I know it’s a dumb meme, but strong disagree on grid cities. They always violate the natural landscape of the city, and are only easier to navigate if the land is very flat, or if you are driving.
The windy roads of organically developed cities look confusing on a map, but are often way easier to navigate and understand when on foot. Wayfinding is instead done in terms of natural features, e.g. go downhill towards the river until you hit the main street.
Navigating London by foot without GPS is pretty much impossible if you don’t live here. And even after 10 years some parts are so fucking confusing… On the other hand I’ve learned the layout of Barcelona on my second trip.
Grid cities, specially when combined with tall buildings, also tend to create more pronounced microclimate issues and “heat islands”.
San Fransico has a varied terrain and enviroment that cause microclimates on is own, but the grid layout means the temperature can change as much as 9F/5C from one block to the next.
I know it’s a dumb meme, but strong disagree on grid cities. They always violate the natural landscape of the city, and are only easier to navigate if the land is very flat, or if you are driving.
The windy roads of organically developed cities look confusing on a map, but are often way easier to navigate and understand when on foot. Wayfinding is instead done in terms of natural features, e.g. go downhill towards the river until you hit the main street.
Windy roads help prevent drivers from falling asleep/going on auto pilot
Maybe not an issue in a city where you constantly stop
Navigating London by foot without GPS is pretty much impossible if you don’t live here. And even after 10 years some parts are so fucking confusing… On the other hand I’ve learned the layout of Barcelona on my second trip.
Grid cities, specially when combined with tall buildings, also tend to create more pronounced microclimate issues and “heat islands”.
San Fransico has a varied terrain and enviroment that cause microclimates on is own, but the grid layout means the temperature can change as much as 9F/5C from one block to the next.
Interesting, why do grids cause that?