Monocle’s Carlota Rebelo reports from the World Economic Forum’s annual Urban Transformation Summit, which took place in San Francisco this week. We discover the city’s plans to build a resilient waterfront, hear about South Africa’s ambitions to tackle the housing crisis and how the private sector can help deliver urban innovation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every week we invite one of the jury chairs of the Holcim Foundation Awards – the world’s premier competition for sustainable design – to discuss their views on creating uplifting places, fostering a healthy planet and building thriving communities. In episode three we speak with Norwegian architect and co-founder of Snøhetta, Kjetil Thorsen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a special episode in collaboration with the Holcim Foundation Awards, we look at how to design nature into our cities and foster sustainability in the building sector. We meet Laura Viscovich, the Holcim Foundation’s executive director for sustainable construction, and bring you a live discussion from the Natural History Museum in London where we discover the foundation’s award-winning Urban Nature Project: a new five-acre, globally celebrated green space in the heart of the metropolis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every week we welcome one of the jury chairs of the Holcim Foundation Awards – the world’s premier competition for sustainable design – to hear their views on creating uplifting places, fostering a healthy planet and building thriving communities. In episode two we sit down with Lebanese-born architect Lina Ghotmeh, the founding principal of her eponymously named practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To mark Monocle’s visit to Istanbul for the annual Quality of Life Conference, we find out what makes the city tick with our local correspondent – Hannah Lucinda Smith. From an up-and-coming neighbourhood to a revitalised industrial district, and a revamped hammam too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every week on Monocle Radio we welcome one of the jury chairs of the Holcim Foundation Awards, the world’s premier competition for sustainable design, to hear their views on creating uplifting places, fostering a healthy planet and building thriving communities. In episode one, we sit down with the US architect and founder of Studio Gang, Jeanne Gang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We report from the CTBUH International Conference at London’s Barbican Centre where keynote speakers and city-building experts discuss how to do density better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petri Burtsoff tells the story of Havis Amanda, a beloved fountain and statue in Helsinki, which has recently been restored.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a tough time for downtown districts, we visit San Francisco and Seattle to find out how the urban centres are trying to encourage more footfall and appeal to the public during work and leisure hours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Logothetis visits the site of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous bed-in protest, where one of the most well-known protest songs was recorded.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look out for the oldest – and youngest – residents of our cities as we explore how design can combat loneliness among the elderly, and how children in Helsinki can learn while enjoying public playgrounds. We also check in with the originator of the ‘sponge city’ concept.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandy Sinclair explores the story of a disused rail station in the car capital of the US, which has been given a new lease of life by the automobile giant that calls Detroit home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the capital of Oman begins an era of urban expansion, we speak with the firm tasked with forming a plan for the region’s future growth. Then: we tackle some of the existential challenges facing our urban environments through a new book which places design and architecture in the driver’s seat for saving our cities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomos Lewis investigates how Russia’s embassy in Cuba has come to represent renewed ties between the two countries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore some summery stories as the season comes to a close in the Northern Hemisphere, including how ice-cream-shop owners and urbanists think alike, plans for regenerating London’s Crystal Palace Park and revitalisation efforts for India’s railway stations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liv Kessler explores the story behind a marvel of neofuturistic architecture stretching out across the water in São Paulo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does adaptive reuse differ around the globe? We speak to an expert to uncover how Africa does things differently when it comes to giving a building a second life. We also discuss the feeling of safety for women in cities by way of a recent study into our physical and emotional responses to urban environments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregory Scruggs takes us to a non-denominational chapel that has been a spiritual sanctuary and design lover's dream for decades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good journalism can have an effect on our cities’ quality of life. In this episode, we speak to a media company in the Philippines aiming to make Manila livable. We also visit a new waterfront park near the Port of Los Angeles and flick through the pages of Monocle’s mobility special issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guy De Launey tells us about a largely overlooked piece of Zagreb’s urban environment that was once home to an iconic Yugoslav newspaper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout history, kings and queens have commissioned buildings all around the world but just how much has their vision shaped the cities of today? We explore the new book, ‘Royalty and Architecture’, with its editor Clive Aslet. Plus: we visit a place that saw everything from coronations to royal funerals and check on the rebuilding efforts of Notre Dame five years on from a devastating fire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Stevens visits a historic part of Paris that has been a celebrated example of a mixed-use space for centuries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games can be a great catalyst for urban transformation. This week we report from the French capital as it plays host to the world to find out more about its green initiatives, housing policies and sustainable architecture. Plus: what sort of city will be left for Parisians once the Games leave town?