THE THEORY OF CITY DESIGN. 89 



moreover the concave side forms an effective background, as is 

 evident on viewing figures in niches. The convex is less effective 

 than even a flat background, to say nothing of the reduction of 

 the area of visibility. Hence spaces for monuments are desirable 

 on the concave side in effective localities. 



The lighting arrangements of a city are also susceptible of 

 artistic treatment, and lamp-posts or candelabra could be so 

 designed and arranged as to greatly enhance the beauty of 

 streets. The necessity of occasional illumination might, with 

 advantage, be systematically considered, and such permanent 

 installations made as would admit of its more frequent use. This 

 applies no less to the illumination of buildings than to streets, 

 &nd the expense of permanent constructions would be scarcely 

 greater than the cost of individual illuminations. In streets 

 planted with trees, the effect could be made very pleasing, and 

 the somewhat wanton injury to this formation, common on such 

 occasions, wholly avoided. All these matters may easily be taken 

 account of in the development of the design ; they should not be 

 an afterthought, however. The same remark applies to the form 

 and position of drinking stands, pillar boxes for letters, telephone 

 fire alarms, conveniences, letter-boxes, and other furniture of 

 modern streets ; all need to be considered in the design, so as to 

 be made harmonious with their surroundings. 



Among places admitting of decided improvement as regards the 

 usual treatment, may be mentioned street intersections. Where 

 the blocks have acute angles, a sufficient cut-off to form a fagade, 

 or a suitable rounding off', greatly enhances the appearance, and 

 even the intersections of rectangular streets are markedly benefited 

 by similar treatment. The customary right angle is far from 

 satisfactory aesthetically. The cutting off of corners increases 

 of course the diagonals at the intersection, and since the side- 

 walks or footpaths follow the outlines of the blocks (i.e., are 

 equidistant from the building lines) increases diagonally, also, the 

 roadway proper. This enlargement leaves room for street 

 ornamentation at the intersections of the centre lines. By making 



