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Forbidden cities

In Damascus, there are places that appear untouched by Syria’s civil war. But in cities such as Aleppo and Homs, the destruction is overwhelming. Among the rubble, people try to patch up homes and lives – and long for a return to normality.
Bay watch

The Ocean State has become a hub for defence businesses that are helping to lift its economy out of the red and into the blue.
Up in the air

As airlines and aviation bodies commit to a future without fossil fuels, the search for alternative, sustainable sources of power is in full flight. Monocle meets some of the sector’s key innovators.
Plane sight

Business aviation is innovating at speed. Ahead of Ebace, the sector’s key trade fair, we spot the high fliers.
Sharpen up

By listening to its customers, pencil-maker Viarco has secured global fans and healthy profits.
In the picture

From expanding gallery superbrands to a south Asian completist and a striking alfresco sculpture collection, our bumper art special puts the sector’s key players into perspective. We discuss the finer details with some of the moment’s most exciting artists and curators and outline the broad brushstrokes on show at the world’s brightest galleries. Plus: a six-page guide to Art Basel.
City in the frame

To maintain its world-leading position, the Swiss city’s art fair must find new ways to evolve. Here the key players talk creation, curation and community building.
Telling storeys

Themed ‘The Laboratory of the Future’, the International Architecture Exhibition returns to Venice this year. We meet the professionals breaking new ground
Family unit

Refusing to be derailed by natural disasters and ever-rising costs, Samantha Mink’s architectural debut is a remarkable and liveable modernist home for her parents.
Outer space

By adding satellites to its distinctive 1960s spaceship design, Nouvelles Galeries has reestablished connections with its host city.
Fair assessment

Following the latest successful edition of the planet’s premier furniture fair, we sit around the table to select the 15 designers, firms and pieces that caught our eye at Salone del Mobile.
Nose for business

Fragrance and fashion firm Puig has become a powerful luxury group. Its CEO reveals how he discovered the sweet smell of success.
Soul supplier

A decade after starting Mouki Mou in the UK, Maria Lemos has opened an outpost in the Greek capital.
Gardening leave

Whether you plan to spend summer on the beach or in the garden, your wardrobe will benefit from these eco-chic collections. From rugged jackets to cotton T-shirts and sporty watches – plus some tote bags to pack them in – these pieces are made with sustainability in mind.

Inventory: Fast food / Global

Quick smart

Greasy, moreish and always delicious, a new generation of restaurants is sating customers’ hunger for a fast and filling bite. We meet three ventures that are turning tasty and timely takeaways into a fine art.

Tried and trusted

Foxtrot, Chicago

It’s sometimes said that every overnight success is a decade in the making. As Chicago’s convenience-store-cum-café Foxtrot proves after 10 years in the business, sometimes it also takes time to get the recipe right.