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak with the landscape architect behind Brooklyn Bridge Park, one of New York’s most exciting public spaces. Plus: we see what makes a location liveable, from youth through to adulthood, by way of a recent survey on lifelong neighbourhoods in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Nelson takes us to one of the most intriguing monuments in the French capital, which puts into frame the beauty of Parisian architecture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘The Urbanist’ hosts three expert speakers at Saint-Gobain’s Paris headquarters – Pascal Eveillard, Petra Marko and Kelsea Crawford – to discuss the future of our built environment and how innovation can help us live more sustainably.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandy Sinclair takes us to a nocturnal preserve not far from the city centre of Kelowna, British Columbia, to find out why protecting the dark sky is so important.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We assemble ‘The Urbanist’ book club for another meeting as we browse books from the worlds of cycling, shopkeeping and the 15-minute city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Camille Rodríguez Montilla tells the story of a grand development in Caracas that is emblematic of Venezuela’s decades-long tale of boom and bust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at some research and developments that underline the need to support creative and cultural communities in urban areas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomás Pinheiro looks at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic numbered lifeguard stations and meets the communities surrounding them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We assess the future of the Turkish city of Antakya and delve into the proposed master plan that aims to rebuild the city following the catastrophic earthquakes that struck in February 2023.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Ruskin takes us to a postmodern, circus-tent-like event space that has been entertaining Berliners for decades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can floating cities be the solution to rising sea levels? Can architecture prepare in advance for coastal changes? We explore a few ways that our cities are, or should be, interacting with water. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Florian Siebeck visits a late-brutalist building that looms over the Frankfurt skyline to assess what’s next for this cultural monument.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we visit one of the jewels in west London’s cultural crown: Olympia. Then: we head to Dublin for a look at the latest in transport technology and we browse two projects in the US that are bringing biophilic design to residents and businesses alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carla Hyenne explores Astana, the recently minted capital of Kazakhstan, to see how the move has affected the city and the country as a whole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world continues to change at a rapid pace, what is the real-estate industry doing to address the challenges posed to cities by climate change, market fluctuations and geopolitical risks? This week we’re in Milan to discover how big players in the real-estate and architecture world are adapting to the demands for a more sustainable tomorrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guy de Launey looks at what the future holds for the largely dilapidated remains of the former Yugoslav Ministry of Defence building in Serbia’s capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we build better cities for future generations? This week we bring you a report from Bratislava, which recently played host to a two-day event bringing together mayors, policymakers, architects and business leaders to discuss how to create safer and greener cities, with children’s health in mind. A place that is designed with children at its core often ends up being more inclusive for all residents. So where do we begin?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandy Sinclair gets a read of the ancient Saudi Arabian city of AlUla by visiting its public library. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can urban predictability help us design, plan and build better cities? We examine the real-world lessons that can be taken from digital environments, visit an urban environment simulator and explore how predictive artificial intelligence can be a beneficial tool for municipalities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Logothetis visits one of New York’s oldest working hotels, which spawned the famous Algonquin Round Table, a who’s who of US literary elites.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final part of our series looking at conflict and the city, we discuss how design and soft power can influence peace negotiations and better bring about constructive conversation between opposing parties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special edition of the show marking its partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism. Robert Bound is joined by the chairman of the department, who discusses the latest developments at Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi and delves deeper into the fascinating world of this unique cultural hub. He also explains why it remains the perfect place to collaborate, create and innovate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Webb assesses the appeal of a historic wooden roller coaster that has just celebrated its 100th birthday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of our series looking at conflict and the city, we examine the concept of rebuilding, as well as how the character of the city plays a role in the process. Plus: how to create a new metropolis while showing compassion for the past.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomás Pinheiro tells us how Seoul’s first mixed-use development came about and the challenges that it will face in the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part one of our series looking at conflict and the city, we explore protests, their effect on the built environment and how activism is shaped by the public realm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we take the temperature of urban development in the US and check in with a few projects currently under way. We explore The Underline in Miami, Hazelwood Green in Pittsburgh, Detroit’s tallest skyscraper in 50 years and the transformation taking place in Queens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geetanjali Krishna touches down in Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport to experience the wonders of its verdant, new 255,000 sq m terminal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at democracy in urban areas and examine city planning and the impact of voter choice. How can decision making in cities become more open and inclusive? Plus: we go back to the beginning to discover how candidates secure a spot on the ballot paper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Grice recalls a fishy tale about the longest river in the British Isles, the Shannon in Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As global urban development continues at pace, the need to use sustainable materials and building techniques in our cities increases. How is innovation helping the construction industry to reduce its impact on the environment? We explore some of the ideas that are hoped to make a difference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivan Carvalho visits San Siro Stadium to see what is next for this storied piece of sporting infrastructure in Milan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore the newly transformed spaces in the historic Heal’s department store in London, investigate the new building frontiers required to tackle the Netherlands’ housing needs and find out what makes an effective innovation hub.