Streets
Why a Kerb Edge Helps a Street Read as a Sequence
See how a kerb edge helps a street read as a sequence, linking entrances and crossings so people can tell where the…
The archive
All briefings
Browse writing on streets, civic buildings, wayfinding, shared amenities and the materials that shape how public places are read.
Buildings
Civic Entrance: Set Back or Flush with the Pavement?
Civic entrance design shapes arrival, visibility and the shift indoors; compare recessed and flush doors to choose a…
Wayfinding
A Map at the Moment of Choice
A wayfinding map works best at the point where routes divide; learn how to place it and link its orientation to nearby…
Amenities
The Bench-Count Fallacy: Why Seat Placement Matters More Than Seat Numbers
Bench placement can make public seating easier to use. See how views, approach space and nearby activity shape a…
Materials
A Small Palette for a Civic Square
A small palette for a civic square can make its identity easier to recognise. Learn how to choose compatible finishes…
Our point of view
Design is part of public life
A place is easier to understand when its choices are visible. We look closely at form, use and the details between them.