Responses
There will be marketplaces (also military training center, school, racetrack and other 'factory or workshop' buildings) but I agree everything on residential part of the town feels plain. There will be 6 parts in total and the center will be Ars' castle. He only does this grid system for efficiency since he's somewhat press for time to build the town (if I remember correctly) and his magic works as template (it's mostly fixed when used) so he didn't emphasize on design except the main castle for visitor's purposes.
since they are taking inspo from the grid system (and making it seem like peak urban planning), i wish the author had taken inspo from La Plata, Argentina. i think La Plata makes the grid system look aesthetically pleasing and not boring, plus adding diagonals just makes sense. I agree with everyone else about there being a lack of greenery, sewage systems, building variation, and commercial/public buildings.
also, this manga has a great premise, but the plot and characters feel one-dimensional. idk its missing a certain spark that would make it interesting. I see potential ofc but it feels mid.