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elna Schutz takes us to a Johannesburg institution that is almost as old as the city itself to see how the space has retained its classic charm while remaining relevant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few on-stage highlights from Monocle’s The Chiefs conference in Hong Kong, from Kevin Mark Low on architectural benchmarks and Noni Purnomo on tackling traffic to Yuta Oka on small-scale hospitality that revitalises communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petri Burtsoff takes us to an historic military fortress off the coast of Helsinki to see how Finns make use of the island today.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green thumbs can help to transform communities. We speak to an activist and horticulturist about how gardening has had a positive effect on his neighbourhood – and helped it to heal after tragedy. Then: we find out how two wintery countries encourage their citizens to take to two wheels, as well as what similarities they share. Plus: a look at a proposed tax designed to ensure that housing stock in Austria is utilised to its fullest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Wither explores the effect that the ‘Bulgur King’ had on Istanbul’s skyline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can sporting developments bring about community change and have a lasting legacy, while driving equality and protecting the environment? Our guests, Lindsay Johnston, Kevin Owens and Angus Campbell, discuss all of this and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandy Sinclair takes us on a tour through one of the Tenement Museum’s homes to tell the story of a New York couple from the 1860s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in Cannes to report from the world’s leading property fair, Mipim, where more than 20,000 property professionals have gathered to discuss the future of our cities and the built environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomas Pinheiro uncovers the layers of history in an Edo-period bridge in Tokyo that was overshadowed by an expressway in the 1960s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are in Dubai for the Sustainable Cities in Action Forum, which sees more than 500 guests discuss heat resilience, climate mitigation and adaptation in the Global South.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HJ Mai visits Eagle Pass to find out how the city has become the centre of the American border crisis, and how residents are dealing with the national spotlight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore two projects redefining urban areas, from a mega-development in an often overlooked area of London to a collection of groundbreaking projects in the suburbs of Helsinki.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Logothetis visits a tiny stretch of one street in New York, which is celebrated for its place in American music history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss some of the major urban challenges that face Los Angeles. We explore how the city administration and community are helping to overcome issues from extreme heat and drought to homelessness, affordable housing and, of course, traffic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Bridger takes us to an urban oasis in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the power of arts in our urban environment, from a lights festival in Singapore that connects people with the city-state’s public spaces, to a former train yard in Lausanne that has been transformed into a new arts neighbourhood. Plus: art fairs using neglected buildings and the role of temporary installations.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cornelius McGrath looks at what is next for a stumbling development on the banks of the Chicago river, reminiscent of New York’s famous Hudson Yards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look to the urban spaces below our feet, exploring the tunnels, passageways and even catacombs that exist under the buildings and roadways of our cities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Stevens assesses the intentions behind one of Copenhagen’s most innovative public square redesigns, 10 years on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can sports facilities drive social and economic change in our cities? This week, we look at how the humble basketball court can act as a community hub, hear about Las Vegas’s plan to become a sporting centre and explore how stadium design is becoming more inclusive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Grice explores the history of one of St Mark’s Square’s most intriguing adornments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are transit operators working to ensure rider safety when using public transport? We are in Canada to find out. Plus: an architecture film festival in Helsinki and a public debate on the lessons that our terrestrial cities can learn from space colonies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandy Sinclair explores the story behind the unique architecture and famed interiors of a Toronto church, and finds out what this building means to its neighbourhood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With more than 80 per cent of global GDP generated in cities, urban leaders need to be involved in conversations to ensure a more sustainable, resilient future. Monocle’s Carlota Rebelo reports from this year’s World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos to find out why cities are increasingly on the frontline of global challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomás Pinheiro discusses the legacy of Asia’s first world’s fair and what lies ahead for Osaka Expo 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss how a green future for cities is stopping us from loving our urban environments as they are. Plus: two new releases that find a consensus between officials from around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomos Lewis looks at the revitalisation of the Don river, which flows from Toronto’s ravine system into Lake Ontario.