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
On-campus arts districts and urban biomimicry
We investigate a new trend at universities in the US as they begin to devote parts of their campuses to arts and culture. We also find out what city planners can learn from nature as we speak to an expert in biomimicry.
Tall Stories 369: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Chris Cermak explores the role of Gettysburg – the site of the American Civil War’s most famous battle – in addressing the country’s modern-day divisions.
Health and heat resilience
We explore how the design of healthcare facilities can have an impact on public wellbeing and we speak to Asia’s first chief heat officer about how building better heat resilience is essential in our cities.
Tall Stories 368: Udaan Park, Udaipur
Ananya Singhal of Studio Saar takes us on a tour of his firm’s recently completed lakeside pocket park in the Indian city of Udaipur.
Biodiversity in the city
How important are flora and fauna to a flourishing city? We investigate the merits of encouraging an urban insect population, the benefits of wildlife sanctuaries in city limits and we visit a turtle rehabilitation centre in a Dubai hotel.
Tall Stories 367: Baumgarten an der March
Alexei Korolyov visits the town where western Europe’s dependency on Russian energy began, to see how the attempt to cut ties with Moscow is affecting the village.
Urban neighbours and mid-sized cities
We find out what major urban centres can learn from their smaller siblings. Plus, why two neighbouring cities have never merged despite their close proximity.
Tall Stories 366: Siam Square, Bangkok
James Chambers takes us to Bangkok’s Siam Square to see why pedestrians are making good use of this refreshed piece of public realm in the Thai capital.
Summer book club, part 2
It’s part two of our summer meeting of The Urbanist book club, in which we examine how cities could be the solution to society’s biggest challenges. Plus, we discuss the changing face of retail through the story of one man’s journey from shop assistant to COO of the legendary music…
Tall Stories 365: Le Provençal Hotel Pool, Giens Peninsula
Jessica Bridger investigates an audacious swimming pool in the south of France that has an interesting tale to tell.
