Commonway
Version V. 2026.08.31

Grid

NET-GRD-01
Recommended Network

Grid

A network topology in which streets form a continuous, evenly spaced pattern of parallel and perpendicular routes intersecting at right angles, producing rectangular blocks and multiple direct route options between any two points.

Working assessment: this pattern’s status reflects a preliminary Commonway System judgment call, pending final review.

#Why this pattern exists

Grid is one of the most common and longest-documented network topologies worldwide, prized for the route choice and connectivity it offers: because most intersections allow through-travel in multiple directions, traffic is not forced onto a small number of bottleneck routes the way a more hierarchical network can produce. This pattern documents that base topology before any of the modifiers (Superblock/Cellular) or contrasting topologies (Dendritic/Hierarchical, Radial, Organic/Irregular) that relate to it.12

#Key considerations

  • Connectivity and route choice are the grid’s core strength, but this also means it produces more total pavement, more blocks, and more intersections per unit area than more hierarchical alternatives
  • A grid can be paired with the Superblock/Cellular modifier to filter through-traffic from interior cells while preserving the grid’s overall connectivity for walking, cycling, and emergency access
  • Historic gridiron patterns and modern grid-based neotraditional developments both fall under this pattern, even though they differ in block size and detail

Dendritic/Hierarchical (NET-DEN-02), Radial (NET-RAD-03), Organic/Irregular (NET-ORG-04) (contrasting Network topologies); Superblock/Cellular (a modifier applied to this pattern, not a separate topology)

#References

  1. Precedent-based Southworth, Michael, and Eran Ben-Joseph. Streets and the Shaping of Towns and Cities. Rev. ed. Washington, DC: Island Press, 2003. Chapter 5, "Streets for Living," pp. 105-107. Print/ebook source, no persistent URL to monitor.
  2. Precedent-based Marshall, Stephen. Streets and Patterns. London: Spon Press, 2005. Chapter 4, "Pattern Type," "Developing Typologies of Pattern" (ABCD typology, B-type/Bilateral), pp. 83-96. Print/ebook source, no persistent URL to monitor.

Suggest changes to this page (opens in new tab) Last updated August 31, 2026