Urbanism
What we gain and lose with the rise of sky gardens
Although green spaces are always a welcome addition to urban landscapes, vertical lawns can never replace real parks in the heart of cities.
Latest in Monocle Radio
Latest
Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2025: The 10 most liveable cities in the world
We present our 18th annual ranking of the world’s municipalities according to what they do better than anyone else, be it health, safety, housing or nightlife.
We should follow the rules less – our quality of life depends on it
Strict rules make for dull lives. The best cities know when to look the other way…
Some cities are beyond compare – our liveability index spotlights 10 places doing things differently
When I was living in Naples for a short while, I had a friend, Antonio, who would let out a scornful “pah” every time I asked him to name the best example of a…
Ten building blocks to solve the housing crisis
Constructing more homes is just part of the answer. Here, our manifesto presents creative solutions to society’s bricks-and-mortar problem.
Copenhagen’s latest park demonstrates the virtues of having no kids on the block
Inside the sanctuary of Opera Park, a child-free green space designed strictly for grown-ups.
Tall buildings and tower blocks aren’t a blight. It’s time to rethink London’s fear of heights
As the UK capital grapples with a housing shortage, it might be time to think bigger. Could elegant, well-designed high-rises offer a fresh perspective on urban life?
Could this new purpose-built neighbourhood in London restore faith in the future of the high street?
Southwest London’s New Acres neighbourhood is putting local shops at the heart of community, reminding us that backing independents isn’t just about economics but also pride, character and place.
Is Singapore building the next Silicon Valley?
The new Punggol Digital District hopes to power the island's transition into a smart hub for cutting-edge technology.
Landscape architecture is broken – this is how to fix our parks and gardens
Californian landscape architecture firm Terremoto is, as its name suggests, shaking things up. Here’s how it finds success by staying close to home – and to its principles.
New York isn’t blinking in its congestion-price standoff with Trump
There have been many calls for resistance against president Donald Trump since he returned to the White House in January – but surprisingly little action. New York, however, appears to be stepping up and…
