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
Cities in quarantine
We discuss the impact that quarantines can have on cities and what lessons city planners can learn when an outbreak causes borders to close.
Tall Stories 197: Gasholder Park, London
We pause for a moment in a unique park near London’s Kings Cross, which was built in the skeleton of an industrial giant.
Heritage and more
We take a deep dive into the world of historic conservation to hear how Re-Form Heritage is revitalising UK communities. Plus: a project in Brazil uniting communities through fresh produce.
Tall Stories 196: Palmyra Hotel, Baalbeck
We wander the halls of the Palmyra Hotel in the Lebanese city of Baalbek, where the guest book includes names such as Charles de Gaulle and Nina Simone.
London’s Grosvenor Square
London’s second oldest square is set for a makeover ahead of its 300th anniversary. Andrew Tuck is joined by Anna Liu, Ed Ikin and Ed Green to discuss how to redesign one of the UK capital’s most iconic garden squares.
Tall Stories 195: Bondes de Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
We take a ride on a historic Brazilian tram that connects downtown Rio de Janeiro to the hilltop district of Santa Teresa, winding its way through the streets and stories of the neighbourhood.
Culture and the city
The Urban Land Institute UK Urban Art Forum recently released a new six-step guide to including culture in developments; we look at some of the ways to ensure that culture remains a core part of city planning.
Tall Stories 194: Hotel Torni, Helsinki
We visit Helsinki’s Hotel Torni, a building that’s witnessed the highs and lows of Finland’s history since its opening in 1931.
Down by the water
We look at some of the ways that waterside cities interact with their coastlines, from Oslo’s efforts to lower pollution to the fight against rising tides in New York. Plus: a report from Alexandria, Egypt’s second city.
Tall Stories 193: Placemaking
This week Monocle’s Editor Andrew Tuck ponders the question: how do you make a place?
