Transport
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Signs of the times
You may not know its name, but you use its designs weekly. Italian company Solari revolutionised train and airport information boards in the 1950s and continues to innovate with modern technology.
Up for sail
Japan’s recreational boat market has been in the doldrums due to an antipathy to ostentation. But now the ‘nation of rice farmers’ is finally finding its sea legs at its annual boating fair.
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.
National expression
There are many ways for a nation to build international brand equity. From winning Olympic medals to becoming a travel hub, the options are plentiful but the results are not always guaranteed.
Gilt trip
Financial markets are gripped by gold fever, with prices potentially hitting $1,000 an ounce. Key to this secretive trade are the daily bullion flights between the world’s leading financial hubs.
This is the way
Major airports like Schiphol and JFK have turned to Dutch designer Paul Mijksenaar for their signage systems. He tells Monocle about his crusade to take the art of wayfinding in a new direction.
Sleeper sell
Europe's top rail operator is betting that improved sleeper trains can win back business travellers. For a world rediscovering the benefits of slow food, the next discovery just might be slow trains.
Rupert Marine
Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are tough, sea-worthy and flexible. Spotting their business potential, Thomas Rönnberg set up the first Swedish RIB company, Rupert Marine, and is now preparing for the European market.
Observation
Rail life story: We love trains and think it’s time that the English-speaking world reacquired a taste for them too.
High energy
In our circumpolar tour, we visit Murmansk. After the USSR's collapse, the city declined. But now the promise of Arctic riches from energy and new sea routes is sparking a revival.
