Editor’s Letter
Seismic news stories are encouraging focused designers, civic leaders and even train builders to pick up speed as they seek to transform our future for the better. Andrew Tuck introduces an issue filled with wise plans, handsome solutions and a special rescue dog.The Opener
Speaking in tongues, secretly coded coins, spruiking Seoul and why learning a dialect can help you stay in the black.Observation: Dinner with an MP
Politician Anders Adlercreutz invites voters to dinner – and there’s plenty to chew over.Observation: Reptile rescue
The weird and wonderful creatures of Singapore often get stuck. We meet the team that helps them out.The view from: Naoto Fukasawa
One of Japan’s most revered creatives explains why it’s important to ‘elevate the ordinary’ by celebrating the beauty of everyday items.
In the swing
The stories you should be paying attention to – and the ones you might have missed.Affairs
Berlin mayor Franziska Giffey, a dating app for US conservatives and Andrew Mueller on the new populists.Business
Swedish autonomous electric truck company Einride, indigenous-led housing developments in Canada and the Japan Fashion Colour Association.Culture
Designing a successful publisher in South Korea, an artsy addition to Paris’s scene and a hot new cinema opening in New York.Urbanism & Design
An international group of architects working for the public in Mexico City and the world’s first fully collapsible stadium, built for Qatar 2022.
Who’s keeping the lights on?
As prices skyrocket and pipelines mysteriously explode, the folly of Europe’s over-dependence on fossil fuels, especially those imported from Russia, is being revealed and punished. With autumn turning to winter, Monocle visits the people, places and companies forging the continent a way out of the energy crisis.Finding Nebo
In our October issue last year, we ran a diary of the fall of Kabul. In passing, our author mentioned a personal footnote – a dog lost. This is what happened next.Up in the air
Big-name architects are helping to transform Ecuador’s capital – but do its residents want the high life?Back on track
The rail industry is abuzz with chatter of a golden age of trains. Monocle takes a prime seat at trade fair Innotrans to gauge the direction of travel.Is the way we work really changing?
The nature of work is constantly evolving and what labour will look like in the future is one of the biggest questions facing architects, employers and educators today. Here, our learned panel unpicks some of the issues that our workforce will face in the years to come.Glass half full
Despite pandemic woes and the loss of the Russian market, the CEO of Pernod Ricard is upbeat – it’s all just part of business life, he says, and there’s always another opportunity around the corner.Common currency
Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo has embarked on a mergers and acquisition programme with cultural clout, turning prestigious buildings in Milan, Turin and Vicenza into the Gallerie d’Italia – public art museums displaying the bank’s large collection of pieces. Its new Neapolitan site is a timely reminder of the mutually beneficial relationship between art and finance.In full flow
A merger between two televisual giants is offering the Spanish-speaking world a streaming service to rival Netflix. Could the next ‘Squid Game’ be filmed in the shadows of the Sierra Madre?Move closer
From a Canadian popstar’s emotional return to a beloved portraitist’s political roots, we survey the season’s cultural highlights.Remote chance
Amid the harsh landscape near Australia’s Bass Strait, a farmhouse offers intimacy and true escape.Hidden treasures
On a quiet residential street in Japan’s historic capital stands a living monument to the city’s coveted craft traditions.Inner sanctum
As we sink into cosy armchairs, switch on lamps and rethink our work set-ups, we pick out the latest pieces that promise comfort and warmth.Bright sparks
There are companies out there that take lighting very, very seriously – and rightly so. Good lighting isn’t just important for aesthetic purposes; it can also help to boost our mood and even our health. Here’s how.Basic instinct
Architecture practice Studio KO favours simple methods and materials, even when they’re working with star clients.Community centre
Burkinabè architect Diébédo Francis Kéré sees his projects as hubs for nearby residents, even enlisting their help to build them.Double vision
Sydney Modern will be the city’s largest cultural opening since the its iconic opera house. We meet the duo behind the design.Blurred lines
A meeting of minds for workplace-furniture titan MillerKnoll is seeing the firm expanding ever more into employees’ homes. Is this the future of the office?Meet the family
Picks from The Monocle Shop.Making history
Following its founding principle of ‘craft in motion’, Italian luxury house Bottega Veneta is combining artisanal tradition and a playful sense of modernity to stake its place in fashion’s highest echelons.Hammer time
Bulgari has become a major player in luxury timepieces. Monocle meets its watch-making team to find out what makes them tick.Wearing in
From the very best in running gear (and running routes) to hip fashion meccas in the coolest part of town, via snug and stylish shoes and eye-catching accessories, our global gamut of gear is sure to fit right in with your autumnal adventures.Layer up
As the air chills, outerwear comes into its own. Match coats and jackets of all hues and fabrics with fun and functional accessories to keep you warm on the go.
Star stays
In our bumper hospitality round-up, we visit new openings from Berlin to Oslo, celebrate an illustrious Japanese resort and sample dishes in Singapore and São Paulo. Where will you stay next?Counter culture
From a good looking optician’s with vision and Tsutaya’s first outpost in southeast Asia to a cosy homeware shop in Milan, we profile the latest places to fill your tote.Style and substance
Objects of desire that are good-looking as well as high-functioning, including a smartwatch with panache, the new iPhone and two handsome music players.Baked good
The Porto bakery that packs its sourdough brioche with port-soaked raisins.
Looking to kit out your home, office or hotel for the colder months ahead? Look no further than our Design Top 20, with furniture finds, inspiring interiors and insights from key industry leaders. Plus: who will be keeping the lights on this winter, the rail industry gets back on track and a hotel special featuring openings from Manhattan to Hakone.
