Jan Gehl presents a compelling and methodical argument for prioritising human experience at the core of urban design. Drawing on decades of research and practice, particularly in Copenhagen and other European cities, the book critiques the dominance of car-centric planning that has fragmented urban life and eroded the quality of public spaces. Gehl proposes an alternative model centred on human scale, where the built environment caters to the physical, psychological, and social needs of pedestrians. The book systematically explores how the design of urban spaces—streets, plazas, building frontages, and public furniture—affects people’s behaviour, comfort, safety, and social interactions. Central to Gehl’s philosophy is the idea that successful cities are those designed "from the ground up," with attention to how people move at walking speed, interact at eye level, and inhabit space through routines of walking, pausing, and observing. He identifies three primary activities that public space must accommodate: walking, standing/sitting, and engaging in optional or social activities. For these to flourish, urban environments must be accessible, legible, attractive, and safe. Gehl also emphasises the importance of “soft edges”—the transitional zones between buildings and the street—as catalysts for social life. These spaces, such as shopfronts, cafés, stoops, and benches, activate the public realm and invite spontaneous interaction. By focusing on such small-scale interventions, Gehl shows that cities can foster a vibrant civic life without monumental redesign. The text provides a wealth of visual documentation, case studies, and clear design guidelines, making it a practical manual as much as a theoretical reflection. It addresses environmental sustainability, public health, ageing populations, and equity, arguing that walkable, human-scaled cities are not only more liveable but also more resilient. Ultimately, Cities for People reframes urban planning as a profoundly ethical discipline: one that must respond to the lived realities and bodily presence of its citizens. The book remains essential for planners, architects, and urban activists committed to transforming cities into inclusive, humane, and sustainable environments.
Gehl, J. (2010) Cities for People. Washington, DC: Island Press.
