A Changing Street Life in a Changing Society

Abstract

Jan Gehl Meeting other people, watching what is going on, seeing young and old; being enter­ tained by street artists, ordinary daily street life, or the ever changing human scene: these are the subtle, traditional joys related to life in public spaces. The squares of Rome and Siena; the streets of Venice, Europe, and North America; main streets, ordinary streets, and sidewalks: these are traditional open air public spaces, well known through history—and still around. Handed over from pre­ vious generations with their memories of days and life past, they are still, in varying degrees, part of urban life. However, streets and squares, as well as street life patterns, are under heavy pres­ sure from a number of directions. Car traffic and parking take up space, side­ walks become narrower; spaces are being filled widi danger, noise, fumes, and rude 50 miles per hour architecture. The number of diversions is increasing as well. The telephone, television set, 30 T V chan­ nels, and video shops offering a six-movie Sunday pack signal new eras. Spend the week­ ends at home and watch, passively, what others have personally seen. Changing patterns of consumption from market to discount store and supermarket can be noted. Buying in bulk, or by mail or T V screen; new types of merchandise: these are the signs of growing overall consumption, but less street life is generated by these activities. Traditional public open spaces have con­ temporary counterparts: shopping malls, arcades, and atriums; festival markets, underground cities, and skywalk systems. The innovations have tend­ ed to concentrate urban life in certain locations, certain hours, and certain categories of accept­ able activities. These spaces are mostly indoor and nearly always privately-controlled, offering

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