The 99% Invisible City

The 99% Invisible City offers an enchanting exploration into the hidden realm of urban design, architecture, and the unnoticed elements that make city life function seamlessly. From squiggly graffiti marks on the pavement to the stories behind street names, this book uncovers the intricate layers of the urban landscape that many of us overlook daily. It's a deep dive into the invisible underpinnings that shape our experiences and interactions with cities, regardless of where we live.

Perfectly complementing the wildly popular 99% Invisible podcast, this book is a treasure trove for design enthusiasts, urbanists, and curious minds. With each meticulously researched entry and beautiful illustrations throughout, The 99% Invisible City shines a light on the small-seeming, mundane details that reveal the rich tapestry of urban life. Expect to be captivated by tales of power grids, fire escapes, street signs, and drinking fountains, all intricately woven to tell the story of how cities operate and the creative minds behind their design.

A New York Times Bestseller

'Full of surprises and quirky information . . . a fascinating journey through the over-familiar.' - Financial Times, Best Books of 2020

'[A] diverse and enlightening book . . . The 99% Invisible City is altogether fresh and imaginative when it comes to thinking about urban spaces.' -The New York Times Book Review

'A delightful book about the under-appreciated wonders of good design' - Tim Harford, bestselling author of The Undercover Economist and Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy

'99% Invisible goes deep on the design and architecture we tend to overlook - this is it in glorious guidebook form . . . fascinating.' -Wired

__________

This is 99% Invisible.

__________

Have you ever wondered what those brightly coloured, squiggly graffiti marks on the pavement mean?

Or stopped to ponder who has the authority to name the streets we travel each day?

Or what the story is behind those dancing inflatable figures often seen at car dealerships?

99% Invisible is a celebration of the big ideas behind seemingly small phenomena, uncovering the stories baked into the buildings we inhabit, the streets we drive, and the sidewalks we traverse. The show promotes a deeper appreciation for design and architecture in all of its deliberate utility and accidental comedy, featuring engrossing tales of designers and the everyday people influenced by their work.

Now, in The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to Hidden World of Everyday Design, host Roman Mars and co-author Kurt Kohlstedt scrutinise the countless elements that make our cities tick. They delve into the origins and fascinating backstories of everything from power grids and fire escapes to public fountains and street signs. This beautifully crafted guidebook, enriched with extensive research and exquisite line drawings, is sure to enchant longtime listeners of the podcast as well as new readers intrigued by design, urban environments, and the overlooked marvels that surround us.

__________

You are about to discover hidden stories in every corner of your city. Now get out there and explore, you beautiful nerd.

'If you've ever wondered why our world is the way it is, this show has your answers' -The Hustle

'99% Invisible...is completely wonderful and entertaining and beautifully produced.'