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
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?
Assessing the average
We discuss the impact an average-sized building, such as a mid-sized office or modest apartment block, can have on its community.
Tall Stories 192: Pelourinho, Salvador
This week we’re off to Brazil for a wander through Salvador’s historical centre, Pelourinho, where we learn about the area’s complicated heritage, and its significance to the country’s black history.
Handling a crisis
How should cities handle a crisis? As the threat of the coronavirus spreads, we look at how our urban areas have coped when disaster has struck, be it terrorism, a health emergency, a natural disaster or a cyber attack.
Tall Stories 191: Janeiro Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
We head to Rio to explore the new Janeiro Hotel in the district of Leblon. Run by the owner of Brazilian fashion label Osklen, this home away from home in an old seafront building stays faithful to the brand with its chic tropical touches.
