Belgium: state of the nation

Monocle’s May issue lifts the lid on our picks of the world’s best-designed buildings and products in our inaugural Design Awards. From big names such as David Chipperfield to small pleasures like electric switches, we celebrate the makers refining our lives. Elsewhere, there’s custom dog food and glamorous grannies – what more could you want?Available now at The Monocle Shop

We explore a New Zealand take on mid-century modern architecture that fused British brutalism with a Scandinavian aesthetic. The simple construction methods of the Christchurch School’s creative homes have endured changing tastes – and earthquakes too.

All Monocle subscription options now include instant access to our Digital Editions so you can peruse our rich archive on the go. Plus, there are regularly updated features that you won’t find in print. Keen to know more? Press play to find out how to get most out of your subscription.Click here to dive into the latest issue.

As the business world prepares to get moving again, here are 10 things that you might have missed about Thailand during the past 12 months. From its sunny disposition to its trade and innovation, quality of life and sustainable development, there’s much to look forward to on your next trip.