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, rounds up his favourite episodes of ‘Tall Stories’ from the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Logothetis takes us to a theatregoer’s dream on New York’s West 48th Street.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, looks back at some of his favourite interviews and reports from 2023 on ‘The Urbanist’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Urbanist team jumps feet first down the chimney and into the holiday season with a look at how our cities change at this time of year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Holland tells the story of one of New York’s most beloved festive traditions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We investigate what effect the urban environment has on city dwellers’ mental health – from high stress to increased isolation – and explore some of the ways in which cities can provide a solution to these problems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregory Scruggs takes us to one of the oldest libraries in the US to explore its fascinating role in Boston’s history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore how the age of technology is having an influence on our roads and how one country is trying to reduce its dependence on cars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carla Hyenne explores some of the Danish capital's blue spaces to find out just how important they are to residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the Small Cities Index from Monocle’s latest edition of ‘The Forecast’ and explore two different examples of adaptive reuse – one from Hamilton, Ontario, and another from London, UK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy Van Den Berg visits a failed project on England’s south coast to find out what the unsuccessful attraction means for the town.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Urban density is an inevitable issue for our cities. As more and more people move into urban areas, we need to know how to do density right and make it welcoming on a human scale. We report from the annual Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat conference, which this year has the theme of ‘Humanising High Density’, and we discuss the rerelease of a book from the 1920s extolling the virtues of a busy, bustling city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandy Sinclair meets Michele-Elise Burnett to take the tour that she created for the Niagara Glen park and trail system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being a young nation presents its own set of challenges but it also provides ample opportunity to innovate when thinking about the future of cities. We meet the CEO of URB, who’s dreaming up planet-friendly, utopian cityscapes, and tour Expo City Dubai to explore the site’s sustainable ambitions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lilian Fawcett looks at how Singapore’s only racecourse is being redeveloped to create space for more homes in this densely populated city state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can urban environments encourage city dwellers to be more active? From urban design to office architecture, we investigate some of the key players making an effort to keep people moving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Kramer takes us to one of the largest urban parks in the US to see how regeneration efforts are helping to bring the ecosystem back to life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss how hip-hop has improved cities around the world, explore plans for a new coastal-redevelopment megaproject in Athens and find out how to mitigate the effects of floods in our urban environments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Grice talks us through the dark side of history in Italy’s “floating city”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Carlota Rebelo reports from the Utopian Hours urbanism festival in Turin. We hear how a “disobedient picnic” ignited change in Brussels, tour the Royal Green Walk, talk about reclaiming the streets from cars and how timber can help build more sustainable cities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Logothetis takes a ferry to Fogo Island to explore how a remote inn is attracting tourists and supporting the local economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Carlota Rebelo reports from the World Economic Forum’s Urban Transformation Summit in Detroit. We hear about a new innovation district in Milan, Boston’s 24-hour city ambitions and the master plan for AlUla in Saudi Arabia. Plus: creating pocket forests and mobility in San Diego.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Bridger touches down at Zürich Airport and extols the virtues of a good Swiss welcome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with Saint-Gobain’s CEO, Benoit Bazin, to hear about his journey, passion for enhancing quality of life in our cities and how sustainability lives at the heart of everything the company does.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Cermak tells us about his favourite way to commute on work trips in New York and how the city has expanded its offering of commuter ferries. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to two city mayors, and one runner-up, about what their roles mean to them, what they’ve learned from their time in office and their ambitions for the cities that they call home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophie Monaghan-Coombs explores the relocation and renaming process ahead for the Museum of London. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We marvel at the beauty and utility of city metro systems from France to Nigeria. Plus, we explore what is happening below ground in SeattleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivan Carvalho takes us to California to visit the Sea Ranch Lodge – and the coastal community that inspired it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore how urban activism can help to save our cities, including one man who galvanised efforts in Ukraine to build back better and the battle against the redevelopment of a cultural hub in Helsinki.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bella Jewell explores Pietracamela, an Italian mountain town whose economy has been shaken by global warming and a lack of snow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore the unique challenges India faces as its cities grow and we investigate how mass-timber construction is gaining momentum in the UK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexei Korolyov visits the production facilities of a city-owned organic farming concept that has been established within Vienna’s city limits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We bring you exclusive interviews and highlights from the latest edition of the Monocle Quality of Life conference, which took place in Munich.