Robert Hanson
Firm Favourites
Business in the UAE is booming beyond oil and aviation. We profile a breadth of start-ups and smart ideas, from AI and app development to design and film production.
Defence
The US Navy’s new therapy dog, the benefits of claiming neutrality and the Indian diplomat with Hollywood appeal.
The Opener
Tyler Brûlé ponders the absence of North American cities in this year’s Quality of Life Survey.
A better blueprint
Monocle’s 10 manifestos for the year ahead offer solutions for everything from urban renewal and education to soft power and healthcare, providing a blueprint for re-engaging communities and creating better cities.
Make it better
For over 50 years, Kenneth Grange has designed many of the UK’s most recognisable things, from postboxes to taxis. Now, he tells Monocle what he thinks needs fixing in the UK's design industry.
Been there, done that.
Instead of investing in new designs and manufacturing processes, increasing numbers of design firms are raiding their archives. Monocle visits two companies to find out why they’re looking backwards not forward.
Americas
Socialist shopping in Venezuela, new rules for airbrushing ads in Brazil, and our column from Washington.
Stage craft
As the summer festival season approaches we visited the factories of three musical instrument makers who are world leaders for their attention to craft and superior sound quality.
Please turn off the lights
Do cities have a sell-by date? If they no longer feel fresh, should we abandon them? It’s happening in Russia. Perhaps the burghers of New Orleans and Detroit should do the same.
The shopping forecast
A special report on the state of global retail and how to go about fixing it.