Issue 158
November 2022
At the front
Editor’s Letter
Seismic news stories are encouraging focused designers, civic leaders and even train builders to pick up speed as they seek to transform our future for the better. Andrew Tuck introduces an issue filled with wise plans, handsome solutions and a special rescue dog.The Opener
Speaking in tongues, secretly coded coins, spruiking Seoul and why learning a dialect can help you stay in the black.Observation: Dinner with an MP
Politician Anders Adlercreutz invites voters to dinner – and there’s plenty to chew over.Observation: Reptile rescue
The weird and wonderful creatures of Singapore often get stuck. We meet the team that helps them out.The view from: Naoto Fukasawa
One of Japan’s most revered creatives explains why it’s important to ‘elevate the ordinary’ by celebrating the beauty of everyday items.
The Agenda: Global briefings
In the swing
The stories you should be paying attention to – and the ones you might have missed.Affairs
Berlin mayor Franziska Giffey, a dating app for US conservatives and Andrew Mueller on the new populists.Business
Swedish autonomous electric truck company Einride, indigenous-led housing developments in Canada and the Japan Fashion Colour Association.Culture
Designing a successful publisher in South Korea, an artsy addition to Paris’s scene and a hot new cinema opening in New York.Urbanism & Design
An international group of architects working for the public in Mexico City and the world’s first fully collapsible stadium, built for Qatar 2022.
Global views: Long reads
Who’s keeping the lights on?
As prices skyrocket and pipelines mysteriously explode, the folly of Europe’s over-dependence on fossil fuels, especially those imported from Russia, is being revealed and punished. With autumn turning to winter, Monocle visits the people, places and companies forging the continent a way out of the energy crisis.Finding Nebo
In our October issue last year, we ran a diary of the fall of Kabul. In passing, our author mentioned a personal footnote – a dog lost. This is what happened next.Up in the air
Big-name architects are helping to transform Ecuador’s capital – but do its residents want the high life?Back on track
The rail industry is abuzz with chatter of a golden age of trains. Monocle takes a prime seat at trade fair Innotrans to gauge the direction of travel.Is the way we work really changing?
The nature of work is constantly evolving and what labour will look like in the future is one of the biggest questions facing architects, employers and educators today. Here, our learned panel unpicks some of the issues that our workforce will face in the years to come.Glass half full
Despite pandemic woes and the loss of the Russian market, the CEO of Pernod Ricard is upbeat – it’s all just part of business life, he says, and there’s always another opportunity around the corner.Common currency
Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo has embarked on a mergers and acquisition programme with cultural clout, turning prestigious buildings in Milan, Turin and Vicenza into the Gallerie d’Italia – public art museums displaying the bank’s large collection of pieces. Its new Neapolitan site is a timely reminder of the mutually beneficial relationship between art and finance.In full flow
A merger between two televisual giants is offering the Spanish-speaking world a streaming service to rival Netflix. Could the next ‘Squid Game’ be filmed in the shadows of the Sierra Madre?Move closer
From a Canadian popstar’s emotional return to a beloved portraitist’s political roots, we survey the season’s cultural highlights.Remote chance
Amid the harsh landscape near Australia’s Bass Strait, a farmhouse offers intimacy and true escape.Hidden treasures
On a quiet residential street in Japan’s historic capital stands a living monument to the city’s coveted craft traditions.Inner sanctum
As we sink into cosy armchairs, switch on lamps and rethink our work set-ups, we pick out the latest pieces that promise comfort and warmth.Bright sparks
There are companies out there that take lighting very, very seriously – and rightly so. Good lighting isn’t just important for aesthetic purposes; it can also help to boost our mood and even our health. Here’s how.Basic instinct
Architecture practice Studio KO favours simple methods and materials, even when they’re working with star clients.Community centre
Burkinabè architect Diébédo Francis Kéré sees his projects as hubs for nearby residents, even enlisting their help to build them.Double vision
Sydney Modern will be the city’s largest cultural opening since the its iconic opera house. We meet the duo behind the design.Blurred lines
A meeting of minds for workplace-furniture titan MillerKnoll is seeing the firm expanding ever more into employees’ homes. Is this the future of the office?Meet the family
Picks from The Monocle Shop.Making history
Following its founding principle of ‘craft in motion’, Italian luxury house Bottega Veneta is combining artisanal tradition and a playful sense of modernity to stake its place in fashion’s highest echelons.Hammer time
Bulgari has become a major player in luxury timepieces. Monocle meets its watch-making team to find out what makes them tick.Wearing in
From the very best in running gear (and running routes) to hip fashion meccas in the coolest part of town, via snug and stylish shoes and eye-catching accessories, our global gamut of gear is sure to fit right in with your autumnal adventures.Layer up
As the air chills, outerwear comes into its own. Match coats and jackets of all hues and fabrics with fun and functional accessories to keep you warm on the go.
Inventory
Star stays
In our bumper hospitality round-up, we visit new openings from Berlin to Oslo, celebrate an illustrious Japanese resort and sample dishes in Singapore and São Paulo. Where will you stay next?Counter culture
From a good looking optician’s with vision and Tsutaya’s first outpost in southeast Asia to a cosy homeware shop in Milan, we profile the latest places to fill your tote.Style and substance
Objects of desire that are good-looking as well as high-functioning, including a smartwatch with panache, the new iPhone and two handsome music players.Baked good
The Porto bakery that packs its sourdough brioche with port-soaked raisins.
Expo