
The Urbanist
Monocle’s guide to better cities. Explore urban innovation, cutting-edge infrastructure, and compact living with insights from planners, architects, and city leaders.
Latest Episodes

Tall Stories 466: Supreme Court Building, Washington
Charlotte McDonald-Gibson explains the design secrets and quirks behind this neoclassical US Supreme Court Building in Washington.

‘Designing the American Century’ & ‘Women Architects at Work’
We’re calling another meeting of ‘The Urbanist’ bookclub to review two titles: ‘Designing the American Century’ and ‘Women Architects at Work’.

Tall Stories 465: Kupari Resort
Guy De Launey recounts how Kupari Resort went from jewel in the Adriatic crown to derelict disaster zone, as well as what is planned for its revival.

Swimmable Cities Summit: Urban waterways as an indicator for quality of life
Can swimmability be an indicator for good quality of life and a healthy city? We report from the inaugural Swimmable Cities Summit in Rotterdam to hear about those working to improve urban waterways.

Tall Stories 464: Cardiff Bay Opera House
Henry Rees-Sheridan recalls what became of Zaha Hadid’s plans for the Cardiff Bay Opera House.

Live from the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit
From inclusive neighbourhoods and climate-resilient design to mobility and destination development, we explore how infrastructure is being redefined – not just as roads and bridges, but as a tool for better living.

Tall Stories 463: Rannahotell, Pärnu
Petri Burtsoff takes us to a historic hotel in Estonia that has stayed true to its design roots for nearly a century.

Urbanism through a different lens
We look at urbanism from different lenses, from a neighbourhood built on independent brands to a view on how the architecture field can innovate. And: what is ‘The Design Perspective’?

Tall Stories 462: Raj Mandir Cinema, Jaipur
Geetanjali Krishna takes us to a 50-year-old cinema in Jaipur, which is managing to give modern multiplexes a run for their money.

Live from Ned’s Club in London: Quality of Life edition
Monocle magazine’s editor, Josh Fehnert, is joined by editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, foreign editor, Alexis Self, and senior foreign correspondent, Carlota Rebelo, to discuss what makes a city truly liveable.