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
Animal spirits
This week is all about animals and cities: from backyard chickens to birdwatching and even entrepreneurs making life easier for your furry friend. Plus: how can we design our public spaces in a more animal-friendly way?
Tall Stories 100: London’s National Theatre
Our editor Andrew Tuck takes us to London’s National Theatre, a brutalist wonder built by the architect Sir Denys Lasdun.
Reclaiming the streets
Politics and city living are intertwined – and there’s no better place to witness it than at a demonstration. Be it a students’ march, silent walkout or pro-immigration protest, it’s about coming together in a public space for a rallying cry that screams “enough!”.
Tall Stories 99: Brussels’ Kanal
In 2023 a new museum for modern and contemporary art is coming to Brussels. We ask whether architecture and good design can bring new life to the Belgium capital.
Was that on purpose?
Around the world you’ll find examples of cities that were built to order. Because whether it’s a megalomaniac’s metropolis in the middle of the desert or a new administrative capital for a reviving nation, there’s something appealing about starting from scratch.
Tall Stories 98: Austria’s Kaiserlinden
This week we look at the Kaiserlinden: imperial trees planted in the heyday of the Austro-Hungarian empire at the end of the 19th century. Protected by the government, they are important political symbols of past glories.
Urban crime
The city has often been seen as a place where bad things happen – especially crime. And while many are still the backdrop against which murderers, robbers and fraudsters commit their offences, cities have actually become much safer in recent years.
Tall Stories 97: Newport’s Transporter Bridge
From film appearances to miner takeovers, Newport’s Transporter Bridge has had a turbulent century at the heart of South Wales. Monocle’s George McDonagh, a native of the area, profiles of the iconic structure.
From grey to green
Cities are some of the world’s biggest polluters so how should we reimagine urban living to tackle climate change? We bring you a special report from the CitiesIPCC Cities and Climate Change Science Conference, where we met scientists, global leaders and policymakers who are trying to make city living greener.
Tall Stories 96: Marrakech’s Jardin Secret
Monocle’s Chiara Rimella reveals the secrets behind Marrakech’s plant-filled courtyards – and tells us why this city could become a haven for gardens like the peaceful Jardin Secret.
