The Art of Building Cities

Camillo Sitte, an influential Austrian architect and theorist, revolutionized urban planning with his 1889 publication, which critiqued the focus on straight boulevards and traffic-centric design. He advocated for a return to medieval design principles, promoting curving streets and T-intersections to enhance visual interest and reduce traffic conflicts. Sitte introduced the concept of "turbine squares," creating dynamic civic spaces. His ideas gained rapid acceptance across Austria, Germany, and Scandinavia, establishing a new standard in city planning in less than a decade.