction projects cuts through the atmosphere of Barcelona. But are we sacrificing today for a distant future?
Air-con has become the latest front in a culture war – but more hot air is the last thing our overheating cities need
Europe’s cities are woefully underprepared for rising temperatures. To stay competitive and comfortable in a changing world, they need to make bolder choices.
What makes Copenhagen a great city? Its ability to learn from its mistakes
The Danish capital is a regular frontrunner in Monocle’s Quality of Life surveys. But Copenhagen has also made its mistakes. Thankfully, the city continues to learn and grow.
Cities are like theatres, we the actors. What part do you want to play?
Ask not whether your favourite city placed in Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey, ask what you can do for your city (and friends).
Despite its enormous scale, Tokyo remains a city where good manners thrive
Depending on how you count it, Tokyo is a city of nine million (the central 23 wards), 14 million (Tokyo Metropolis) or 37 million (the Greater Tokyo Area). A densely populated urban area of…
Tyler Brûlé introduces Monocle’s 2026 Quality of Life survey on CNN
View the full city ranking here.
Our summer issue is out now and measures the immeasurable – what makes a city worth living in?
Monocle’s editor in chief explains why we delve into questions about urban living that no one else seems to ask – and has some advice if your city didn’t make the cut.
