Vaulted sidewalk

This may happen where the street level has been raised over time, or where basements are extended, or as utility vaults.

Sidewalk vaults may be protected as historical architecture, or filling them required for planning permission.

[1] The raising of Chicago started in 1855[2] as a response to the muddy conditions of the streets [3] and because of epidemics of cholera.

[9] Some Seattle Underground sidewalks have vault lights, inset glass that trasmits sunlight to the lower level.

[10] Prism lighting allows sidewalk vaults to provide daylight to the basement.