There’s often a temptation to pull down and rebuild but over the following pages we look at projects determined to make do and mend, starting with a modernist marvel in Spain.

The Paimio Sanatorium has been saved by devoted fans of Alvar and Aino Aalto’s celebrated building. And now they hope to revive it as a place for health, healing and introspection.

For these discerning Australians, a new place to call home means eschewing outdated ideals and focusing on a more sustainable way of living, as pioneered by one trailblazing Antipodean architect.

At the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale, dialogue is focused on the effects of tourism, sustainability and communal living, as well as the lasting impact of contemporary architecture.

We need to live in places that can sustain us, will age with grace and that are parts of bigger communities. ‘The Monocle Book of Homes’ is a handbook for creating these vital spaces and, as part of a special preview, here…

Our architecture and design round-up features an Oscar-winning set designer, a long-awaited addition to a Zürich museum and plenty of inspiration.

A unique retail concept for fashion giant Maison Margiela and a conceptual Japanese space that has made the most of a modest budget.

There are more ways to keep cool than cranking up the air conditioning, as architects in more temperate climes have been discovering for years. From naturally cool materials to clever ways to harness wind and shade, here…

In forensically researching the history of a site before he builds on it, prolific Japanese architect Tsuyoshi Tane likens his role to that of an archaeologist. We meet him to dig a little deeper.

In Portugal’s Alentejo region, designer and entrepreneur Francesco Ippolito has built a modernist off-grid sanctuary that paves the way for his plans to create a high-end, design-focused retreat.

Meet the designers giving the rustic charm of the Swiss countryside a smart update.

The modernist Swiss embassy in Canberra is a paean to the possibilities that concrete offered its gifted architects.

Fifty years ago architects started to reimagine the office, wondering how it could become a more inspiring, democratic environment. Half a century later, as we prepare for another shake-up of the workplace, we look at the…