Street Details
Why a Street Sign Needs Room to Be Seen
Street sign visibility depends on space, sightlines, and timing. Learn what helps a sign stand out before a turn or…
The reading room
All readings
Explore close readings of the design details that shape city streets, shared places and everyday routes.
City Objects
Bench or Ledge: Two Ways to Make a Pause Possible
Bench or ledge? Compare comfort, flexibility, and space to choose street seating that fits its setting and gives…
Getting Around
Before Wayfinding Maps, How Cities Marked Routes
Before wayfinding maps, cities used landmarks, street names, and spoken directions to help people find their way. See…
Shared Places
The Blank Plaza Myth: Why Empty Space Can Still Be Useful
The blank plaza myth treats open ground as wasted. Learn how to keep a public square flexible while making access…
Design Choices
A First Walk Through a New Neighborhood
A first walk through a new neighborhood helps you spot where sidewalks, crossings, and destinations connect—and where…