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

Gustavo Ocando Alex tells the story of the Maracaibo Metro, which has garnered a particularly diminutive nickname thanks to its limited coverage – the result of a lack of funding and alleged corruption.

Gustavo Ocando Alex tells the story of the Maracaibo Metro, which has garnered a particularly diminutive nickname thanks to its limited coverage &ndash; the result of a lack of funding and alleged corruption.

Tall Stories 497: Maracaibo's modest Metro system

Training our lens on Toronto, we look at Pinnacle Skytower, one of its newest skyscrapers; explore Indigenous Hub, a new mixed-use development; and learn about Frank Darling, an architectural icon of the city.

Training our lens on Toronto, we look at Pinnacle Skytower, one of its newest skyscrapers; explore Indigenous Hub, a new mixed-use development; and learn about Frank Darling, an architectural icon of the city.

North America’s fastest-growing city: How Toronto is taking shape

Alexei Korolyov visits a key work of Viennese modernism by Austrian design icon Josef Frank, which has been reopened after a five-year restoration.

Alexei Korolyov visits a key work of Viennese modernism by Austrian design icon Josef Frank, which has been reopened after a five-year restoration.

Materials matter

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