Fiona Wilson
Up the wall
The new Marunouchi Park Building in Tokyo features a soaring office tower and a replica 19th-century building. But its most intriguing element is a garden that rethinks urban green space.
50 things to improve your life
Our 2009 global round-up of the people, pursuits, places and pets to improve the way you live, work, rest, commute and communicate.
The world’s top 25 most liveable cities – 2009
Monocle’s researchers tested the world’s leading cities to find the best places to make your base. While Copenhagen won last year, the 2009 award for most liveable city goes to Zürich.
Shop idols
It can take just one retailer to unite a neighbourhood and restore a sense of old-fashioned community. Monocle has found 10 independent shops doing just that, from Barcelona to Tokyo.
Air time
Cities are combating urban sprawl by adding another layer – on their roofs. We profile the best projects, from sky-high soccer pitches to cinemas.
Hearts of the city
Identikit suburban projects and architects without imagination have sullied the reputation of property development but Monocle has tracked down five firms putting passion, innovation and social conscience back into the world.
Show starters
Worth billions but well below the radar, the lounge act is a fascinating and uncharted universe. From Las Vegas to Tokyo, Monocle explores an undervalued and consummate talent pool of professional entertainers.
Raising the steaks
Omi beef from Japan’s Shiga prefecture is little known internationally. But its butter-soft consistency means that restaurateurs, meat producers and diners from New York to Australia are taking notice.
Manga juice
A manga about wine has proven a hit with readers in Japan. Written by a brother and sister duo, there’s a French edition and it is being made into a Korean TV series.
Spokes people
A Japanese firm once making bikes for professionals has expanded to include customisable models for design-conscious city dwellers who enjoy a leisurely jaunt on two wheels.
