Urbanism
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Americas
Puerto Rico's role in the elections, and the Jehovah's Witnesses who put their faith in property deals.
Uphill struggle
Sochi, a Black Sea resort popular with Putin, was a surprise choice to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. To prepare for one million visitors, the region needs new roads, hotels and infrastructure.
Kings of the hill
Beirut’s Christian quarter of Ashrafieh has weathered civil war and conflict. Today, the neighbourhood is under threat from developers destroying old palaces to build high-rises for the country’s internationally mobile elite.
Park life
Brazil's Santa Catarina state is booming, thanks to its location and skilled labour. Its capital, Florianópolis, is now regarded as one of the country's best places to live and work.
Under growth
With roads gridlocked, delivering goods in the world’s cities is a growing problem. One engineer believes the answer lies in underground Victorian-style pneumatic pipes and he has some powerful backers.
Street talker
After a life in radical campaign groups, Algerian-descended Fadela Amara is now at the heart of French government. Her challenge from President Sarkozy: to rebuild France’s riot-hit suburbs.
Americas
Why China is miffed with Canada, and Mexico's solution to groping on public transport.
Site seeing
Tokyo's Marunouchi district is in the latest stage of a 20-year transformation. The next phase includes Mitsubishi’s Marunouchi Park Building, a 34-floor office tower, shops, a rose garden and an art gallery.
Asia
The empty schools of Japan, bridging Hong Kong and searching for a new Seoul in Yongsan.
Canal plus
Thousands of Venezuelans have fled to Panama, which is attracting everyone from US retirees to multinationals and emerging as Latin America’s most vibrant and strategic centre.
