About

Curious City Journal is about understanding urban places through the details people pass every day: the shape of a crossing, the position of a doorway, the route through a square or the history built into a street plan. We write for curious city residents, visitors and commuters who want to see more in the places they already know.

What we cover

Our subjects include streets, buildings, public spaces, city layouts and the histories that remain visible in them. We explain how common features work, compare design choices, and offer ways to observe a place without needing specialist knowledge. Each piece starts with a specific question rather than a claim to explain an entire city.

How we approach a place

Cities are varied, and a familiar feature can serve different purposes in different settings. We separate general explanation from details that depend on a particular place, and we avoid presenting one design choice as a universal answer. Our aim is to give readers useful ways to look, compare and ask better questions.

Who it is for

You do not need to be an architect or urban planner to enjoy Curious City Journal. The publication is for anyone who walks, rides or spends time in cities and wants to understand the choices behind the spaces around them.