By day and night, traditional gateways create barriers between public and private spaces.

Sometimes more symbolic than secure, the urban lock speaks to tradition and reality. The skillful can break through, but most will respect the craftsmanship as a sign to be honored.

It does not take long to see the diverse forms of urban locks, sometimes almost comically layered to fend off the feared.

Sometimes, the lock as symbol is apparently an insufficient bar, and the passerby sees a second layer of signage. suggesting the sound of the urban alarm.

All images composed by the author.