As global urban development continues at pace, the need to use sustainable materials and building techniques in our cities increases. How is innovation helping the construction industry to reduce its impact on the environment? We explore some of the ideas that are hoped to make a difference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivan Carvalho visits San Siro Stadium to see what is next for this storied piece of sporting infrastructure in Milan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore the newly transformed spaces in the historic Heal’s department store in London, investigate the new building frontiers required to tackle the Netherlands’ housing needs and find out what makes an effective innovation hub. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elna Schutz takes us to a Johannesburg institution that is almost as old as the city itself to see how the space has retained its classic charm while remaining relevant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few on-stage highlights from Monocle’s The Chiefs conference in Hong Kong, from Kevin Mark Low on architectural benchmarks and Noni Purnomo on tackling traffic to Yuta Oka on small-scale hospitality that revitalises communities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petri Burtsoff takes us to a historic military fortress off the coast of Helsinki to see how Finns make use of the island today.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green thumbs can help to transform communities. We speak to an activist and horticulturist about how gardening has had a positive effect on his neighbourhood – and helped it to heal after tragedy. Then: we find out how two wintery countries encourage their citizens to take to two wheels, as well as what similarities they share. Plus: a look at a proposed tax designed to ensure that housing stock in Austria is utilised to its fullest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Wither explores the effect that the ‘Bulgur King’ had on Istanbul’s skyline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can sporting developments bring about community change and have a lasting legacy, while driving equality and protecting the environment? Our guests, Lindsay Johnston, Kevin Owens and Angus Campbell, discuss all of this and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandy Sinclair takes us on a tour through one of the Tenement Museum’s homes to tell the story of a New York couple from the 1860s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in Cannes to report from the world’s leading property fair, Mipim, where more than 20,000 property professionals have gathered to discuss the future of our cities and the built environment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomas Pinheiro uncovers the layers of history in an Edo-period bridge in Tokyo that was overshadowed by an expressway in the 1960s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are in Dubai for the Sustainable Cities in Action Forum, which sees more than 500 guests discuss heat resilience, climate mitigation and adaptation in the Global South. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HJ Mai visits Eagle Pass to find out how the city has become the centre of the American border crisis, and how residents are dealing with the national spotlight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore two projects redefining urban areas, from a mega-development in an often overlooked area of London to a collection of groundbreaking projects in the suburbs of Helsinki. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Logothetis visits a tiny stretch of one street in New York, which is celebrated for its place in American music history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss some of the major urban challenges that face Los Angeles. We explore how the city administration and community are helping to overcome issues from extreme heat and drought to homelessness, affordable housing and, of course, traffic.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Bridger takes us to an urban oasis in Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the power of arts in our urban environment, from a lights festival in Singapore that connects people with the city-state’s public spaces, to a former train yard in Lausanne that has been transformed into a new arts neighbourhood. Plus: art fairs using neglected buildings and the role of temporary installations.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cornelius McGrath looks at what is next for a stumbling development on the banks of the Chicago river, reminiscent of New York’s famous Hudson Yards. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look to the urban spaces below our feet, exploring the tunnels, passageways and even catacombs that exist under the buildings and roadways of our cities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Stevens assesses the intentions behind one of Copenhagen’s most innovative public square redesigns, 10 years on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can sports facilities drive social and economic change in our cities? This week, we look at how the humble basketball court can act as a community hub, hear about Las Vegas’s plan to become a sporting centre and explore how stadium design is becoming more inclusive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Grice explores the history of one of St Mark’s Square’s most intriguing adornments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.