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
Los Angeles’s urban challenges
We discuss some of the major urban challenges that face Los Angeles. We explore how the city administration and community are helping to overcome issues from extreme heat and drought to homelessness, affordable housing and, of course, traffic.
Tall Stories 396: Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Jessica Bridger takes us to an urban oasis in Singapore.
How can art help us experience cities differently?
We look at the power of arts in our urban environment, from a lights festival in Singapore that connects people with the city-state’s public spaces, to a former train yard in Lausanne that has been transformed into a new arts neighbourhood. Plus: art fairs using neglected buildings and the role…
Tall Stories 395: Lincoln Yards, Chicago
Cornelius McGrath looks at what is next for a stumbling development on the banks of the Chicago river, reminiscent of New York’s famous Hudson Yards.
Going underground
We look to the urban spaces below our feet, exploring the tunnels, passageways and even catacombs that exist under the buildings and roadways of our cities.
Tall Stories 394: Israels Plads, Copenhagen
David Stevens assesses the intentions behind one of Copenhagen’s most innovative public square redesigns, 10 years on.
Sporting development
How can sports facilities drive social and economic change in our cities? This week, we look at how the humble basketball court can act as a community hub, hear about Las Vegas’s plan to become a sporting centre and explore how stadium design is becoming more inclusive.
Tall Stories 393: St Mark’s clock tower, Venice
Sarah Grice explores the history of one of St Mark’s Square’s most intriguing adornments.
Transit safety and bringing urbanism to the public
How are transit operators working to ensure rider safety when using public transport? We are in Canada to find out. Plus: an architecture film festival in Helsinki and a public debate on the lessons that our terrestrial cities can learn from space colonies.
Tall Stories 392: St Anne’s Anglican Church, Toronto
Mandy Sinclair explores the story behind the unique architecture and famed interiors of a Toronto church, and finds out what this building means to its neighbourhood.
