Urbanism
Air-con has become the latest front in a culture war – but more hot air is the last thing our overheating cities need
Members of Monocle’s editorial team were in Paris last Thursday but the hottest topic in town wasn’t Fashion Week or fresh collections – it was air conditioning. As the mercury crept towards 40C, meetings…
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Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2026: The 20 most liveable cities in the world
Welcome to Monocle’s 2026 Quality of Life Survey. What started 19 years ago as an antidote to bloodless, data-heavy city rankings has become central to the debate on what it means to live well.
The art of the amble: Exploring the social rituals of evening walks across Spain, Italy and Greece
A languid stroll is an enriching daily ritual in much of southern Europe. In Spain, Italy and Greece, it is an art form. We join the crowds to learn how it’s done.
The People’s charter for living well in cities: 13 rules for oafs, oiks and rapscallions
What can residents expect from their city – and what should it expect in return? Here, we present a 13-article charter laying out the rights and responsibilities of an ideal citizenry.
How a city splashed out on staying cool: Zürich’s best fountains
Summer is the perfect season to explore the Swiss city’s ubiquitous fountains. Here are five of our favourites.
A shore cure for urban fatigue: How Sydney, New York and Kobe are rethinking their waterfronts
A fish market revelling in theatrics, an amphitheatre-inspired hill uniting the sea and mountains, and a park acting as a flood defence. Smartly designed spaces are bringing people back to the water.
Fashion label +351’s Lisbon café kiosk lets you get to know the brand over coffee – and a game of backgammon
We visit a Lisbon ‘quiosque’ opened by Portuguese fashion label +351 that combines coffee, clothing and community gathering.
From Bangkok to Bogota, these 23 innovative urban initiatives keep people moving and joyful
Fitness is often framed as a personal endeavour but cities can help to nudge us into healthier lifestyles. A charming playground, safe cycle lanes and well-designed waterfronts are a start.
From Singapore to Tokyo, here’s what clean cities get right
Cities all across the globe have taken different approaches to keeping their streets clean. But what matters most is inspiring residents to take the lead
The long awaited revamp of Budapest’s largest public park might finally be here
Budapestians have been anticipating the redevelopment of Népliget, the city's largest public park, for years under Viktor Orbán’s government. Now, with a new administration in office, change is in the air.
Can Flame Tree Season create Dubai’s own cherry-blossom moment?
Every summer, Dubai comes alive in shades of red as the city’s flame trees come into bloom. This year, city leadership is looking to strengthen the tree’s presence in Dubai’s civic identity.
