Projects / READING NOTE 06

Draw the neighbourhood you wish existed

Turn a familiar street into a paper design exercise.

VORTIXIAN Editorial · 19 October 2026 · 3 minute read

Draw the neighbourhood you wish existed

Start with an actual observation

Sketch a short street from memory, then walk it to see what you missed. Mark where people wait, cross, sit, and pause. Keep observation separate from the changes you would like to make so the drawing has a useful starting point.

Choose one improvement

Imagine a shaded seat, a clearer crossing, or a more connected walking route. Ask who might use it and what it would replace. A convincing idea considers deliveries, access, and the people who already depend on the space.

Make a second version

Draw another solution to the same problem. Comparing two modest designs is more revealing than polishing the first one. This is a personal creative exercise, and a city-building game can offer another place to explore the trade-offs.

Official game screenshot