Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Events

Municipal Art Society Course: The Evolution of the Urban Grid: American Cities

Understanding NYC's Medieval and Baroque Precedents in European and American Urban Capital Cities

Fourteenth Street in Manhattan is the divide between a rationally-planned streetscape to the north and an organic maze of medieval streets to the south. This course will examine the evolution of both types of urban planning in European and American urban capitals in order to understand the history and principals of New York City's development, as well as to point out the innovations and differences that Gotham has to offer.

Taught by Professor Carl Riobo of Barnard College, the class will meet on three successive Tuesday evenings to discuss the following topics:

    • February 6 - Introduction. European cities, including Rome, Madrid and Paris, with nods to London, Barcelona and early Hellenic cities.
    • February 13 - American cities. Primarily Washington D.C. and Philadelphia with brief mention of Boston, Baltimore and New Haven.
    • February 20 - New York City.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

The City Is Doing to Prospect Park What It Needs to Do to All Parks

A long-awaited bike lane in Brooklyn will create almost full protected cycling coverage around Prospect Park — setting a new standard for the rest of the city.

March 23, 2026

NYC Pols To DOT: We Want More — And Better — Summer Streets!

A group of 29 current and former elected officials asked DOT to expand the car-free streets program so that it's not just a few random Saturdays along unconnected stretches.

March 23, 2026

Why Some Members of Congress Want to Go Big on Greenways

A new bill would multiply federal funding for walking and biking paths — even as some powerful congresspeople threaten to take away what we've already got.

March 23, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: We Fixed Congress Edition

DOT installed "don't walk" signs next to pedestrians ramps in Brooklyn, then removed them after Streetsblog started asking questions. Plus more news.

March 23, 2026

VIDEO: Reckless Driver Kills Cyclist, Injures Four Others in Harlem Crash That Shows Need For Speed Caps

The 8 p.m. crash comes just a few days after Mayor Mamdani was criticized by the pro-car right for announcing that speed-limit reductions in school zones would be in effect all day, not just during school hours.

March 20, 2026
See all posts