Speaking of urban design

I get into "spirited discussions" at times about urban design and my vehemence that the principles must be followed always, in order to promote vitality at the street level.

These two photos illustrate the point, they are from the block of L Street between Connecticut Avenue and 18th Street NW. The side of the street with shops has vastly more pedestrians and street activity, compared to the side of the street that has mostly a slightly obscured parking structure on the first floor.
1700 block of L Street, south side.

The banners fail to add even a modicum of liveliness to the north side of the same block.


Index Keywords: urban-design-placemaking