"In this episode, we explain how anchor plates help hold up brick walls; why metal fire escapes are mostly found on older buildings; what impact camouflaging defensive designs has on public spaces; who benefits from those spray-painted markings on city streets, and more. Drawing from stories in the book, we talk about everything from stoplights and crosswalks to speed cushions and easement plaques."
"In The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design, Roman and Kurt zoom in and uncover engaging stories about all the thought that goes into cities. Over the course of 400 pages, we explore the origins and other fascinating tales behind power grids, fire hydrants, street signs, safety patterns, and so much more."
A guided audio tour through downtown Oakland highlights the hidden functions of everyday urban design elements. The tour explains how anchor plates stabilize brick walls, why metal fire escapes appear mainly on older buildings, and how camouflaged defensive designs reshape public spaces. It reveals who benefits from spray-painted street markings and examines stoplights, crosswalks, speed cushions, and easement plaques. A behind-the-scenes segment answers fan questions about the book's creation, covering writing, illustration, and design processes. A 400-page field guide collects stories about power grids, fire hydrants, street signs, and safety patterns, illustrated with line drawings that illuminate urban design.
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