Drugs, guns and nice sofas

On millionaires’ row in Herat, elaborate palaces are being built by businessmen who have made fortunes from exploiting the needs of the new Afghanistan – or selling heroin. A heady mix of Iranian, Italian and Gulf influences, the houses have created a new school of design: Narcotecture. But many are worried the ancient city will soon be lost in the blur of development.
Lessons in Diplomacy

Independent from the Soviet Union since 1991, and finally emerging from years of corruption, oil-rich Azerbaijan is now planning a diplomatic campaign to change its image. But to fill its new embassies – 16 so far this year alone – it needs a new generation of officials. Welcome to the ambassador academy.
Missing Persons

Across Europe, villages and towns are being abandoned as people move to the cities – or other richer countries. It is a problem that Spain knows only too well. In its Soria region, there are now 492 empty villages and others that will die with the last residents. Can the country’s ghost towns ever be reborn?
Breaking China

The financial spotlight has been shining bright on China’s big eastern cities, but as investors notice the wealth of opportunity and resources in the remote western region, the city of Urumqi is about to take centre stage.
In the Pink

Pinkberry yoghurt is one of those American franchise ideas – think soup, coffee and juice bars – that seem so obvious, you want to kick yourself for not having bought in at the beginning. The growth of the franchise has been explosive, from one Los Angeles store in January 2005 to 16 today, plus three in New York (five more by the end of summer) and, soon, six in London.
Road Wage

Two-thirds of US freight is moved by road and the haulage industry is booming. While the truckers may not get to see their families as often as they would like, driving is one industry that offers well-paid jobs with great benefits, even if you haven’t got a college education.
Korea Moves

Thanks to its commitment to a lightning-fast wireless future, South Korea has become a laboratory for mixing pop culture with big business, blurring the line between bands and brands. Is this the media model for things to come?
The Inn Crowd

They never make it on to most magazine’s “Best Hotel” lists, but Japan’s simple, pared-down ryokan are setting new standards in service and design. The Fuyija, remodelled by architect Kengo Kuma, looks set to introduce a western audience to the pleasures of the traditional Japanese inn.
Second to none

Once a year, the top watchmakers gather in Basel to reveal their newest creations – and the world comes to buy. Monocle was there to discover the leading trends and take the pulse of the market.

Architecture/Design / Global

Architecture/Design

Briefing

A Swiss gym, a Japanese shop, a German house and a Swedish school.

Good sports

A better class of Swiss gymnasium

PE lessons are more fun since the arrival of this sophisticated new gymnasium at a primary school in Elsau, Switzerland. The wood-frame technologists Erne collaborated with design firm Hornberger Architekten to produce an indulgent, beautifully crafted child-friendly space. The gym opened last year at Primarschule Elsau. School authorities everywhere should take note.
www.erne.net

Train of thought

Novel solutions to noise pollution

Sandwiched between a major road and a railway line, this family residence in Allgäu, southern Germany, overcomes noise pollution with its smart planning. Designed by Kehrbaum Architekten, the building has a cubist form and the southern façade, which faces the railway, is closed off on the first floor, with all bedrooms orientated towards the quieter north-east. It is aptly named House at the Railways.
www.kehrbaum-architekten.de

Lessons in living

Fresh start for a Swedish school

From ABC to urban suite; these former classrooms in Stockholm have been re-imagined as 21 loft apartments by Swedish architects Love Arbén and Andreas Martin-Löf. The schoolhouse, built by Johan Fredrik Åbom in the 19th century, was badly damaged in a fire. This sensitive restoration, finished in February, blends Tom Dixon lighting with original features to create an understated, classic interior.
www.martinlof.se
www.arben.se

Ginza palace

Bals Tokyo’s glamorous new branch is a one-stop design destination

We love a one-stop shop, so we’re pleased to see that the designer-retailer Bals Tokyo is continuing to expand its empire with its latest store launch in Ginza. With an airy interior by designer Yasumichi Morita, this two-storey outlet stocks must-haves such as G Lorenzi grooming kits through to Bill Amberg leatherware accessories. Throw in the latest furniture from MDF Italia, Magis and Established & Sons, as well as Bals Tokyo’s own-design products, and the stock mix is complete.

Morita – one of the most famous and distinctive retail designers currently working in Japan – who also designed the Bals Tokyo store in Fukuoka, uses copper details to create an unusual environment that’s both luxurious and easy to navigate.

Hinting at a fresh direction, Bals Tokyo is also collaborating with UK gallery Apart to sell its one-off art pieces in-store. With up to 40 staff, expect impeccable service.

“This shop is an appropriate location for us to represent Tokyo culture and disseminate our brand concept,” says Bals Tokyo group manager, Yukihiko Nagaya. With an international roll out imminent, this brand is set to explode on to the world stage.
www.bals.co.jp

Drugs, guns and nice sofas

Lessons in Diplomacy

Missing Persons

Breaking China

In the Pink

Road Wage

Korea Moves

The Inn Crowd

Second to none

Asia Briefing

Africa/Middle East Briefing

Americas briefing

Europe briefing

Oceania briefing

Business Briefing

Sending out an SAS

For the Record

Culture briefing

Architecture/Design Briefing

Fashion Briefing

The Long Game

Top of the flops

Maine Event

Let them eat cake

Home Office

Sets Appeal

Salone Selectives

Cool Operator

Inventory No. 4

Abdel Zaher Binding

Las Mimosas

Heart Food

Expo 04: Invader on the Horizon

Observation

Want more stories like these in your inbox?