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: New York City

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

Brooklyn Judge Once Again Declines to Rip Up Bedford Ave. Protected Bike Lane… For Now

Well-connected lawyer Frank Seddio argued against the Bedford Avenue protected bike lane in court on Tuesday.

Money for Something: Funding OK’d, But Details Missing For ‘Dept. Of Sustainable Delivery’

The mayor got the Council to sign off on $6.1 million for the long-awaited “Department of Sustainable Delivery." But what's it mean? No one is talking.

July 1, 2025

Incoming Albany Mayor Could Help Safe Streets Movement Statewide

The state capital is built for the car and that is how it is experienced by our lawmakers. But could that change under a new mayor? Here's hoping.

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Another Child Sacrificed to the SUV Edition

Stop de kindermoord! An 8-year-old boy killed by an SUV driver is the latest victim of America's obsession with big cars. Plus other news.

July 1, 2025

DOT Testimony: Removing Bedford Ave. Bike Lane Will ‘Reduce Safety’

"Removing the protected bike lane won’t remove cyclists — it will only make the street less safe," the DOT said. "The city risks legal liability for knowingly reducing safety on a Vision Zero priority corridor."

June 30, 2025

Hochul Signs Speed Camera Reauthorization, Enforcement Continues Through 2030

Stating a clear fact that scores of state legislators reject, Hochul said, "Speed cameras save lives and keep New Yorkers safe."

June 30, 2025
See all posts