Housing co-operatives are numerous in Denmark, providing residents with affordable places to live, keeping community spirit strong and cultivating *samfundssind*: the Danish concept of putting society’s needs ahead of individual interests. Monocle visited the Jystrup Savværk co-housing community, an hour outside of Copenhagen and designed by Vandkunsten, to explore the meaning of the word. Discover more stories and ideas from the region with [*The Monocle Book of the Nordics*](https://monocle.com/shop/product/2066359/the-monocle-book-of-the-nordics/), which is available now from The Monocle Shop.

Samfundssind: community spirit in Denmark

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In Monocle’s latest book, Swim & Sun, you’ll find our pick of the places in which to cool off when the mercury rises and plenty to get you dreaming about your next dip. We celebrate the joys of diving into the ocean, leaping into a river and allowing your limbs to stretch – and your mind to clear – as you simply swim. In its visually stunning pages, the guide celebrates the sunny pleasures on offer at our favourite beach clubs, urban pools and lakeside bathing spots. [So pick up a copy and jump in.](https://monocle.com/shop/)

Swim & sun: a Monocle guide

Who tops our liveable leaderboard? Monocle’s annual Quality of Life Survey puts the world’s best cities through their paces and profiles the urban centres on the up. We also get set for summer by gardening in Hiroshima, dining in Marseille and dancing in Mexico City. Plus: how Bratislava’s bass-playing, architect mayor is helping the city to find its groove. [Grab your copy today.](https://monocle.com/shop/)

Monocle preview: July/August issue, 2023

Look on the bright side of life with [Konfekt’s dazzling summer instalment](https://monocle.com/shop/product/2337535/konfekt-issue-11/). Issue 11 is an ideal accompaniment to beachside lounging, featuring an alluring trip along Portugal’s untamed Atlantic coast, inspiring residences and a look at why rose oil is so valuable that it’s kept in a vault. Plus: Lebanese mezze, wild swimming and what to wear in the sun.

Konfekt preview: Issue 11

Ever dreamed of ditching the rat race for a life on the land? We meet the new Mediterranean farmers doing just that in the latest edition of Monocle. Issue 164 also includes an Art Special that puts collectors, galleries and this year’s Art Basel in the frame. Plus: a guide to the Venice Architecture Biennale and a rare venture into Syria. [Order your copy today.](https://monocle.com/shop/product/2326118/issue-164/)

Monocle preview: June issue, 2023

Tinned sardines are an icon of Portugal. We visit a family-run shop and one of the country’s last artisanal canneries to discover why sardines are cherished by the Portuguese, how the industry started back with Napoleon and what is driving the revival of canned fish. Discover more from the country with [Portugal: The Monocle Handbook.](https://monocle.com/shop/product/2227005/portugal-the-monocle-handbook/)

Samfundssind: community spirit in Denmark

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