Cities for People video by Prof Jan Gehl

Transcription

1 Public Spaces as a Critical Policy Element Cities for People video by Prof Jan Gehl ( Life between Buildings ) Mikel Murga Fall 2006

2 Point of departure In a world being steadily privatized, in some cities public spaces are gaining in importance People respond enthusiastically to these new opportunities for walking and participating in public life in public spaces People are invited to reposses their cities and restrictions are being made to reduce parking and traffic in city areas in order to make room for more people oriented activities Jan Gehl 2

3 Jan Gehl Architect and Head of the Urban Design Dept School of Architecture, Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen Author: Life Between Buildings Using Public Space, Public Spaces Public Life, Copenhagen 1996 and New City Spaces Sir Patrick Abercrombie prize for exemplary contributions to town planning by the International Union of Architects Consultant in Copenhagen, Vejle, Odense, Oslo, Latvia, Stockholm, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perth, Melbourne 3

4 Jan Gehl Ströget as a pedestrian street? But, why? We Scandinavians stay indoors, not like those in Southern Europe! After all our weather is lousy 4

5 Characteristics of a Good Place Urban Transp Planning 2006 Good to walk in and to stay for a while Comfortable, climate protected, benches, steps, cafes Pleasant facades, pedestrian continuity, lack of barriers Good for social and cultural exchanges Space for cultural activities, The Commons Good for talking, watching and experiencing Low level of noise, intimate public spaces Fine views, window shops, exhibits, good details Lively, diverse and safe to move around with a wide variety of uses both day and night 13

6 Activities in Public Spaces Necessary activities Going to school, waiting for the bus to go to work, shopping, seeking medical attention Optional activities Urban recreation when quality is high (park benches, trees, concerts..) Acid test is how long do they stay Social activities Watching, listening, experiencing other people, playing, talking to others, showing off 14

7 Actors of Public Life Tourists 65,000 Visitors 140,000 Workers 136,000 Residents 2100 Students 30,000 Every day users Residents, office workers, street vendors Visitors/customers Shoppers, seekers of services, suppliers Recreational visitors Outdoor café clients, park users, runners, bikers, sun bathers, readers Event attendants Concerts, festivals, cultural events Figure by MIT OCW. 15

8 Gobierno Civil L A Z A J A D O ,91 38 D Urban Transp Planning 2006 Data Gathering Moyúa: Peatones/Hora según Semáforos (AM) Most cities have excellent statistics about traffic flows and parking patterns Pasos o Semáforos D E L A R R E A T E G U I 22 bis C A L L E C O L O N C A L L E E L C A N O I P A R R A G U I R R E 36 Moyua C A L L E E R C I L L A 21 Bis 21 ; D E L P U E R T O 40Bis C A L L E ; C. D O C T O R A C H U C A R R O G R A N V I A C A L L E E R C I L L A However, information is Peatones sorely lacking about city P quality as experienced by a pedestrian and about how public spaces function por Hora AM ; ; ; 250 # # de Vizcaya 3 2 M O Y U A en obras 4 Hacienda Tributaria P L A Z A P A R R O C O B. G A R A I Z A R ; 10 ; 11 ; 9 P L A Z A ; 1 # M oyua ; 8 F E D E R I C O ; 5 Moyua 7 6 ; ; M A R Q U E S C A L L E E L C A N O D E 16

9 Field Work Motorized transport flows: Street hierarchy, transit network, parking Pedestrians flows: Test walks, wait at traffic lights push buttons, crossing times, footpath interruptions, safety Facades and ground level activity Quality, duration of stays, sunshine and shade areas, weather protection, trees, outdoor seating, cafes, day and night activities 17

10 Generic Recommendations Upgrade Squares and Plazas Rehabilitate wide streets Develop transit Reduce through traffic Enhance Park Lands Create pedestrian and bike networks Mixed uses for day and night livability Attract residents Foster markets, cafes and educational institutions Improve ground floor frontage Organize public activities and events 18

11 Some ideas from the video Human dimension in city and site planning: Size and quality of public spaces, types of public activities, the city as cultural birthplace People as walkers: Sensory experience Distance for public, social, private exchanges Public and private spheres, and its transition People, dressed with cars, moving at km/hr, change the cityscape as they lack both the sensory experience and the interaction with others 20

12 Hope you enjoy the video this comingtuesday! (in Danish!) and please do send me an with just three ideas that caught your attention 21