1.
First life, then spaces, then buildings - the other way around never works.
Jan Gehl
'Beginning with construction then attempting to fill it with life is a recipe for failure.'
2.
A good city is like a good party - people stay longer than really necessary, because they are enjoying themselves.
Jan Gehl
A good city is like a delightful gathering - people linger longer than necessary, as they are having an enjoyable time.
3.
In a Society becoming steadily more privatized with private homes, cars, computers, offices and shopping centers, the public component of our lives is disappearing. It is more and more important to make the cities inviting, so we can meet our fellow citizens face to face and experience directly through our senses. Public life in good quality public spaces is an important part of a democratic life and a full life.
Jan Gehl
4.
Cultures and climates differ all over the world, but people are the same. They’ll gather in public if you give them a good place to do it.
Jan Gehl
'The human experience is ubiquitous, but customs and atmospheres vary drastically. Offer a pleasant environment and people will congregate.'
5.
Cities must urge urban planners and architects to reinforce pedestrianism as an integrated city policy to develop lively, safe, sustainable and healthy cities. It is equally urgent to strengthen the social function of city space as a meeting place that contributes toward the aims of social sustainability and an open and democratic society.
Jan Gehl
6.
Only architecture that considers human scale and interaction is successful architecture.
Jan Gehl
Only architecture that takes into account the size of people and their interaction with it is successful architecture.
7.
Nothing in this world is more simple and more cheap than making cities that provide better for people.
Jan Gehl
Constructing cities that are more beneficial for citizens is cost-free and easy.
8.
A good city is like a good party. People don't want to leave early.
Jan Gehl
9.
Something happens because something happens because something happens
Jan Gehl
10.
An endless number of green buildings doesn't make a sustainable city.
Jan Gehl
11.
If you make more roads, you will have more traffic.
Jan Gehl
12.
I find it striking that the quality of the urban habitat of homo sapieans is so weakly researched compared to the habitats of gorillas, elephants, and Bengal tigers and panda bears in China…you hardly see anything on the habitat of man in the urban environment.
Jan Gehl
13.
Make it nice where you are, and put the density on top.
Jan Gehl