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregory Scruggs tackles the Grouse Grind trail, one of Vancouver’s most fabled hikes and a boon to citizens’ quality of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To mark Monocle’s Quality of Life Conference in Munich, we explore the best urban happenings in the city from experiments in pedestrianisation to regeneration projects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Webb takes us to Munich’s best-known bar, where owner Charles Schumann is famous for cultivating exceptional hospitality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every ten years Switzerland builds a city within a city for ‘Badenfahrt’, the largest urban festival in the country. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, it’s more spectacular than ever and we tagged along to find out what goes behind an endeavour such as this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed Stocker takes us to a surprising wartime relic that he discovered on a recent walk through the streets of Hamburg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We cast our eyes across to the US to review some recent urbanism stories that have caught our attention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomás Pinheiro takes us to Auroville, an experimental township mostly in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, to see what lessons we can learn from this “laboratory for humanity”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We find out what major urban centres can learn from their smaller siblings. Plus, why two neighbouring cities have never merged despite their close vicinity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 store – HMV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Bridger investigates an audacious swimming pool in the south of France that has an interesting tale to tell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We call our summer meeting of The Urbanist book club with two titles that tell stories of American urbanisation, from the suburban boom and Asian immigration to the creation of Chicago’s iconic skyline.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mariella Bevan browses a historic library that is helping to preserve the written heritage of the Portuguese language in Brazil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore how designing with acoustics in mind can shape our urban environment and the effect of music spaces on a city’s social fabric.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy van den Berg explores a museum that’s bringing tourism back to the city in one of France’s most famous wine regions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Change is afoot in the Slovak capital. We meet Matus Vallo, Bratislava’s bass-playing architect mayor, and his unofficial network of urban change-makers to hear about the city’s renaissance. From improved public spaces to the restoration of neglected buildings, this is a city on the up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HJ Mai delves into the debate over what’s next for New York’s most emblematic sports and events venue.See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

As Toronto prepares for a snap mayoral election on 26 June, we explore the urban issues at stake and hear how the vote presents an opportunity for change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Logothetis explores the terraces and towers of Montreal’s most famous housing complex.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore some examples of adaptive reuse that are transforming old transit hubs – and designing new ones. Plus: the annual European Tramdriver Championship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomos Lewis assesses plans for Toronto’s iconic waterfront entertainment space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We assess some novel city plans and the obstacles that they have to overcome, from safer autonomous cars to dying downtown cores. We then look at what happens when the best features in a design phase are ignored once built.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isabella Jewell explores how colonialism shaped the distinctly Italian architecture of the Eritrean capital. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sadie Morgan discusses the shortlist for the forthcoming Davidson Prize, how our cities can help rough sleepers and how good planning can improve every aspect of urban life, from housing to infrastructure. Plus: a look at Los Angeles’s solutions to homelessness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petri Burtsoff takes us to one of Alvar Aalto’s most famous buildings: a modernist demonstration of what mass housing was lacking at the time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cities around the world are making commitments to reduce their net carbon emissions to zero. But what are the steps being taken to ensure this goal is achieved, and who is leading the race towards a greener urban future?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paige Reynolds visits a relic of Berlin’s infrastructure that speaks to our cities’ less automated histories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Chris Cermak reports from the Professionalizing Law Enforcement-Community Engagement Training Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, to explore how police can better interact with the communities they serve and gain their trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Cermak looks into the local Chicago history that is invoked by his relatively rare surname.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special roundtable discussion, The Urbanist debates what is best for our grand old department stores. Should they be revitalised, repurposed or removed? Henrietta Billings from SAVE Britain’s Heritage and Toby Pentecost of the property developer Candour join us to consider the options.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Stevens investigates a particularly well-choreographed way to cross the road.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore the virtues of second cities as master-plan test-beds, speak to a Ukrainian mayor hoping to build back better after the war and look into how virtual reality can improve the way our buildings sound.