The winning entry from Susan Point and Kelly Cannell seems like something from Escher. :)

Amazingly similar, I'd say (but cool nonetheless).

Check out: Drainspotting.

Somehow, I can't help but think that they passed up on a fantastic opportunity with the compass points design. If he lids were orientated correctly, that would just be a fantastic resource to have all over the city

Unless the manhole covers are on the street and you'd have to stand in traffic in order to get your bearings.

Golightly, I was thinking the same thing. As many times as various city schemas are explained to me, I can still never quite get it. Moreover, it was an excellent entry in that it was the only one that imagined a new, practical application for manhole covers (aside from covering manholes, of course). While the city workers might not appreciate having to screw the covers on in the right direction every time, it definitely gets my vote.

(Not that it was particuarly pretty, of course. But the concept, man, the concept.)

I'd second (or is that third) that.. The compass is a great concept. It'd get my vote in a minute.