Jan Gehl’s concept of human planning

Abstract

The article discusses the concept of human planning proposed by Danish architect Jan Gehl. He criticizes the main trajectory of urban development in the twentieth century and points out that for several decades architects were more concerned about creating space for the free movement of cars. With this approach, the interests of pedestrians are ignored; as a result people are gradually squeezed out of the streets by cars because of streets’ low comfort for them. Gehl suggests revising the priorities of urban planning and creating urban space for pedestrians to intensify social interactions. He believes that creating conditions for walking and increasing the number of public spaces can help to improve citizens’ quality of life. Gehl‘s proposals today become the basis for the reorganization of some cities in the world, including Moscow.