Felix Odell
At the vanguard
Stockholm has seen increased violence and worsening segregation. But its mayor, Karin Wanngård, is leading the charge against crime and inequality – and shows no signs of giving in.
Made to last
We brave the great outdoors to meet the Swedish business owners who have made the most of the north’s inclement weather to create sturdy, tried-and-tested outdoor products.
Tides of change
The striking modernist headquarters of Danish shipping giant Maersk is a monument to the discreet elegance and formidable eye for detail of the firm’s late CEO and chairman.
Open house
Norway uses soft power to tell its story globally, and one example has stood the test of time: its embassy in Stockholm, a masterclass in expressing national strengths through architecture.
Expo 87: The swing of things
In the Brünig Pass, men from all walks of life grapple in an arcadian celebration of traditional Swiss wrestling. Monocle joins the crowd to watch the sawdust fly.
Timber towers
With a radical vision for the future of residential architecture, property developer Folkhem is building Sweden’s tallest wooden high-rises. The apartment blocks are chic, eco-friendly and quick to construct.
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.
Expo 77: Hope for the best
Forged in the wake of war, Unesco stands as a bastion of peace. Monocle visited its modernist Paris HQ to discover an institution dedicated to optimism despite funding cuts and a fraught political climate.
Home life – Carl Hansen & Søn
Furniture firm Carl Hansen & Søn is justly proud of its heritage and the company’s refusal to operate outside of Denmark hasn’t hampered growth. A new factory, increased output and rapidly rising exports point…
