Synopses & Reviews
Life Between Buildings is Jan Gehls classic text on the importance of designing urban public space with the fundamental desires of people as guiding principles. The book describes essential elements that contribute to peoples enjoyment of spaces in the public realm. These elements remain remarkably constant even as architectural styles go in and out of fashion and the character of the ‘life between buildings changes.
The enduring relevance of Life Between Buildings, originally published in Danish over forty years ago and subsequently translated into fifteen languages, is a testament to Jans straightforward approach. This book provides both inspiration and information for those who wish to elevate the livability of cities and towns around the world.
“. . .thoughtful, beautiful, and enlightening...”
—Jane Jacobs
“This book will have a lasting influence on the future quality of public open spaces. By helping us better understand the larger public life of cities, Life between Buildings can only move us toward more lively and healthy public places. Buy this book, find a comfortable place to sit in a public park or plaza, begin reading, look around. You will be surprised at how you will start to see (and design) the world differently.”
—Landscape Architecture
Review
"...this is a book that is a great inspiration to me in my work, and I look upon it as one of the classics for all professional or amateur students of architecture and community building, regardless of their age and background, or how short or long their experience may be."
Review
"The partners of pedestrian life he has observed and the recommendations he has made are highly applicable to American cities...A splendid piece of work."
Review
"This book should mark a milestone for studies of the way people attribute meaning to and use public spaces in many countries. Owning it is a must for environmental design teachers and practitioners."
Review
"Thoughtful, beautiful, and enlightening"
Plan Canada
Synopsis
." . .thoughtful, beautiful, and enlightening..."
--Jane Jacobs
"This book will have a lasting infl uence on the future quality of public open spaces. By helping us better understand the larger public life of cities, Life between Buildings can only move us toward more lively and healthy public places. Buy this book, fi nd a comfortable place to sit in a public park or plaza, begin reading, look around. You will be surprised at how you will start to see (and design) the world differently."
--Landscape Architecture
Synopsis
andldquo;. . .thoughtful, beautiful, and enlightening...andrdquo;
andmdash;Jane Jacobs
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andldquo;This book will have a lasting infl uence on the future quality of public open spaces. By helping us better understand the larger public life of cities, Life between Buildings can only move us toward more lively and healthy public places. Buy this book, fi nd a comfortable place to sit in a public park or plaza, begin reading, look around. You will be surprised at how you will start to see (and design) the world differently.andrdquo;
andmdash;Landscape Architecture
About the Author
Jan Gehl is a founding partner of Gehl Architectsandmdash;Urban Quality Consultants. He is the author of Life Between Buildings and Public Spaces, Public Life. He has received numerous awards for his work and is widely credited with creating and renewing urban spaces in cities around the world, including Copenhagen, Melbourne, New York City, London, and many others.and#160;
Table of Contents
Foreword
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Chapter 1. Life Between Buildingsand#160;
-Three Types of Outdoor Activities
-Outdoor Activities and Quality of Outdoor Space
-Outdoor Activities and Architectural Trendsand#160;
-Life Between Buildingsand#151;in Current Social Situationsand#160;and#160;
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Chapter 2. Prerequisites for Planningand#160;
-Processes and Projectsand#160;
-Senses, Communication, and Dimensionsand#160;
-Life Between Buildingsand#151;A Processand#160;
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Chapter 3. To Assemble or Disperseand#160;and#160;
-To Integrate or Segregateand#160;
-To Invite or Repeland#160;
-To Open Up or Close Inand#160;
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Chapter 4. Spaces for Walking, Places for Staying
-Spaces for Walkingand#151;Places for Staying
-Walking
-Standing
-Seeing, Hearing, and Talking
-A Pleasant Place in Every Respect
-Soft Edges
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Bibliography
Illustration Credits
Indexand#160;