Cape Town's reign as World Design Capital for 2014 focuses on the problem-solving potential of design: an approach that’s more gritty than pretty. As South Africa celebrates 20 years of independence, Gillian Dobias explores the city's design-for-social-change agenda.

Contemporary Czech designers are embracing regional Bohemian glass-making traditions while investing in new techniques to create modern products with soul. Monocle films pays a visit to some of the country’s most clear-thinking glass alchemists.

The Czech Republic has a rich toy-making history which dedicated collectors and craftsmen are committed to keeping alive. From the atelier to the Christmas market, Monocle films discovers an inspiring toy story where art meets craft.

Italy’s motor city has long suffered from being painted with a very grey brush. However, as Monocle found out, it is Turin’s industrial heritage that is providing the inspiration and technical expertise to spur on a booming community of designers. We meet the creative minds who are playing on the city’s strengths to create a new image for Piedmont’s capital.

Cityscapes surround us and inspire us. Architecture speaks to our eyes and our minds. Monocle heads to Rotterdam's own Architecture Film Festival, to investigate the complex alchemy between real and invisible cities.

New architecture is a powerful way to brand a location but it’s not without risk when the local area is already rich in tradition and natural beauty. Monocle films journeyed to the remote island of Fogo in Newfoundland to find a balance created in the building designs of Todd Saunders’ art studios and hotel.

Japanese design icon Kenya Hara’s House Vision exhibition gathered some of the nation’s most creative thinkers in Tokyo to explore new possibilities for urban living.

Central Saint Martins is flying the flag for art and design education in the UK, despite short-sighted government policies. Monocle meets the principals at Stanton Williams, the architects behind the college's award-winning new home.

In 1935 the founders of Artek drew up a manifesto that the Finnish furniture company still lives by. Their "one chair is enough" slogan promoted a philosophy of consuming in an intelligent way. And this resulted in well-designed, timeless pieces that are coveted to this day. So much so that Artek is hunting down old items and bringing them back to life.