Using Edward T Hall’s theory of Proxemics as a foundation, Senses and scale discusses the humans senses and key dimensions associated with human interaction. Although several cities make their way into the book, these three are referred to continually throughout. Championing the necessity of designing cities for pedestrian and cyclists instead of the automobile, he introduces the nature of activities that make vibrant cities as well as what he believes are three model cities – Venice, Copenhagen and Melbourne – that embody several of the principles he explains throughout the book. Each of these is divided into smaller subsections relating to the its larger theme.įollowing a short foreword by Richard Rogers and preface by the author, The human dimension sets the stage for focusing on the needs of people who use cities directly and intimately as a means of creating better, safer and livelier cities. The book is broken into 8 large sections – Foreword and preface, The human dimension, Senses and scale, The lively, safe, sustainable, and healthy city, The city at eye level, Life, space, buildings – in that order, Developing cities, Toolbox and Appendix. With a track record like his, however, it comes as no surprise that Gehl’s strong perspective, clear prose and rigourous research does not disappoint.Ĭontinuing his quest to secure the importance of the human experience as a top priority when planning and designing cities, Cities for People is a succinct collection of his experience and lessons to-date. With the great success of his consulting practice and several excellent books to his name, the release of Jan Gehl’s, Cities for People, brought with it a lot of excitement and expectations.

Cities for People by Jan Gehl