The 99% Invisible City
A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design
What's it about
Ever wonder why manhole covers are round or what those colorful squiggles on the pavement mean? This summary unlocks the hidden stories behind the everyday objects and structures you pass by, transforming your daily commute into a fascinating treasure hunt for clever design. You'll discover the secret language of our cities, from the purpose of those strange metal plates on sidewalks to the surprisingly complex history of traffic lights. Learn to see the world like a design expert and uncover the 99% of urban life that's intentionally built to go unnoticed.
Meet the author
Roman Mars is the creator and host of 99% Invisible, one of the world's most popular podcasts about design and architecture, with over 500 million downloads. His lifelong curiosity about the unnoticed design that shapes our world led him to start the show from his bedroom, growing it into a beloved exploration of everyday objects and spaces. Kurt Kohlstedt, a writer and producer for the show, brings his passion for cities and digital media to their collaboration, helping transform these audio stories into a tangible field guide.
The Script
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