Kohei Take
Grass is greener
Portugal’s capital is not known as a green city but a bold redevelopment is turning wastelands into spectacular parks. We speak to councillor José Sá Fernandes about his vision to link up Lisbon’s greenery.
Transport design: full steam ahead
Japan’s long-distance trains are entering a new era of luxury and innovation. Monocle visits the industrial and interior designers who are redefining train travel.
Willing and able
We meet the volunteer firefighters in Tokyo, coastguards in Stockholm and medical workers in Jerusalem who provide their enthusiastic and expert services for the common good, keeping their fellow citizens safe.
Signs of the times
Our favourite city design details, from hanging lamps in Copenhagen to neon signs in Warsaw.
Start small: Design villages
The rural communities that have built on their craft heritage to stay relevant in an urbanised world.
Out on a limb
Precisely nipped and tucked, Kiiya’s handmade mannequins are head and shoulders above the rest.
Expo 92: What’s in store?
Tokyo’s Isetan department store finds success by treating customers like royalty and turning shopping into an experience. Monocle hands over its credit card to a kimono-clad sales associate.
At your service: Finnair Flight Academy
Countries are investing in tourism beyond just hotels and restaurants. Meet the next generation of maître d’s, waiters and flight attendants learning the fine art of hospitality at the world’s best schools.
At your service: Brunico Hotel School
The tourism industry is expanding beyond hotels and restaurants. We meet the next generation of hospitality professionals enrolling in the world's best schools to learn the fine art of flawless service.
Mucho gusto: Instituto Cervantes
Spain is doing an eloquent job of selling itself around the world by using its language to introduce people to its customs. We meet the Madrid and Tokyo branches of the Instituto Cervantes.
