“The 99% Invisible City” is a book by Roman Mars and Kurt Kohlstedt that explores the hidden stories and design elements of cities around the world. Based on the popular podcast “99% Invisible,” the book delves into the often-overlooked details that shape our urban environments and impact our daily lives.
The book is organized into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of city design and history. Mars and Kohlstedt cover topics such as street grids, public spaces, signage, transportation, and architecture, among others. They draw on examples from cities around the world to illustrate how these elements have evolved over time and how they reflect the values and priorities of the societies that created them.
One of the strengths of the book is its focus on the often-unseen or unnoticed aspects of city design. The authors reveal the hidden stories behind familiar landmarks, such as the origin of the green street signs in New York City or the history of the bollards that protect buildings from vehicle crashes. They also explore lesser-known elements of city design, such as the design principles behind public seating or the science of wayfinding.
Throughout the book, Mars and Kohlstedt adopt a playful and engaging tone, using humor and storytelling to make the often-dry subject matter more accessible and engaging. The book is also illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and infographics that help to bring the concepts to life.
“The 99% Invisible City” is a fascinating and informative book that offers a new perspective on the cities we live in. Whether you’re a city dweller or simply interested in design and urban planning, this book is definitely worth a read.
