Henrietta surveys the street

I have a couple of particular pet peeves in planning trends and one of the strongest is how, in the last 25 years or so, houses turned their backs on the streets and parks.  Yes, we have forgotten which are the private parts of buildings and moon the street.

I live in a part of town predating the great turnaround. My back yard (which does not abut a street) is where I take the dog out while I am still wearing my pajamas.  My front yard is where I sit on the steps (after I have put on my real clothes), say hello to the neighbors and watch people slow down to look at Henrietta the giant chicken (or the bright blue, red, yellow and green trim).

Fronts, Backs, and Everything In Between