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conor Faulkner visits the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia’s best-known piece of modern architecture, to explain its bumpy creation story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore some of the promising plans and inspiring ideas for our cities that we have heard while floating around the exhibition halls of this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah Lucinda Smith admires a beautiful piece of telecommunications infrastructure in the hills of Istanbul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We convene another meeting of the Urbanist Book Club to highlight two titles that have caught our eye: ‘Carmageddon’ by Daniel Knowles and ‘Why Public Space Matters’ by Setha Low.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Bridger takes a trip down a historical trade route where the driving conditions are often as extreme and wild as the surrounding landscape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Ed Stocker explores his adopted home of Milan to find out what the future holds for the city. From new metro infrastructure to a sweep of new buildings and neighbourhoods – big-name architects, planners and developers have plenty planned for the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Tuck peers inside one of Palma’s many shuttered courtyards to reveal a breathtaking property ordinarily concealed from public view. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re shining a light on Sweden – a country that dares to take urban experimentation to the next level. We visit an exciting community project in Duved, explore the architectural variety of Linköping and hear why Helsingborg is a cycling mecca. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregory Scruggs talks us through the various ways that Park Strip has been used since the birth of Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geetanjali Krishna visits the so-called “healthiest building in Delhi” to find out how greenery is helping to fight back against air pollution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Logothetis explores the story of Cold War Canada through an extensive network of tunnels and offices built beneath a farming community in Western Ottawa in the 1960s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is it like to live in a communist-run city? For residents of Austria’s second city of Graz, that question ceased being hypothetical in 2021 when Elke Kahr of the Communist Party of Austria was sworn in as mayor. In this special edition of The Urbanist, Monocle’s Alexei Korolyov ventures to Graz to see how its unique leadership is affecting citizens’ lives, and whether communist stigmas still loom large. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivan Carvalho visits Porto’s much-loved Mercado do Bolhão to uncover the legacy of an urban landmark that continues to bring residents together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since opening to the public in 2009, New York’s High Line has inspired cities the world over. We explore the route of what’s set to be the Camden Highline, walk along Singapore’s Rail Corridor and return to the original. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Cermak looks at the meteorological powers of a particular Pennsylvania groundhog and the annual celebrations that take place in the town of Punxsutawney to mark his famous forecast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How has the way in which we perceive our parks changed and how have planners adjusted to our current needs? We explore examples of well-considered green space and ponder what’s next for the park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hester Underhill explores how the metro system beneath Canada’s second-largest city, and its collection of stunning mid-century designed stations, came to be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Cermak, Monocle’s Washington correspondent, reports on the US Conference of Mayors. The meeting is an opportunity for local leaders to get together and share best practices – but also for the federal government to show that it values mayors and the power they have over the future of their cities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Chambers ponders the next steps for Taiwan’s parliament building – a centre for the island’s strong democracy famous for its verbal, and occasionally physical, bust-ups. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Carlota Rebelo reports on the urban trends that will shape our world in 2023 from this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos. We hear from Jeff Merritt, Iryna Ozymok, Tollulah Oni, Diane Binder and Carlo Ratti.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomos Lewis investigates how the redesign of Miami’s very own version of Muscle Beach is working out for local residents. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the biggest issues facing our cities in the year ahead? We visit five urban centres around the world to find out what’s predicted for the coming 12 months and brainstorm solutions for city halls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Louis Allen takes us to a centuries-old building that still stands in London’s Brixton neighbourhood to this day and which is emblematic of the area’s agrarian past.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, looks back at his favourite episodes of ‘Tall Stories’ from 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucinda Elliott visits a palace in downtown Buenos Aires originally designed to provide safe drinking water for the city’s residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s editor in chief Andrew Tuck recalls some of his favourite interviews and reports from the year on ‘The Urbanist’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We visit Europe’s best Christmas market in Tallinn, discover a US town that has been dubbed “Christmas City” since the 1930s and get a letter from our resident grinch, Andrew Mueller. Plus: Andrew Tuck and Carlota Rebelo go head-to-head in our second annual quiz: festive edition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What were the biggest wins in the world of urbanism over the past 12 months? With the help of our global correspondents, we get a view from around the world about some of this year’s successes in planning, architecture and civic leadership, and what they mean for their cities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Sands takes us to a puppet theatre that is currently moored in London’s Little Venice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creating cities that are truly open requires the perspectives of the entire community. We speak to two promoters of the democratisation of urban design – Gail Shillingford of B+H Architects and Deborah Saunt of architecture, urban design and spatial research studio DSDHA – who explain how to build environments that are truly open for everyone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naomi Xu Elegant explores one of Singapore’s most distinctive multi-use tower blocks and contemplates