Quality of Life
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Capital gains
Lithuania no longer looks enviously at its Nordic neighbours; its capital illustrates why. Self-confident and creative, Vilnius typifies how a small nation can realise big ambitions.
Perfect marriage
Berlin’s Wedding quarter, once dismissed as a drab industrial district, is now an engaging home for creative types thanks to its eclectic architecture and laidback atmosphere. Monocle got a spot on the guestlist.
Expo: Time capsule
Built in 1939 by Hermann Herter, Zürich’s Strandbad Wollishofen remains a masterclass in municipal design — proof that a lakeside bathhouse can be both functional and utterly timeless.
Built to plan
Building a vibrant metropolis from scratch is no easy feat. Here are three examples of planned cities from different periods of history that have successfully stood the test of time.
x08 Essays
From architects and chefs to writers and directors, our contributors consider what draws them to their favourite cities and what quality of life means to them.
Africa and Middle East
Cape Town makes District Six a number-one priority, plus five things Beirut gets right.
Expo: Best-kept secret
Spread across a picturesque peninsula, Athens offers its residents a choice of beaches to enjoy away from the daily city grind. The views aren’t too shabby either, offering a perfect local escape.
Urban growth
Urban spaces are becoming wilder thanks to innovative greening schemes. We visit projects from Bangkok to Geneva, where private initiatives are creating public parks and improving quality of life for all.
Public realm
Residents and visitors to South Tyrol’s Puster Valley are reaping the rewards of an inspired approach to public architecture, from sleek fire stations and light-filled libraries to smart-looking bus shelters.
Urban renewal
What makes a busy city tick along? Here we outline some simple improvements we’d like to see shaping our metropolises into more inclusive places to live, from winding roads to rotating benches.
