

The Urbanist
Monocle
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 7, 2025 • 7min
Tall Stories 466: Supreme Court Building, Washington
Charlotte McDonald-Gibson explains the design secrets and quirks behind this neoclassical US Supreme Court Building in Washington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 3, 2025 • 31min
‘Designing the American Century’ & ‘Women Architects at Work’
Thomas J. Campanella, a historian at Cornell, discusses the overlooked contributions of women in architecture and urban design. Mary Ann Hunting and Kevin D. Murphy explore how pioneers like Eleanor Raymond shattered barriers in a male-dominated field. They highlight impactful collaborations and the legacy of female architects who shaped modernism. The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing hidden histories and the evolving representation of women in architecture, inviting listeners to appreciate diversity in urbanism.

Jun 30, 2025 • 8min
Tall Stories 465: Kupari Resort
Guy De Launey, a writer and expert on urban transformation, dives into the captivating history of Kupari Resort, once the gem of the Adriatic coast. He shares its descent from a beloved tourist spot to a haunting symbol of conflict and decay. The conversation touches on its intriguing role in film history and the hurdles involved in its planned revival. De Launey's insights illuminate the complex interplay of architecture, war, and the hopes for regeneration in a site scarred by its past.

Jun 26, 2025 • 31min
Swimmable Cities Summit: Urban waterways as an indicator for quality of life
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.

Jun 23, 2025 • 7min
Tall Stories 464: Cardiff Bay Opera House
Henry Rees-Sheridan recalls what became of Zaha Hadid’s plans for the Cardiff Bay Opera House.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 19, 2025 • 47min
Live from the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit
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.

Jun 16, 2025 • 7min
Tall Stories 463: Rannahotell, Pärnu
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.

Jun 12, 2025 • 31min
Urbanism through a different lens
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.

Jun 9, 2025 • 6min
Tall Stories 462: Raj Mandir Cinema, Jaipur
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.

Jun 6, 2025 • 50min
Live from Ned’s Club in London: Quality of Life edition
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.