How can the materials with which we choose to build affect the economics, sustainability and resilience of our built environment? We explore the material world through a recent title about available resources, an explainer on using soil for structures and a visit to the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems.

How can the materials with which we choose to build affect the economics, sustainability and resilience of our built environment? We explore the material world through a recent title about available resources, an explainer on using soil for structures and a visit to the world&rsquo;s leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems.

With an influential audience of city mayors, urban planners and architects, this is Monocle’s guide to making better cities, be it new technology, state-of-the-art subways or compact apartments. Nominee in the Smartest Podcast category of the 2019 British Podcast awards. 

With an influential audience of city mayors, urban planners and architects, this is Monocle’s guide to making better cities, be it new technology, state-of-the-art subways or compact apartments. Nominee in the Smartest Podcast category of the 2019 British Podcast awards.

The Urbanist

Materials matter

Sophie Monaghan-Coombs learns about Undercroft Skate Space, a venue that has been central to the London skateboarding scene over the past half century.

Sophie Monaghan-Coombs learns about Undercroft Skate Space, a venue that has been central to the London skateboarding scene over the past half century.

Tall Stories 511: 50 years of London’s Undercroft Skate Space

We learn how one strategist is exporting Swedish fika values to help put city planners on the same page. We also hear about Hungary’s push to revive its urban green commons and how Turku Cathedral locks its doors.

We learn how one strategist is exporting Swedish fika values to help put city planners on the same page. We also hear about Hungary&rsquo;s push to revive its urban green commons and how Turku Cathedral locks its doors.

How Sweden’s ‘fika’ mentality can improve city planning

Stefan Dubowski takes us to the beaches of Taiwan’s Wanli district to see a largely abandoned collection of futuristic abodes.

Stefan Dubowski takes us to the beaches of Taiwan&rsquo;s Wanli district to see a largely abandoned collection of futuristic abodes.

Materials matter

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The Urbanist

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