Grid World (alex.miller.garden)

Article summary

The article discusses the author's childhood fascination with grids, from drawing maps on graph paper to exploring computer graphics. This interest was influenced by their father, a co-creator of the game Myst. The author reflects on how grids are used in various fields, including art, architecture, and engineering, and how they can be seen as a fundamental structure underlying many aspects of life. The article also touches on the history of grids, from ancient Egyptian architectural plans to modern computer graphics.

Main themes

• grids in art and design
• grid systems in cities
• history of grids
• navigation and wayfinding
• control and domination
• urban planning and development

What commenters say

• The grid system in New York City is not always straightforward, with some areas having inconsistent or non-grid conforming layouts.
• The history of Dutch settlements in New York City has contributed to the complexity of its grid system.
• Some cities, like Seattle, have a more rigorous grid system that makes navigation easier.
• The use of grids in art and design can be seen as a way to impose order and structure on the world.
• The grid system can be seen as a tool for control and domination, particularly in the context of urban planning and development.
• The complexity of the grid system in certain areas, such as Queens, can be attributed to a combination of historical and geographical factors.
• The grid system can be used as a way to understand and navigate the world, but it can also be limiting and inflexible.
• The relationship between building numbers and location on the grid is not always linear or straightforward, and can vary depending on the city or region.