the building’s future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss temporary urban interventions with Petra Marko, author of ‘Meanwhile City’, and visit one of the pop-up projects that it describes. We also look at Bozeman, Montana, to see how it found itself in Monocle’s Small Cities Index in the latest edition of ‘The Forecast’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Bridger tells us the story of a beloved and iconic feature of the Boston skyline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s ahead for the way in which we get around in cities? We stop at Comotion LA to explore some new ideas and take a trip to San Diego to see how we can bolster the existing bus network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tamsin Howard visits a concert hall in the Icelandic capital that tells the tales of the surrounding culture and landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While much focus has been on nations and their commitments to curb emissions, cities have long been at the forefront of green innovation and clean mobility. Monocle’s Carlota Rebelo reports from Cop27 in Egypt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist HJ Mai assesses how the US city in the desert, perhaps best known for excess, has become a role model for others during the ongoing water crisis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One person’s rubbish is another person’s treasure. This week we meet Vienna’s refuse collectors, Istanbul’s ‘eskicis’ and hear how Zagreb and Belgrade are addressing visual pollution in their cities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geetanjali Krishna investigates how India’s Pink City got its name, and what effect the rosy hue has on residents today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cities are better when shared. We look into The Phoenix, a new sustainable neighbourhood planned for the south of England; talk about co-operative housing in Zürich; and stop by a new co-living complex in Leuven. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivan Carvalho visits a Louis Kahn-designed laboratory that exemplifies science and aesthetics cohabiting in harmony.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We check in on a few of the mayoral races taking place in North America that have caught our attention recently and speak to an incumbent mayor whose city plays a role in US national elections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guy De Launey visits a crater-like site in his neighbourhood that has become a showcase for sustainable construction techniques.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We wrap up our conference season at Utopian Hours festival in the north of Italy, where we get urban inspiration from seven speakers and investigate why Turin has seen a burst of creative city building in recent years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Logothetis visits one of Madrid’s historic skyscrapers, recently reborn as a hotel after laying dormant for more than a decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We reflect on what we learned at this year’s Bloomberg Citylab conference in Amsterdam – from the right to protest and shade equity to cycling infrastructure and the power of local government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Holland visits a converted factory space in a historically working-class neighbourhood of Mexico City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We assess the challenges ahead for cities as global temperatures continue to rise and some of the ways we hope to mitigate against the sweltering heat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Sands visits Monaco to see how the tiny principality with a big reputation for motor racing is affected by its annual race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are in Prague, where mayors, government officials and international agencies gathered to discuss assistance to Ukraine and postwar rebuilding. Plus: the annual meeting of the Pact of Free Cities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucinda Elliott is in Quito to see how a new swathe of skyscrapers by a collection of international ‘starchitects’ is changing the Ecuadorian capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kick off our unofficial conference season on The Urbanist in Berlin for Innotrans 2022, where we catch up with experts, exhibitors and enthusiasts to find out what’s next in the world of transport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mueller explores the miles-long queue – the most British of tributes – that wound its way through the streets of London as Queen Elizabeth II lay in state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at some of the ways that research and technology can help to remove barriers in our cities, to make them more accessible to all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sally Howard describes the ups and downs of one of Europe’s long-standing amusement parks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We investigate how water interacts with populations around the globe and how cities have learnt to work with it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomos Lewis marks the end of summer in North America with a trip to Toronto’s beloved city-side archipelago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore why it’s so important to be critical about our urban environment, as we delve into the world of architecture-and-design criticism to see how it helps us to better understand and form the cities we live in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian Green investigates how Copenhagen avoided plans to pave over their city lakes to make more room for the car, and ended up as one of the world’s most cycle friendly centres.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We travel to Ukraine to listen to the stories of its people and witness a nation preparing for a better future. In part two of our report, we visit two cities near opposite borders – Chernihiv close to Belarus and Chernivtsi near Romania. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivan Carvalho reveals the story behind one of the San Francisco skyline’s defining skyscrapers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We travel to Ukraine to listen to the stories of its people and witness a nation that truly embodies the word resilience. In part one of our report, we look at local government: running a city is challenging at the best of times, let alone during a war. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We travel to Ukraine to listen to the stories of its people and witness a nation that truly embodies the word resilience. In part one of our report, we look at local government: running a city is challenging at the best of times, let alone during a war. