Design
Page 249
Drugs, guns and nice sofas
In Herat, elaborate palaces are being built by businessmen who have made fortunes from post-war opportunities. A mix of foreign influences, the houses have created a new school of design: Narcotecture.
Sets Appeal
From draughtsman to art director for big-budget films, Robert Cowper discusses his craft. Monocle met him on the set of ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ during last-minute reshoots for some massive New York roofscapes.
Abdel Zaher Binding
With over half a century of craftsmanship under his belt, Mohamed Abdel Zaher has transformed his family-run book-binding business into a modern enterprise, retaining all of its character and charm.
Maine Event
Portland’s annual Maine Boatbuilders Show attracts an unusual mix of salty dogs, families and wealthy customers, who fly in to inspect the artisanal sloops, schooners, kayaks and yawls on display.
Lessons in Diplomacy
Emerging from years of corruption, oil-rich Azerbaijan is planning a diplomatic campaign to change its image. To fill its new embassies, it needs a new generation of officials trained at its ambassador academy.
Luxurious relaunch
Saxony, once under communist rule, is now a German manufacturing centre for luxury brands. But can its capital, Dresden, become as synonymous with high-end shopping as Paris and Milan?
Build me Hong Kong
To counter competition from China, South Korea plans to build new cities to rival Hong Kong and Singapore as hubs for hi-tech services and tourism. But can the ambitious nation pull it off?
