Julia Lasica
Carving out a niche in the timber-furniture industry
Plentiful resources combined with an entrepreneurial zeal has transformed Poland into the world’s third-largest furniture exporter. We travel to the country’s woodworking hub to meet those who have turned carpentry into an economic catalyst.

Inside storeys
What makes a well-considered development? Our pick of new projects offer some intriguing clues and the resulting buildings are becoming industry benchmarks.

Blue brigade
A new contingent of French riot police is armed, trained and controversial. Will they be called on when the Olympics roll into town?

The Agenda: Design
The subtle art of London studio Jonathan Tuckey Design, a footpath connecting Porto’s communities and the Sharjah Architecture Triennial.

The Agenda: Affairs
India’s travel boom, the Philippines’ junk-food habit and Europe’s strategic autonomy.

The Opener
Kyrgyzstan’s flag row, Australia’s seal problem, US psychics and Italy’s generation strain.
