It’s fascinating how the way old towns grew—no grid, just winding lanes that followed the land and the flow of people—really teaches us something about efficient, low‑carbon design. The first thing that jumps out is the concept of “accretion” instead of a rigid plan. Streets naturally align to existing paths of least resistance, so if you let a modern district grow around the most frequent pedestrian routes, you’ll reduce the need for long car commutes. Next, think about the “street canyon” effect. Narrow streets with taller buildings create a micro‑climate that can help with passive cooling, which is a huge plus for energy savings. In a contemporary context, that translates to clustering mixed‑use developments where offices, shops, and housing share a compact footprint, keeping walking distances short and encouraging public transport use. Another subtle principle is the use of “natural checkpoints” – old towns often had plazas or squares at intersection points where people would pause, trade, or rest. Placing modern pedestrian hubs—like transit nodes or community markets—at these natural nodes can increase foot traffic and make the city feel more lived‑in. Finally, the lack of straight lines in historic streets creates an organic sense of discovery, which keeps walking engaging and reduces the mental fatigue that can come from monotonous grid streets. Designing streets with gentle curves, varied widths, and small setbacks can keep people interested in exploring on foot, thereby naturally diminishing car reliance. All in all, the lesson is: let the streets grow where people want to go, not the other way around, and give them the character that makes walking a pleasure rather than a chore.