What happens when an architect starts paying attention to how people actually use buildings and spaces? In Episode 3 of Season 3, you can find out as Eric talks with Sara Joy about Jan Gehl's Cities for People, the book that captures his seemingly mundane, yet revolutionary observations about people and the ways they use public space.
In this episode, Eric interviews Sara Joy about Jan Gehl’s masterful book, Cities for People. Jan Gehl is an architect who believes that paying attention to how actual humans interact with buildings and public spaces is the most important factor to consider when building or developing these spaces. This seemingly obvious approach actually makes Gehl an anomaly in his field. But, it also makes him very successful in developing places where people choose to spend time even when they don’t have to. For this reason, Gehl has been a popular consultant who has worked for major cities throughout the world.
Gehl’s book is on the expensive side, but well worth it. It also could look a little intimidating, but it is a very accessible and interesting read. In this interview, Sara Joy helps make Cities for People more approachable by providing an overview of Gehl’s major ideas and by providing some scintillating examples of the kinds of brilliant insights a careful reader will gain through devoting some attention to this book. Sara Joy also provides some practical strategies for gleaning insights from the book without having to read it cover to cover. And lastly, for those who just aren’t ready to plunk down the cash or spend the time with Gehl’s actual book, Sara Joy provides some other ways to access some of Gehl’s best thinking.
Access more Show Notes with pictures and resources related to this episode.
More information about this podcast and helpful church and urbanism resources can be found on The Embedded Church website.
Related Resources
Jan Gehl - author of Cities for People and world-renown urban designer who champions the "human scale" component of design in our cities
Cities for People by Jan Gehl
How to Study Public Life by Jan Gehl
The Human Scale – documentary that highlights the urban design concepts promoted by the work of Jan Gehl
"There are No God Forsaken Places" by Tom Ketteringham, article about Pastor Jonathan Brooks and the Englewood Billboard Campaign
Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods by Jonathan Brooks
Grand Ol’ Days - annual street festival in St. Paul, Minnesota
Find these Key Terms on The Embedded Church website:
- Desire Paths
- Density
- Edge Effect
- Piano Effect
Show Credits
Hosted and Produced by Eric O. Jacobsen and Sara Joy Proppe
Edited by Adam Higgins | Odd Dad Out Voice Productions
Theme Music by Jacob Shaffer
Artwork by Lance Kagey | Rotator Creative