The Urbanist

Paul Steinbrook, co-founder of Pool is Cool, advocates for making Brussels’ waterways swimmable, emphasizing that access to clean water is vital for urban quality of life. At the Swimmable Cities Summit in Rotterdam, he discusses global efforts to revitalize urban waterways, transforming them into community assets. Topics include the FLOW project’s participatory design approach and citizen initiatives like the rehabilitation of Johannesburg's Jukeske River. Steinbrook highlights the environmental and social benefits of swimming in urban spaces, fostering community engagement and ecological sustainability.

Henry Rees-Sheridan recalls what became of Zaha Hadid’s plans for the Cardiff Bay Opera House.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From inclusive neighbourhoods and climate-resilient design to mobility and destination development, we explore how infrastructure is being redefined – not just as roads and bridges, but as a tool for better living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Petri Burtsov, a writer for Monocle, as he explores the timeless charm of Rannahotel in Pärnu, Estonia. Built in 1937, this architectural gem showcases the functionalist style and symbolizes Estonia's rich cultural history. Petri discusses how the hotel has preserved the nation’s memories and continues to be a beacon of Estonian identity. Discover the stories woven into its walls and the significance of architectural heritage in shaping a nation’s resilience.

We look at urbanism from different lenses, from a neighbourhood built on independent brands to a view on how the architecture field can innovate. And: what is ‘The Design Perspective’?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the enchanting world of Rajmandir Cinema in Jaipur, celebrating its 50-year legacy. Discover how this ornate theater continues to captivate audiences, offering a nostalgic film experience that rivals modern multiplexes. Delve into its vibrant history and the cultural significance it holds for cinema lovers, showcasing the enduring charm of traditional movie-going in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.

Monocle magazine’s editor, Josh Fehnert, is joined by editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, foreign editor, Alexis Self, and senior foreign correspondent, Carlota Rebelo, to discuss what makes a city truly liveable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore an innovative pay-to-grow scheme that is helping to encourage tree growth in Sierra Leone’s capital city. Plus, Stockholm’s Battle of the Elms and making a greener Denver.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elena Kuji Buteică guides us through Casa Vintilă Brătianu’s storied past and the careful restoration turning it into a space for community and public life in the heart of the Romanian capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We recap the successes of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial. Plus: worker housing in Saudi Arabia and a new urban-farming development in London’s Canada Water district.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.