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 350: Mother of Kartli, Tbilisi
Sally Howard visits the “Mother of Georgia” statue to see what this monument to femininity says about the role of women in the post-Soviet state.
Fresh perspectives
We gain novel views on the urban environment as we delve into the world of ‘meanwhile use’, stop by The Urban Room to see how Auckland is enjoying a fresh look at the city and try to redefine public perception of an infamous figure’s place of birth.
Tall Stories 349: Jamsu Bridge, Seoul
Jeyup S Kwaak brings us the story of Seoul’s ‘diving bridge’, which struggles to keep its head above water during its region’s rainy season.
Mipim property fair
We report from Mipim, the world’s leading property fair, which is taking place in Cannes. We meet investors, developers, planners and local leaders to hear how they’re working to build more sustainably and create better cities and greener public areas.
Tall Stories 348: Hollyhock House, Los Angeles
Christopher Lord visits one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most impressive Californian creations – the first piece of modern US architecture to make it onto Unesco’s World Heritage List.
Good sports
What roles do stadiums, parks and clubrooms play in our built environment? We look at the intersection between sports and city planning, delve into the US pickleball craze and explore Argentina’s sports clubs.
Tall Stories 347: Park Strip, Anchorage
Gregory Scruggs talks us through the various ways that Park Strip has been used since the birth of Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage.
Wilding the city
As urban areas grow, how can we ensure that the link between nature and our cities isn’t severed? We visit Bangkok’s recently opened Benjakitti Park, discuss Ben Wilson’s new book ‘Urban Jungle: Wilding the City’ and go hiking in Philadelphia’s Wissahickon.
Tall Stories 346: Paharpur Business Centre, New Delhi
Geetanjali Krishna visits the so-called “healthiest building in Delhi” to find out how greenery is helping to fight back against air pollution.
Books and banks
How can ordinary city buildings have an extraordinary effect on their communities? We explore libraries to banks to see what impact they’re having on their neighbourhoods and what connection they have with citizens.