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maja Renfer visits the banks of the Rhine in Basel to explore a once-bustling industrial area that has been claimed by both the public and developers alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We consider the empty space above the buildings in our cities and how best to utilise it. Plus: a look at London’s protected views. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Henry Rees-Sheridan looks at how Northern Ireland is seeking to move beyond its history of sectarian conflict by confronting the related murals that dot the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle's editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, hops on an eastbound Elizabeth-line train with industrial designer Julian Maynard for a tour of the newest addition to London’s transport network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia Webster Ayuso takes a stroll through the centuries-old palm grove woven into the history of the Spanish city of Elche.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final part of our summer series uncovering the legacies of the biggest names in architecture, city planning and design, we focus on the late British-Iraqi architect, artist and designer Zaha Hadid. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Chambers takes us to Hong Kong’s premier venue, which is playing host to the city’s most famous pop group in a series of shows this summer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petri Burtsoff tells us the story of one of the most iconic features of the Helsinki skyline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part three of our summer series covering the legacies of the biggest names in architecture, city planning and design, we explore the influence of Japanese master architect Kenzō Tange. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of our summer series uncovering the legacies of the biggest names in architecture, city planning and design, we look at the pioneering work of Argentina’s Odilia Suárez. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Tuck ponders the light and shade of the modern metropolis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part one of our summer series uncovering the legacies of the biggest names in architecture, city planning and design, we take inspiration from Catalan icon Antoni Gaudí. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geetanjali Krishna takes us to the narrow lanes leading to the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi to investigate how best they can hold on to their heritage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not only do festivals bring culture and fun to urban areas but they can also be the driving force behind regeneration – or even grow to define a city. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Stevens stops off in one of London’s lesser-known public parks to visit an unassuming memorial with countless stories to tell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can we learn from observing our cities from above? This week we take to the skies, as we talk to veteran British Airways long-haul pilot Mark Vanhoenacker about his new book, ‘Imagine a City’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian Green visits a new town development in Copenhagen that is struggling to develop a personality of its own and a sense of place for its residents. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore Monocle magazine’s annual Quality of Life Survey to find out what makes the winning cities tick. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophie Monaghan-Coombs takes a ride on the Mail Rail, which delivered letters beneath the feet of Londoners until the early 2000s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We bring you exclusive interviews and highlights from the latest edition of Monocle’s Quality of Life Conference, which took place this year in Paris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Holland paddles between Xochimilco’s Chinampas to explore this centuries old agricultural technique that is helping to feed the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we hone in on the French capital and what makes it tick. We meet the team at PCA-Stream architects working on the revamp of the Champs-Élysées, discover the Promeneurs de la Petite Ceinture and explore what gives Paris its joie de vivre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sally Howard heads to Paris to visit an iconic bookshop where, for decades, aspiring writers have been able to find both inspiration and accommodation among its shelves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What will the cities of the future look like? Monocle’s Carlota Rebelo reports from this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos to find out more about the global urban agenda. Hear from Yulia Klymenko, Kristiina Siilin, Miami mayor Francis Suarez, Alice Charles, Coen van Oostrom and Thomas Ermacora. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Olga Tokariuk returns to Kyiv to assess the current state of day-to-day life after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We report from the international horticultural show that takes place in the Netherlands every 10 years. Once it wraps up, the 60-hectare site will be adapted to become a fully functioning new part of the city of Almere. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Stevens heads to the Catalan capital of Barcelona to visit a historic building that offers a fresh perspective on one of its long-hidden façades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in Brussels reporting from the Urban Land Institute’s Europe Conference and Young Leaders Forum to explore the emerging trends for cities and what comes next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samson Mbogo visits Kenya’s Fort Jesus, a Unesco heritage site that is both a major tourist attraction and a symbol of a much darker history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We flick through a few city snapshots and discuss some stories that we have been following from around the globe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Ivan Carvalho looks at a remarkable piece of architecture designed by Lina Bo Bardi, whose efforts to preserve an oil-drum factory in the middle of Brazil’s biggest city resulted in a refined design that meets the needs of the community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the different ways in which cities are bringing innovative designs to their new housing stock to ensure that growing urban populations have a place that they can be proud to call home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geetanjali Krishna looks at the Red Fort in Delhi – and the claim to its ownership by a woman purporting to be the oldest surviving descendant of India’s last Mughal emperor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.