Hippodamus Rides to Radburn: A New Model for the 21st Century

Cities and towns in the Americas and Europe bear the mark of what became known as the innovation of Hippodamus of Miletus. During the 24 centuries since its introduction, founders of new settlements readily applied the Hippodamian grid. However, its enduring prominence declined at the start of the 20th century when alternatives, intended to accommodate the new motor vehicles, were explored. While cities still struggle to absorb the shock of mechanized transportation, the Hippodamian concept is experiencing a renaissance. It gives cities clear structure, comprehensible order, modularity and expandability, among other qualities. Moreover, it is hypothesized that since current mobility devices have all but eclipsed the natural mode of travel—on foot—a return to the grid could reinstate walking as a viable option. It is clearly time for a fundamental re-evaluation of the Hippodamian idea in the context of the dominant automotive mobility and of the quest for walking as an alternative. This paper examines Hippodamus' concept in its historical context and attempts to reformulate it in a contemporary planning framework that encourages walking.