Life Between Buildings is Jan Gehl’s 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 people’s 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 Jan’s straightforward approach. This book provides both inspiration and information for those who wish to elevate the livability of cities and towns around the world.
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 Jan’s 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
—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
