The Enduring Order of Urban Grids

Why do some cities feel instantly navigable while others feel like mazes? In this episode, we explore the enduring power of the urban grid—with Chicago as its most precise, most elegant example. From ancient Mohenjo-Daro to the block-by-block logic of America’s great cities, we trace how the grid became one of humanity’s most successful planning ideas: efficient to build, easy to navigate, and perfect for dividing and selling land. We also look at why the mid-century love affair with cul-de-sacs and curving streets didn’t quite deliver on its promises, and why the humble grid may be making a comeback in a world shifting toward walking, biking, and transit. In short: the future of urban mobility might look a lot like its past.https://www.economist.com/interactive/christmas-specials/2022/12/20/the-decline-of-the-city-grid