Põik

Põik is a type of public street in Tallinn, Estonia, that was constructed in the 19th century as a major part of the city's grid system. The word "põik" is derived from the Estonian language and translates to "return" or "turning", referring to the way the street intersects with others.

Geometrically, a põik street is a type of crossing street that forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees with the streets it intersects. This results in an "L" shaped configuration when viewed from above. In practice, this layout is designed to facilitate efficient movement through the city.

Põik streets were an integral part of the city's original neoclassical grid system, which aimed to provide a rational and organized basis for urban development. As a result, põik streets were often lined with public buildings such as schools, libraries, and government offices. In many cases, these original structures still stand today, either in their original form or having undergone considerable renovations.

Due to changes in transportation patterns and other urban development factors, some põik streets have been modified over time. For instance, sections may have been widened or realigned to accommodate growing demand. This has not diminished the significance of põik streets, however, as they remain important components of Tallinn's infrastructure and architectural heritage.

Today, põik streets continue to play a role in maintaining access through the city and serving as important transportation routes.