The Commissioner's Plan of 1811

What is the best laid out city in the world?

Cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam have some of the most interesting layouts as a result of, in some cases, six thousand years of continuous habitation, but while this contributes to beautiful historicism in the way of archetecture and legend, very little could be expected of the Normans, the Franks, or the Romans in the way of logical, efficient urban planning. Well, maybe the Romans.

Manhattan was by no means the first area to make use of the grid plan, which had been used by Indus Valley civilizations as early as 4600 years ago. It is, however, the world's most famous example.

The plan, drawn up in 1811 by Gouverneur Morris,  John Rutherfurd, and Simeon De Witt, called for the grid to encompass the entirety of the island, regardless of topography. Instead of naming the streets, they would simply be refered to by number. 16 avenues running vertically, and 155 streets running horizontally, with one way traffic alternating eastward and westward every block.

What resulted is a city that was perfect to navigate for pedestrian, carriage, and eventually automobile. Standing at any intersection in the city, one can immediately place themselves geographically after only a two minute explanation of the urban layout. What's more, you could place any other location, and figure out your direction and distance at any time of the day.

With over 70,000 residents per square mile, Manhattan is one of the most densely populated areas in the developed world, yet it manages to maintain a (relatively) efficient flow of people at all times of the day. 1811 was roughly 90 years before the first skyscraper, but it was the year New York became the first modern city.

Comments

[Valerie]

I...I learned something today. Thank you.