"Only that which the viewer can see and hold in view has artistic value." (Camillo Sitte, 1843-1903)
Long before urban design was guided by optimization algorithms, Camillo Sitte understood something simple: cities should feel good to walk through.
Not just efficient. Not just zoned. But beautiful, inviting, and a little bit unpredictable.
Today, those principles have been mostly paved over. But Sitte’s insights still shine, especially when you realise that your favourite streets probably don’t follow the rules. They follow rhythm. Texture. Surprise.
Even neuroscience agrees.
Read the full post on why your brain prefers winding streets to modern urbanisme.
written by Helen M. Krauss