Issue 534
Making a Great Ground Floor
Designing at Ground Level
An emphasis on human scale — and on creating a great ground floor — are essential to good urbanism.
In a good urban neighborhood, the ground floors of buildings work symbiotically with the surrounding sidewalks and public spaces. Together they provide a continuous network of pathways and experiences that are active, safe, comfortable and engaging. So how do we get there?
Focus on the First 20 Feet
How to meet the street
Despite the aerial imagery so common in architecture and urban de sign, we do not see, interact with or experience spaces from a bird’s eye perspective. We commute, commune, eat, shop, share and play at ground level. Doing so, we are immersed in the first 20 feet of the vertical space around us. So why aren’t we de signing it better?
Urban Field Notes: This Is Where I Walk, Rest, Eat, Perform, Live, Shop, Work, Nap, Read, Chat...
Density diversifies the public realm.
Density diversifies the public realm.
Member Profile: Tracey Ariga
This Chicago transplant fell in love with the city when a certain neighborhood cafe captured her heart.
This Chicago transplant fell in love with the city when a certain neighborhood cafe captured her heart.